Baxter State Park Camping: Adventure in the Wild Maine Woods

Want to check Baxter State Park camping off your bucket list? We don’t blame you! It’s the best way to appreciate the famed ‘magnificent obsession’ in remote north Maine. In this guide, we share everything about camping in Baxter State Park, including how to get reservations, the best time of year, and more.

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Although it’s best known as the home of Mount Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, Maine’s Baxter State Park is the ultimate playground for all types of adventure lovers. 

In the unspoiled 210,000-acre park in the remote North Maine Woods, you’ll find over 220 miles of hiking trails (only 16% of them on Katahdin!), 50-something named mountain peaks, over 50 lakes and ponds, and our personal favorite, nearly 340 campsites.

What you won’t find? Electricity, running water (unless you count the streams…), flush toilets, a gift shop, or really, any amenities at all beyond hiking trails, canoe rentals, and pristine Baxter State Park campgrounds. 

For true camping enthusiasts, it’s absolute bliss. Camping here means you’ll have everything you need and not a single thing you don’t. 

Understand that this is not your typical state park—and camping in Baxter State Park is not the typical modern-day camping experience. 

Truly, we cannot emphasize enough that Baxter is incredibly rustic and well off the beaten path. It’s perfectly suitable for even beginner campers, but there’s quite a bit to know and consider before loading the car and making the road trip up north.

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What Makes Baxter State Park So Special?

The first thing you should know about Baxter is that it’s not actually a state park. Although ‘state park’ in the name can be misleading, it’s held in a trust and managed by just a few specific individuals. 

Former Maine governor Percival P. Baxter, a tremendous outdoorsman and conservationist, bought the park’s initial 6,000-acre parcel of land himself. He donated it to the state (or more accurately, the people of Maine) in 1931, then continued to add more land over the next 31 years, as well as a sizable trust.

The primary condition of this tremendous donation? That Baxter State Park “shall forever be kept and remain in the natural wild state.”

Individuals and organizations gifted more land over time, resulting in today’s 209,644 acres. Baxter’s primary purposes are still solely preserving wilderness and providing recreational opportunities, honoring the park’s designation “for those who love nature and are willing to walk and make an effort to get close to nature.”

Important Things to Know About Baxter State Park Camping

• You must check in at a park gate no later than 8:30pm on your first night. You WILL be turned away if you’re late, so allow plenty of time to make the deadline.
• Check-in time for all campgrounds in Baxter State Park is 1:00 pm. 
• Baxter has strict vehicle restrictions. Nothing over 22 feet long (44 feet combined if towing), 9 feet high, and 7 feet wide. E-bikes, motorcycles, and ATVs are also prohibited on the park tote road. 
• Other than vault toilets, there are no facilities in the park whatsoever. No running water, no camp stores, no trash cans, nada. Baxter State Park camping is definitely geared toward tent campers and boondocking. 
• Generators are not allowed. See above—this should come as no surprise.
• Bring a water filter and/or pack in your own water. We highly recommend the HydroBlu Versa Flow water filter, and there’s plenty of fresh water in the park.
• Pets are not permitted in Baxter State Park.
  • If you can’t avoid traveling with your doggo (we get it!), Katahdin Kritters Pet Resort in East Millinocket offers boarding. It’s 35 minutes from the Togue Pond gate and one hour, twenty minutes from the Matagamon gate. 
• Bring cash—specifically, small change. Firewood and canoe rentals are cash-only, and you may want to stop at roadside farm stands on the way that are, too (get a whoopee pie and thank us later!).
• Pack out your own trash. Again, the park doesn’t have any trash cans. 
• Don’t bring firewood. Buy it from your campground’s park ranger when you arrive. 
• Plan on having zero cell service. Download hikes ahead of time on AllTrails, bring a paper map, and enjoy an unplugged adventure!
• Non-Maine residents pay a $16 entry fee. This is separate from fees for camping in Baxter State Park and based on your license plate when you enter (Maine rental cars don’t pay). If you don’t buy the entry fee online ahead of time, bring cash.

