Bandit Camping in Maine (Rangeley/Stratton) & Other Questions

[TEO]

Can anyone recommend bandit camping sites in the Rangeley/Stratton region (feel free to PM)? I'm looking for sites relatively near the AT on both the Route 4 end and the Route 16/27 end. TIA!

Other related questions:

A search of the archives suggests that there is a herd path, if faint at times, from South Crocker to Redington. I'm thinking about bagging the Crockers from CVR, then heading over to Redington and descending via the Ellozy Route. Is this a good idea or a bad idea? Why?

Any word on the current condition of the CVR?

 

[HockeyPuck]

I hiked your suggested route in 2005 and the herd path from Crocker to Redington was failry easy to navigate - it was my first "official" bushwhack. The most challenging portion is the first few tenths through some evergreen.

The AMC 4000 footer committee has a recommended route posted on their site. http://www.amc4000footer.org/redington.htm

I've seen plenty of campers along the CVR.

 

[Bob]

Look in the Maine Gazeteer, lotsa bootleg sites shown there, look for the primitive campsite symbols.

 

[jniehof]

The HP is pretty clear from S. Crocker to Redington and then the return via the logging roads is easy. Note this is emphatically not a herd path in the sense of Owl's Head: you can make good going, but I would not disengage my off-trail navigation sense. Harder than Fort, probably a little harder than Mendon.

Camping is legal in the AT corridor and there are several sites just off-trail (too close for my taste, frankly, but the thru-hikers use 'em) near the CVR.

 

[woodsxc]

Shameless plug: My Redington page on SP.

 

[Stan]

Look in the Maine Gazeteer, lotsa bootleg sites shown there, look for the primitive campsite symbols.

They are actually legal sites, many on privately owned land so respect that in your camping ethic. These sites have been as accessible and available as so called public land and conservation land and abuse of this privilege could result in their loss to our, usually free, enjoyment.

Don't even consider a campfire without a permit from the Maine Forest Service ... here's a link that can help you locate the appropriate contact: http://www.state.me.us/doc/mfs/fpm/ff/foresters.htm

There is some land outside of their jurisdiction but they can refer you to the correct authority if necessary.

 

[bryan]

i know of people who have camped in or by their cars off of cvr down near the a.t. junction without any problems. don't know if this is technically legal, but my guess is no one would hassle you.
in 2007 the herd path from south crocker to redington was quite obvious. a couple spots high up where you need to pay attention, but otherwise the treadway was easy to follow. the ellozy page gives a good description of the logging road turns on the way out (i really enjoyed the hike out that way with its nice view of sugarloaf, back to redington ridge, etc.).
have fun.

bryan