Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins

Our first camp trip since Maine allowed it during the phased re-opening during Corona virus crisis.

We chose this site on the upper loop as it was at the edge of the RV (we have a truck camper) and Camping section, but still close to the river. Sites have mature trees and are dirt, but level, equipped with fire ring and picnic table. Most have a swing seat also (#10 doesn't) as an added bonus. We were able to get our solar to charge, but not great generation.

There is water and power at most sites (if not all in the upper loop). I don't think there is sewer at any but the seasonal sites, but we didn't really check that. I don't think there is much water on the lower loop (there are a few pull through sites there). However, the website map gives excellent detail and search criteria, together with visuals of most of the sites, so that would be easy to check.

The campsite has a lot of seasonal sites and is situated next to Coos Canyon a natural feature on the Swift river with ability to fish and pan for gold. There is a small Town Park and picnic area adjacent to the campsite. The area has a huge network of ATV trails, so expect some ATV action. However everyone was respectful and it wasn't noisy. Campers can pretty much wander the canyon rim as they see fit. there are trodden pathways as opposed to maintained trials. There were plenty of locals (or those who know the area) sunning on the rocks and swimming/cliff jumping, but everyone was friendly and one group apologized for language when they saw us across the river.

The area also has many hiking trails close by and you can get local info at the office

Facilities are rustic and we didn't really use them as we're self-contained, but there are pit toilets, Hughes net WIFI at the office/store area (we could pick up with a booster) which also hold the laundry, large camp sink, shower (not sure how many stalls or if there are flush toilets, but it didn't look big). There is also a Pizza place in the building , but that wasn't open yet.
There is NO cell service
There is a Dump Station, potable water and large bundles of fire wood for sale. The campsite does not allow you to bring in wood (protection from emerald ash bore and the aphid that attacks hemlocks) and Maine bans out of State wood for the same reasons which isn't uncommon.

For tent campers, there are some awesome sites with lean-tos.

We walked the lower loop, but didn't check out those campsites. the lower loop has a shower building that we saw and I'd assume water, but we didn't check, This area is out of the Canyon area so is more level to the river, but most of the riverside sites are seasonal and it seems a little "rougher" I'd say less developed/mature

There were quite a few day visitors who joined friends in adjacent site, so it seems the campground is a regular spot for many.

Since we visited during the Covid crisis I want to give them a shout out for how well managed that was. Check in was one person in the office at a time, with barrier protection, masks required for everyone, plenty of hand sanitizer, clean/dirt pen receptacles, distancing signage etc. Pit toilets had sanitizer to use on the outside prior to touching anything. We didn't go into the shower building, but noticed that the laundry was being operated by appointment giving users a 2 hour window.

The only "issue" we had was the power not working when we arrived. The owner responded quickly and it got fixed, but we were also offered a chance to move if needed. Since we have more than enough battery life & solar, we wouldn't have cared if the power wasn't available. Given they got the campsite open with a 2 day notice from the Gov. of being able to do so. I'm no even phased by this.

If you are not familiar with our "State Bird", the black fly, just be aware that the little critters are prolific in the Spring and bring plenty of bug spray/ a seating area covering if you're sensitive! As the saying goes "we breed 'em, you feed 'em"!