Baxter State Park Camping Reservations

First and foremost, you cannot camp here without having a reservation. And to be honest, making said reservations is neither straightforward or simple…but that’s one of the things that keeps Baxter wild and uncrowded. A worthy trade-off, in our opinion!

There are four ways to make reservations for camping in Baxter State Park: online, over the phone (207-723-5140), by mail, and in person. 

Regardless of the method, reservations become available on a rolling 4-month basis (more details below). 

Naturally, there are some exceptions. You CANNOT make online reservations for Chimney Pond Campground, Russell Pond Campground, any backcountry sites, bunkhouses, or group sites. 

In addition, you can’t reserve ANY sites online in May or the winter camping season (December 1 to March 31). The only way to secure winter campsites in Baxter State Park are in person or via mail. For camping in May, you can call, send your reservation by mail, or show up in person.

How to Reserve Campgrounds in Baxter State Park

Baxter releases camping reservations exactly four months out on a rolling basis. For example, if you want to camp on May 22, you can make your campsite reservation as early as January 22. For a July 18 trip, you can reserve starting March 18…and so on. 

This timeframe applies to all of the park’s various campsite types: tents, lean-tos, bunkhouses, cabins, and group sites. It’s also the same for backcountry sites. 

If you mail your reservation request, postmark it no earlier than 14 days before the 4-month processing date. For a July 18 camping trip, the park accepts reservations starting March 18, so you can mail your request no sooner than March 4. 

Find the mail-in reservation form on the park’s website HERE.

Keep in mind that the official Baxter State Park camping season is May 15 through October 15, although some individual campgrounds may open or close at different dates. 

How Much Does it Cost to Camp in Baxter State Park?

As you can see, camping fees vary significantly in Baxter, and there are different rates for the summer and winter seasons. 

Notably, non-resident entrance fees only apply in the summer. It doesn’t cost anything to enter Baxter in the winter.

Best Time of Year to Camp in Baxter State Park

Without question, summer through early fall is the best time for Baxter State Park camping. The park’s official camping season runs from May 15 through October 15 every year. 

It’s most crowded from July through Labor Day, and absolutely perfect from mid-September until the end of the season.

The park’s winter season is from December 1 through March 31. Hardy adventurers are welcome to camp overnight during this timeframe, but advance reservations (at least seven days out) are required. 

Winter campers can choose from cabins, bunkhouses, or lean-tos. Cabins and bunkhouses have propane lights and wood stoves with firewood. 

It should go without saying that you should be self-reliant and experienced in both extreme conditions and freezing temperatures if you plan to visit Baxter State Park in the winter. Actually, this is true if you visit Maine in the winter, period.

Note that it’s extremely difficult to visit Baxter in the ‘shoulder seasons’ between summer and winter (October 16 through November 30 and April 1 through May 15). There are even fewer ‘services’ available, little staff, and park roads may not be open at all.

To be safe, quite literally (and to have a much more enjoyable trip!), plan your Baxter State Park camping trip during the official summer or winter seasons.

Where is Baxter State Park?

Baxter State Park is in remote north-central Maine, nestled in the North Maine Woods. What’s really wild is that when you look at a map, there’s still a ton of the state north of Baxter…but no towns and hardly any roads!

The closest town to any Baxter State Park camping is Millinocket, “Maine’s Biggest Small Town.” It’s about 30 minutes to the Togue Pond gatehouse (south entrance) and 1.5 hours to the Matagamon gate (north entrance). Once you’re in the park, it’s a long drive on a gravel road to just about anywhere.

Here are driving distances to the southern entrance from several cities in Maine. 

• Bangor: 85 miles, 1.5-2 hours
• Bar Harbor (for those also visiting Acadia National Park): 140 miles, 2.5-3 hours
• Augusta: 160 miles, about 3 hours
• Portland: 220 miles, 3.5-4 hours

Map of Baxter State Park Campgrounds

Baxter State Park Campgrounds Overview

All frontcountry campsites in Baxter State Park, including lean-to sites, have a fire pit, picnic table, and access to a fresh water source. Each campground has restrooms but no running water or potable water, and ranger stations have firewood for purchase (remember, you can’t bring it in!). 

