ACTIVITIES

Where the wild at heart find adventure!

At Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of engaging activities amidst stunning natural surroundings. Whether it's trekking along hiking trails, navigating 250 miles of ATV routes, embarking on mountain biking adventures, exploring snowmobiling trails, trying their luck at gold panning, going swimming, canoeing, or kayaking, there's something for every interest. Fishing enthusiasts can try their hand at casting in the nearby waters, while those in search of picturesque views will find awe-inspiring landscapes nearby. Discover the ultimate outdoor experience at Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins.

Gold Panning

Eureka! There's gold in that river! Take a closer look at the sand between your toes because you just might find the real deal! Hours of unique (and affordable) fun for anyone of any age. You won't find this experience at just any campground. Our Camp Store offers essential gold panning tools for sale, and just a short walk or drive away you can find more at Rosie's Rock and Gift Shop. Take a class, discover the area, purchase or rent equipment . . . truly a one-of-kind adventure.

sWimming

The Swift's River's clean, sparkling waters originate from Swift River Pond in Franklin County, Southeast of Rangeley Lakes. Spend a lazy afternoon splashing, bobbing, and floating while exploring its pristine riverbanks and aquatic life. Or, pack your beach towels and snacks for a quick jaunt over to Ellis Pond or Roxbury Pond.

fishing

The Swift River is teaming with both Brook and Brown trout. Bass and perch are abundant at Ellis Pond, and Little Ellis (aka Garland Pond). Other small ponds in the area (like Swift River Pond, Beaver Pond, Spencer Pond and Four Ponds) have excellent fishing as well. For big lake fishing check out Mooslookmeguntic and Rangeley Lakes, just 30 minutes north of camp. So, remember to pack the rods, reels, and tackle box! Bait is conveniently available at the Camp Store.

Hiking

Hike around in the canyon or take a short drive from the campground where there are many wonderful trail heads. You can fill a full day!

Recommended day hikes:*

• Angel Falls
• Spencer Pond
• Tumble Down Mountain (Brook Trail, Parker Ridge and Loop Trails), Blueberry Mountain
• White Mountain Preserve (connects to Black and White Trail in Rumford)
• Old Speck and Table Rock (part of the Grafton Notch State Park)
• Step Falls
• Moose Cave
• Mother Walker Falls
• Screw Auger Falls
  

Want a longer hike? Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins is located near several popular portions of the Appalachian Trail (Bemis Loop, Old Blue, and Four Ponds).

*For more detailed info and locations, type in the name of a trail into these websites' search tool.

ATV & Snowmobile Trail Riding

Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins is just a few feet from the ATV trail. Our local club, the Roxbury ATV Riders, does a wonderful job of maintaining and expanding these trails. With miles upon miles of trails, you can spend days taking in the beauty, sites, and scenic views the area has to offer. Trail maps are available at the Camp Store and trails can take you to Roxbury, Mexico, Rumford, Andover, Weld, and Rangeley. In the winter months you will find that our cabins pick up the trail at the end of the driveway. Four seasons of fun!

Rock Stacking

Sort of like Mother Nature's reverse Jenga game. The Swift River has plenty of smooth stones to offer. Make it into a contest, see whose stack is the tallest or "most creative".

critter bingo

The Coos Canyon is home to a large variety of birds and wildlife. Bring your binoculars! Ask for the Critter Bingo sheet at Camp Store or front desk. 

Scavenger Hunt

The best way to combine exploration and the great outdoors is with a scavenger hunt. Ask for the Scavenger Hunt sheet from the Camp Store, front desk, or bring your own. Mobile phone pics to prove the finds are fun and add a creative angle to a little friendly competition. Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins swag makes for a great prize (hint, hint).

Boating | canoeing | kayaking 

If you didn't bring a watercraft of your own, boats can be rented within Mt. Blue State Park for a cruise around Webb Lake. There is also a public boat launch at Ellis Pond (Roxbury Pond) for those who BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat). You can also canoe and kayak in the Androscoggin River located in Rumford, a 25 minute drive.

Mountain Biking

Bikes are allowed to share the 250 miles of ATV trails — and Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins is just a few feet from the trail system entrance! Also take in the trails at Mt. Blue State park and Saddleback Mountain. Challenge yourself, drink in the beauty, and have an awesome day of adventures. 

Stargazing

There's very little "light pollution" at CCC, so on a clear night the heavens usually put on quite a show. Bring your telescope or star map, or download an amazing app like Night Sky to easily identify constellations and get notifications of celestial events, like passing comets or when the International Space Station will be visible. 

As the weather shifts from warm to cool, there are still many exciting activities to enjoy.

Wild Game Sports

Our Byron area forests are home to a rich array of game and wildlife. During the fall and winter months our cabins host many bird, deer, bear, rabbit, and moose hunters. Ask at the campground store about local area Registered Maine Guides if you want to plan a guided adventure. Don't forget that we also sell bait. For licenses and Maine fishing and hunting laws, click below.

Downhill skiing, Snowboarding Snowshoeing, Sledding & Tubing

Only 15 minutes from our warm and cozy cabins is Black Mountain, offering budget-friendly lift tickets, over 30 groomed trails, and a world class cross-country trail system. Coos Canyon Campground & Cabins is between Rumford and Rangeley, putting us in the heart of Maine ski country and 45 minutes from Sunday River and Saddleback Mountain ski areas.