Maine Camping At Baxter State Park

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 27th, 2010

Percival Baxter former governor of Maine donated Katahdin and the land surrounding it to the state of Maine as long as it stayed forever wild. Those words describe Baxter State Park to the remoteness, size, and grandeur of the park are profound. His intent was to keep the land undeveloped and the park is managed as a wild life preserve first and a recreation resource second.

Baxter State Park has 200,000 acres and there are ten campgrounds within the park. In Baxter State Park you are bound to have a remote camping experience do to the ten sites and two of the sites are only reached if you hike in to them. These two sites may require additional effort, but the solitude and splendor are well worth it. If you do come to Baxter State Park you should at lest try one night at Chimney Pond or Russell Pond or any of the remote wilderness sites spread throughout the park.

Baxter State Park is a place where you can go camping, fishing, hiking, and climbing, but you did to call (207-723-5140) and make a reservation or it will be first come first serve and you may not get in. You also need to make plans if you plan on hiking or climbing the summit do to the hiking trails can be long and steep so bring the proper gear. The park is open from May to October, the park has 97 tent sites, 84 leanto?s, 4 bunkhouses, 23 cabins on ten campgrounds.

Besides being remarkably scenic, Chimney Pond Campground is a perfect base camp from which to summit Katahdin. You have your choice of the saddle trails, Cathedral trail, or Didley trail. Any of these hikes is steep and strenuous, so plan ahead and be prepared.

Baxter is a popular destination, and there is a finite number of campsites in and around the park. You could wing it by not making reservations, but you might end up disappointed or driving way out of your way to find an open site. If you do get jammed, there are several private campgrounds just outside the park that provide a backup place to pitch your tent.