Sites can generally accommodate one larger tent or two small tents, and two vehicles. An SUV or truck with a rooftop tent or a campervan, which we camped in, would also work well. 

Campgrounds Near Mt. Katahdin Trailheads (South End)

The majority of camping in Baxter State Park is clustered in the south end, near the Togue Pond gate. Not only is this area convenient to Katahdin, but it’s also the closest to the town of Millinocket.

1. Roaring Brook Campground

• Best things about this campground: Proximity to Mount Katahdin and Chimney Pond trail, popular options for accessing the infamous ‘knife edge’
• Campsites: 10 tent sites (four walk-in), 9 lean-tos (two walk-in), 10-person bunkhouse
• Location: ~25 minutes from Togue Pond Gate

One of the busiest, most popular campgrounds in Baxter State Park, because of its proximity to Mount Katahdin. Trailheads to Katahdin and Chimney Pond start right in the campground. 

Roaring Brook also offers easy access to Avalanche Field trailhead, Martin Ponds, and Katahdin Lake, which rents day-use canoes. 

Adjacent to Roaring Brook, you’ll find Bear Brook, with three group sites each accommodating 14 people. 

Insider tip: lean-to sites 4-10 sit along Roaring Brook stream, while walk-in lean-to sites 11-12 and tent sites 16-19 offer the most privacy. 

2. Katahdin Stream

• Best things about this campground: Almost all sites sit along the stream, and the AT runs right through camp
• Campsites: 10 tent sites (two walk-in), 12 lean-tos (three walk-in), three group sites
• Location: ~30 minutes from Togue Pond gate

Katahdin Stream Campground is another popular (i.e., busy) option for camping in Baxter State Park, particularly with Appalachian Trail thru-hikers and hikers summiting Mt. Katahdin. The Hunt Trailhead is a literal two-minute walk from the campground. 

Sites are spacious, and bathrooms in this campground are noted for being immaculate. 

This campground also has one of the park’s few day use areas, popular with people day hiking to Katahdin Stream Falls or Mount Katahdin. If you’re local-ish, you can take a day trip to scout the best campsites in Baxter State Park before committing to an overnight. 

Insider tip: thru-hikers often leave gear and supplies they won’t use at the Katahdin Stream ranger station. Check there if you forgot anything, and consider leaving some things behind to pay it forward.

3. Abol

• Best things about this campground: The closest Baxter State Park campground to Togue Pond gate, sits at the base of the Abol Slide trail, and heavily wooded 
• Campsites: 9 tent sites (one accessible) and 12 lean-tos (two walk-in)
• Location: ~20 minutes from Togue Pond gate

Abol Campground is popular with hikers summiting Mount Katahdin in a single day, as it sits right near the Abol Slide trail (the shortest route up, but also incredibly steep). 

Sites here are more densely wooded than other campgrounds in Baxter State Park, so you enjoy a lot of privacy. There’s one accessible tent site (#24), as well as a lovely day-use picnic area. Abol Stream also borders the camp, and all sites have picnic tables. 

Note that sites 16-18 and 22 are smaller and strictly tent sites. Many (perhaps even most) ‘tent sites’ throughout the park can accommodate campervans and small travel trailers, but these cannot. 

North End Campgrounds in Baxter State Park

The park’s north end is far more remote, further from Millinocket or really any amenities. If you prefer more solitude when camping, it’s well worth the extra effort to enter Baxter via the Matagamon gate. 

4. South Branch Pond

• Best things about this campground: Heavily wooded sites near pristine Lower South Branch Pond
• Campsites: 21 tent sites (one walk-in), 12 lean-tos (one walk-in), bunkhouse 
• Location: ~25 minutes from Matagamon gate

If Katahdin isn’t part of your Baxter State Park camping agenda, we highly recommend the South Branch Pond campground. 

While it’s convenient to several popular trails including the Traveler Loop, Howe Brook Falls, and South Branch Falls, you could be totally content just hanging out at camp. 

Glassy Lower South Branch Pond is ideal for paddling around, and you can rent canoes or kayaks from the ranger for just $1 per hour. You can absolutely swim in the pond, too, but watch for leeches!

