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 any one of any age. You won't find this experience at just any campground. Our Camp Store offers essential tools for sale. 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.
The Swift 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.
Explore the Coos Canyon
Our geologically unique area is known for the metamorphic rock formations that make up the canyon walls. Layers of quartzite and schist fold against each other creating the beautiful, ancient bedrock that you can spend hours exploring.
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.
It's easy to see what makes this region so special: lakes and mountains. There's no shortage of them here and Ellis Pond is the best way to experience both. Mountains surround this island-dotted lake, providing the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day at this tranquil, sandy bottom beach. Truly a hidden treasure where you'll feel like you own the place. An exceptional public beach and boat launch with free parking.
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.
Bikes are allowed to share the 250 miles of ATV trails — and Coos Campground is just a few feet from the trail system entrance! Challenge yourself, drink in the beauty and have an awesome day of adventures.
Stargazing/astronomy
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.
Have a 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 Campground swag makes for a great prize (hint hint).
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".
Bird spotting / 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.
Devil's Den Cave
An enchanting geological area near Andover which includes the cave, water falls and cliffs along Black Brook. Also known as Silver Ripple Cascade. The cave is deep, mossy and other-worldly. A must-see! Devil's Den Information
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 are: 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 Campground is very close to the Appalachian Trail where you can trek portions of this national treasure (Bemis Loop, Old Blue and Four Ponds).
For very detailed location and info, type in the name of a trail into these websites' search tool.
Just a short drive away, Mt. Blue is Maine's largest state park where lots of adventures can be had — enough to fill a full day — so be sure to pack a lunch for a fresh air picnic in the heart of Maine's Lakes and Mountains region (day use fees apply.) Nature-lovers will enjoy the hands-on exhibits and displays at the park's Nature Center.
A spectacular 90' waterfall — Maine's tallest! Locals say it is tied with Moxie Falls but come judge for yourself. Only 7.6 miles from our campground, and a little tucked away in the woods, Angel Falls is a true hidden gem that's definitely well worth the effort. The 1.1 mile round trip hike traverses 3 babbling streams. In the spring, be prepared to get your feet wet in the rush of the thaw. In the fall, come back for a whole different experience when the stream waters are calm. Breath-takingly scenic no matter what time of year. It's called "Mother Nature's Cathedral" for a good reason.
Photo courtesy of Toby Wentzell
Height of Land Overlook
Check the weather, charge your phone, and pack something special before you head out to "ooo! and ahhh!" the sunset over the canyon and its breathtaking view. The overlook provides a very scenic panoramic of Mooselookmeguntic Lake, which has a surface area of 16,300 acres (25.5 square miles). Remember to take some pics on the famous Appalachian Trail (AT), which is just across the road. Lucky enough to cross paths with some AT hikers? They'd love an offer of an extra bottle of water and a smile. Afterall, the trail point at the Height of Land marks 1,959.6 miles of the 2,193.1 miles from the AT trail head (in Springer Mountain, Georgia) and is another 233.5 miles to the epic trail's end at Baxter Peak-Katahdin, Maine.
Coos Campground is just a few feet from the ATV trail. Our local club, the Roxbury Riders, does a wonderful job of maintaining and expanding these trails. With approximately 250 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! ATV Pre-planned Ride ATV & Snowmobile Registration ATV & Snowmobile Law Book Slippery Sliders Snowmobile Club Roxbury ATV Riders Club ATV & Snowmobile Rentals
Bad weather? Good opportunities!
Weather is never a worry: you can still experience Coos Canyon from the great indoors.
Coos Canyon Rock and Gift Shop
Family owned and operated since 1950, the Coos Canyon Rock and Gift Shop is a very short walk (just kitty-corner) to Coos Campground. Check out the very real gold nuggets found within the region, as well as other local treasures from the earth. Channel your inner prospector by taking a gold panning lesson or commemorate your stay in Coos Canyon by purchasing your very own set of panning tools. This is a must-do stop when you need to know anything about gold panning in the area. History buffs will learn why "Coos Canyon" and "gold" are synonymous.
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Rangeley Plantation
A 30-minute drive on the National Scenic Byway. Home to 4 interesting museums. A great activity for less-than-great weather days. Rangeley Plantation
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The Town of Roxbury
This town is home to the popular Three Pools swimming area, named for its three-tiered waterfall and some very cool rock formations.
Eating Out
Want to play hard all day and not have to worry about cooking dinner? Coos Canyon Rock & Gift Shop (across from CCC) offers a kitchen with grilled fare, sandwiches and hard ice cream. Want to have a dining adventure? Or take a short (20-40 minute) scenic drive to quaint eateries in the towns of Rumford, Oquossoc or Rangeley — while watching for the highly probable moose sighting*.
* Please be attentive for moose while driving. Moose are not nocturnal so their eyes and dark-brown bodies do not reflect car lights like deer's. Because they are so tall and brown they blend into the trees when they are in the ditch line.
Fall / Winter Activities
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 here.
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 Campground 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.
