Baxter State Park in central Maine is the home of Mount Katahdin, the trailhead of the Appalachian Trail, a vast wilderness filled with rocky terrain, rivers and lakes. Camping in the surrounding area is available in a number of different forms, including canoe friendly campgrounds, cabins, RV camps and sport camps that offer hunting and fishing vacations.
State Park Campgrounds
Baxter State Park has 10 campgrounds, which range from primitive facilities such as those at Chimney Pond to woodland cabins such as those at Kidney Pond. Chimney Pond campground sits at the base of Mount Katahdin and is only accessible from hiking trails. The camp is used as a base camp for mountain climbs and hikes in the area. Kidney Pond has rustic cabins with outhouses and gaslights. The camp is near the water and offers close access to canoeing and hiking opportunities.
Cabin Camping
Katahdin Lake Wilderness Camps is the only private camp within Baxter State Park. The camp provides guests with rustic cabins, meal plans, lakefront access and a scenic view of Mount Katahdin over Katahdin Lake. You may only access the camp on foot or float plane. While staying at the camp you can reserve a cabin or stay in the main lodge. Cabins feature wood stoves for heat and modern cooking stoves for food.
RV Camping
Shin Pond Village is on the east side of Baxter State Park in Mt. Chase. The campground features RV sites with water, electric hookup, picnic tables and fire rings. Campsites are available on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. A small brook flows through the facility. You can camp on the water at one of the camp's tent sites. From the campground you will have views of Mt. Chase and access to fishing and swimming areas.
Canoe Camping
Nicatou Outfitters, based in Medway, Maine, offers overnight canoe trips around Baxter State Park. One of outfitter's trips, on the Allagash River, passes through a series of lakes. Telos Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Eagle Lake and Churchill Lake are surrounded by primitive campsites and are common overnight stops during the seven-day Allagash River trip. Nicatou provides rental canoes and kayaks, spotting services and camping supplies such as tents and sleeping bags. Other trips offered through Nicatou range from the four-day Umsaskis Lake trip to the seven-day Chamberlain Lake excursion.
Sport Camping
Frost Pond Camps is on the West side of Baxter State Park and offers hunting and fishing experiences for its guests. The camp has both cabins and campsites. The 10 campsites have picnic tables, fires circles and are near drinking water, showers and outhouses. No electrical or water hookups are provided. The camp's cabins have gas refrigerators and stoves and wood stoves provide heat during the cold season. Despite the full kitchen, no electricity is provided in the cabins.
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