With 33 sites total 21 of them tents, South Branch is the largest campground in Baxter. There’s also a rentable bunkhouse for up to eight people. However, the sites are set into the woods, so you enjoy plenty of privacy even when camp is fully booked. 

We stayed in site #33 in late September, and absolutely loved our experience. It’s just across from a bathroom but almost on a ‘corner,’ so it sits a good distance back from the road. Some people prefer the lean tos right on the pond, but we wanted privacy away from the water.

5. Trout Brook Farm

• Best things about this campground: Super quiet, and close to Matagamon Lake and some of the park’s best backcountry hiking
• Campsites: 14 tent sites (two walk-in), one walk-in lean-to, four group sites 
• Location: ~10 minutes from Matagamon gate

Tucked into the park’s far northeast corner (i.e., far from Katahdin), Trout Brook Farm is unique among other campgrounds in Baxter State Park. Instead of wooded campsites, Trout Brook has wide-open grassy meadows. It’s bordered by forest, but the campsites are out in the open.

With four group sites accommodating 8-14 people, and the proximity to Matagamon Lake, this is a popular destination for large groups.

Speaking of Matagamon Lake, you can rent canoes at the campground and paddle Trout Brook right to it, a bucket list-worthy experience in its own right. 

Insider tip: ask for a wheelbarrow at the ranger station if you have a bit of a trek to your walk-in site.

6. Nesowadnehunk Field

• Best things about this campground: Ultra remote and close to popular summer swimming hole Ledge Falls
• Campsites: 10 tent sites (seven walk-in), 11 lean-tos, one cabin, one 8-person bunkhouse 
• Location: ~1 hour from Matagamon gate

This is exactly what many people seek in the North Maine Woods—Nesowadnehunk Field is the most remote of all the frontcountry Baxter State Park camping options. 

Adding to the remote feel, two streams run through camp and most sites are densely wooded on at least one side. 

Many hikers choose Nesowadnehunk Field as a convenient base for hiking Doubletop Mountain. Non-hikers and families love this campground for its proximity to Ledge Falls, which is actually more of a natural waterslide than a waterfall (think Slide Rock in Sedona).

Baxter State Park Backcountry Campgrounds

7. Chimney Pond

• Best things about this campground: Chimney Pond is gorgeous, and the campground offers easy access to summiting Baxter Peak and other park trails
• Campsites: 9 lean-tos and a 10-person bunkhouse 
• Location: 3.3-mile hike from Roaring Brook Campground 

If even the rustic car camping in Baxter State Park is too developed for your tastes, consider Chimney Pond. Most people camp here to break up their Katahdin summit, but it’s a stunning remote campground even if you have no interest in hiking. 

Chimney Pond doesn’t have any tent sites; only lean-tos and a bunkhouse. There are also four or five outhouses, plus a ranger station. Note that no open fires are allowed here.

To get to Chimney Pond Campground, hike a little over three miles from the Roaring Brook parking lot. The trail is fairly easy-going until the final mile, where it gains nearly 600 feet in elevation and gets significantly more rocky. 

Two miles into the hike, take the detour to the viewpoint of crystal-clear Basin Pond on your right (you’ll welcome the break!). 

8. Russell Pond

• Best things about this campground: Baxter’s most remote campground, plus canoe rentals and excellent fishing
• Campsites: 3 tent sites, 5 lean-tos, and an 8-person bunkhouse 
• Location: 7.6-mile hike from Roaring Brook or 9.6-mile hike from South Branch Pond

Not close to literally anything, Russell Pond is far and away the most remote established campground in Baxter State Park. 

The shortest route there is seven miles on the Russell Pond Trail, and no matter which one you choose,  you’ll have to navigate water crossings and rock hopping.

Your efforts are richly rewarded, as Russell Pond campsites are truly beautiful and moose sightings are common right in camp. Campsites are well spread out and nearly all have excellent water views.

It’s pretty amazing that you can rent canoes all the way out here, so bring small change to take advantage of the opportunity ($1 per hour). The rangers will even loan you life vests! You’ll need to bring your own fishing gear, though, and you absolutely should. 

