Contact Information
P.O. Box 327
Farmington, ME 04938
207-778-8231
Dead River Public Reserved Land is accessed via the Long Falls Dam Road from North New Portland. The area offers over 4,700 acres of land for camping and fishing. Lake campsites are accessible only by boat, however, river campsites are accessible by car.The Dead River Public Reserved Land falls within the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region. It encompasses several miles of shore on Flagstaff Lake and the first few miles of the Dead River after it leaves the lake. The total area is over 4,700 acres. The public land begins approximately 25 miles north of North New Portland off Long Falls Dam Road. The road skirts Flagstaff Lake offering a short spur leading to a primitive campsite, a small boat launch and a very rustic picnic area. The road does continue a short distance, weaving inland slightly to bend around reaching a fork where the road surface becomes rougher. Following the north fork, you will reach the slender Dead River waters. Heading south, the road terminates at Blanchard Brook. Trails provide access to Flagstaff Lake and Dead River. Several more primitive campsites are found lakeside.
Adventurists will enjoy camping at the lake's sites, accessible by boat and at the vehicle accessible campground at Big Eddy on the river. Fishing is very popular along with lake swimming. There are no guarded areas. A small boat launch is offered at Long Falls and several other sites along the southern shoreline of Flagstaff Lake. Snowmobiling is permitted throughout the area. This 4,771-acre public land rests several miles northeast of the 35,000 acre Bigelow Preserve known for remote fishing, camping and swimming. Hikers will note that the Appalachian Trail passes through the Bigelow Preserve. Hunting and trapping are allowed, subject to state rules and regulations. Call 207-287-3821 for specific policies and laws regarding these activities.
Winter outdoor enthusiasts to the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Region will find daytime temperatures in the northern area averaging 10 - 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 to -10 Celsius). In the southern area they will find winter temperatures averaging 14 - 18 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 to -8 Celsius). Summer brings cool, bright days with temperatures in the northern area averaging between 65 - 66 degrees Fahrenheit (18 - 19 Celsius) and in the southern area, averaging between 66 - 68 (19 - 20 Celsius). The region receives an average of 38 - 44 inches (97 - 112 centimeters) of precipitation each year.
