News Release

Katahdin Woods and Waters Proposes Joining NPS Reservation System for Enhanced Visitor Convenience

Campsite at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: June 14, 2021

Contact: Jeanne Roy, 207-267-5553

PATTEN, MAINE – Due to increased visitation, the National Park Service (NPS) proposes that facilities at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KAWW) be added to the NPS reservation system at www.recreation.gov beginning in August 2021. This change would improve visitor trip planning and enjoyment by reserving a campsite or lean-to in advance.

The NPS seeks input from the public on the proposed reservation system for KAWW sites through Recreation.gov. A 30-day public comment period will be open from June 14 through July 14, 2021. Comments must be submitted directly through the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/KAWW_CampingReservations.

“Adding campsites, lean-tos and Haskell Hut to Recreation.gov would improve trip planning and visitor enjoyment,” said Superintendent Tim Hudson. “Visitors planning trips to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument during peak use times will benefit from seeing real-time availability and the ability to make reservations outside of standard business hours.”

Currently, all campsites and lean-tos are first-come, first-serve, while Haskell Hut is available for winter use by contacting the monument by email or phone for reservations.

The purpose of the reservation convenience fee is to cover Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument’s cost of using the national reservation service contract at www.recreation.gov. Recreation.gov charges contractor line item number costs at $8 per reservation for online reservations and $9 per reservation for phone reservations. These are reservation costs alone; no additional costs for amenities are being considered at this time.

The following sites would be added to the proposed reservation system.

Campsites:   

• Big Seboeis
• Big Spring Brook Wes
• Esker
• Haskell Deadwater
• Lunksoos
• Pond Pitch West
• Sandbank Stream
• Stair Falls West
• Upper East Branch
• Wassataquoik

Lean-tos:

• Grand Pitch
• Katahdin Brook
• Lunksoos
• Wassataquoik

Huts: Haskell Hut (winter use only)

At present, the additional charge would be for the recreation convenience fee alone. Changes may be seasonal (e.g. on a reservation system during peak use) or year-round. The monument would use the existing National Park Service on-line reservation system located at www.recreation.gov.

Reservations for winter use of Haskell Hut are currently made by contacting Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by email or phone. Adding Haskell Hut to the reservation system will provide real-time availability and the ability to make reservations outside standard business hours Monday-Friday. No changes are proposed for the reservation process at Big Spring Brook Hut at this time.
 

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