Insider tip: lean-to site #5 faces away from the water, but also has one of the most scenic and unique toilets in all of Maine!

Backcountry Campsites Outside of Campgrounds

In addition to the Baxter State Park camping options we’ve already discussed, there are also several true backcountry campsites. 

These campsites aren’t part of an established campground. Instead, they’re individual sites deep in Baxter’s wild backcountry. All of these are hike-in campsites (and in some cases, canoe-in!). 

Backcountry sites cannot be reserved online and must be reserved over the phone, by mail, or in person. 

Unless noted otherwise, all backcountry campsites in Baxter State Park are open from May 15 through October 15, and have a 4-person capacity. They also have an outhouse, fire ring, and access to fresh water (that will need to be treated).

Roaring Brook Area (6-person Lean-tos)

• Martin Ponds
• North Katahdin Lake
• South Katahdin Lake

South Branch Pond Area (Lean-tos)

Russell Pond Area

• Wassataquoik Stream (2 lean-tos)
• Wassataquoik Lake Island (lean-to) *limited to two nights only; variable opening date

Nesowadnehunk Area (Lean-tos)

• Center Pond
• Little Wassataquoik Lake

Chimney Pond Area

Davis Pond (lean-to)

*limited to one night only; MUST stay the night before at Russell Pond, Pogy Pond, Chimney Pond, Wassataquoik Stream, Wassataquoik Lake, Wass Lake Island, or Little Wassataquoik Lake

Also note that no fires are permitted at Davis Pond, so you must have a camp stove or simply not cook. 

Trout Brook Farm (Tent)

K.P. Dam

Freeze Out Trail/Webster Lake

• N.W. Cove (tent)
• Little East (8-person tent site)
• Little East (lean-to)
• Webster Stream (lean-to)
• Webster Outlet (tent and lean-to; 12-person capacity)
• Hudson (lean-to)
• Frost Pond (lean-to)
• Little Coffeelos (tent) *technically public land managed by Baxter State Park
• Telos Cut (tent) *technically public land managed by Baxter State Park

Fowler Pond Area (Tent Sites Only)

• Billfish Pond 
• Long Pond Outlet
• Long Pond Pines
• Lower Fowler Outlet
• Lower Fowler Pond
• Middle Fowler North
• Middle Fowler South

Matagamon Lake (Reachable by Canoe, All Tent Sites)

• Togue Ledge
• Pine Point
• Second Lake
• Boody Brook
• First Lake – canoe or hike in

Baxter State Park Cabins

If you’re giving the side-eye at cabins being included in an article on Baxter State Park camping, hold that thought. The park considers its two cabin areas ‘wilderness campgrounds’ because there’s no electricity and you need to bring EVERYTHING in—just like traditional camping.

Daicey Pond and Kidney Pond are near each other, both closest to the Togue Pond gate. They also each have canoe rentals available.

Daicey Pond cabins: 10 cabins with 2-6 single beds each

Kidney Pond Cabins: 12 cabins with 2-6 beds each (some have bunk beds and/or double beds). All cabins except 3, 4, and 5 are walk-in, and cabin 12 (OJI) requires a half-mile (each way) hike or paddle.

While both areas have a variety of different cabins, the requirements are the same. You must bring in your own bedding (mattresses are provided, but nothing else), all cooking supplies and utensils (including a camp stove), headlamps or lanterns, and something to filter and carry water.

Camping Near Baxter State Park

Whether you can’t snag a reservation or you prefer to have hookups and other amenities, maybe campgrounds NEAR Baxter State Park are more your style. 

Note: it’s safe to assume most, if not all, privately-owned campsites are closed from October or November through April or May. We recommend calling directly to ask. 

Penobscot Outdoor Center

10 minutes from Togue Pond Gatehouse

The closest campground to Baxter State Park, with tent sites, glamping canvas tent cabins, and bunkhouses. They also run whitewater rafting trips right from camp!

It’s confusing, because New England Outdoor Center runs Penobscot Outdoor Center. Initially it seems like two separate campgrounds near Baxter State Park, but NEOC’s camping is actually at POC. 

Abol Bridge Campground & Store

15 minutes from Togue Pond Gatehouse

Sitting right on the West Branch of the Penobscot River, with a stunning view of Mt. Katahdin. Tent and rustic RV sites (no hookups), plus mini camping cabins. The campground also rents canoes, tubes, and life jackets, and runs a shuttle service. 

Big Moose Inn, Cabins & Campground

14 minutes from Togue Pond Gatehouse

35 tent sites, six lean-to’s, and six RV sites with hookups. If you have a big rig, this is one of very few options, accommodating up to 45-foot RVs. Coin-operated showers and an onsite restaurant and bar. There are also cabins and traditional inn-style rooms. 

Wilderness Edge

25 minutes from Togue Pond Gatehouse

One of the largest, most amenities-loaded campgrounds near Baxter State Park with 64 tent sites, 47 RV sites with 50-amp hookups, and a few cabins. Wi-fi, laundry, outdoor pool, playground, flush toilets, dog-friendly, and onsite canoe and kayak rentals.

Big Eddy Campground

30 minutes from Togue Pond Gatehouse

53 tent and RV sites plus cabins along the West Branch of the Penobscot. It’s nearly as rustic as Baxter State Park camping, with few amenities and zero cell service. There are showers, though! Many people come here for the renowned fishing—trout and landlocked salmon. 

Matagamon Wilderness

5 minutes from Matagamon Gatehouse

36 rustic tent and RV sites, and seven cabins, nestled on the East Branch of the Penobscot. Sites all have a fire ring and picnic table, and the campground has coin-operated showers and a dump station. 

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument

5 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes from Matagamon Gatehouse

22 rustic campsites/campgrounds, including four lean-tos, just outside the park boundary, managed by the National Park Service. Only Upper East Branch, Lunksoos, and Sandbank Stream are accessible by car—all others are hike-, bike-, or paddle-in. 

The national monument is open year-round, but you can only reserve campsites between Memorial Day and October 31, via Recreation.gov.

In the winter, you can experience the thrill of snow camping or reserve one of two huts (Haskell or Big Spring Brook). Note that you’ll have to ski or snowshoe in from the monument’s north gate. Haskell Hut is 9.1 miles and Big Spring Brook is about five miles. 

Dispersed Camping Near Baxter State Park

If none of these Baxter State Park camping setups sound like the perfect one, consider looking for a dispersed site in nearby public lands. We personally love The Dyrt and use it several times a year, usually to find FREE camping.

Baxter State Park Camping Essentials

We assume that if you’re camping somewhere this remote, you already have most gear essentials: a great tent, sleeping bag, a cooler, camp chairs, a camp stove and other cooking gear, etc. But here are some specific things that will make camping in Baxter State Park more comfortable.

And if you DON’T have all the camping basics, or you want to beef up your stash, check out our ultimate guide to camping gear must haves and hacks.

• Physical map or atlas because you won’t have cell service.
• Water filtration system AND extra drinking water as a backup. We LOVE the HydroBlu Versa Flow (and we’ve tried a BUNCH of systems!)
• Headlamp for walking around camp
• Pure castile soap and outdoor-friendly wipes for washing dishes and taking ‘bird baths’
• At least one microfiber towel
• Bug repellent. We use DEET-free REPEL and Thermacells for everyone in our group.
  • Maybe even a mosquito head net in case bugs are really bad
• Backpacking stove and fuel. We love a good campfire, but these are so simple and fast!
• Packable rain jacket
• Additional tarp in case of rain
• Bear-proof canisters for food storage. Baxter State Park campsites have bear lines or food lockers, but when in bear country, it’s always a good idea to be extra safe.
• Hatchet to make kindling from firewood
• Trekking poles. The rocky terrain in this part of Maine is quite different from just about anywhere else!
• Inflatable kayak or paddleboard to explore all the ponds without a rental
• Small change for firewood and canoe rentals in the park, and produce stands on the way in
• Trash bags. Remember to pack it out!
• Fishing gear. Make sure you purchase a Maine fishing license! You can get one at all ranger stations, and the Matagamon gate.
• Gas can with a few gallons of extra fuel so you don’t get stuck exploring the Maine Woods!

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