Camping

Big Seboeis campsite along the East Branch Penobscot River.

NPS / Grace Kirk

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument offers opportunites for camping year-round. Reservations for campsites can only be made between Memorial Day weekend through mid-October on recreation.gov. The only campgrounds you can drive to are Sandbank Stream Campground, Lunksoos Campground, and Upper East Branch Campsite. All other campsites require a hike, bike, or paddle in. Reservations are highly recommended. *Huts are only available for reservations during the winter.

Click on the pages below to learn more about reservations and campsites.

 

Free Campfire Permit Required

Campfires are permitted in NPS-provided stone or metal fire rings and wood stoves only in designated locations such as established campsites and lean-tos. Campfires at these locations are authorized by the Maine Forest Service and do not require a permit. 

• Buy it where you burn it! Firewood should be bought from a local vendor as close to your campsite as possible-10 miles or less is best. 50 miles away is too far – it can harbor tree killing insects and diseases. An emergency order from the State of Maine restricts the transportation of untreated firewood into Maine. Many states regulate the movement of untreated firewood.
• Learn more about how to protect Maine's forests with local firewood
• Burn all wood to ash and be sure the fire is completely out and cold before you leave.

 

Winter Camping

Visitors can certainly experience snow camping during the winter here (this requires no reservations). However, snow camping in harsh winter conditions is not for everyone. The monument has two huts (Haskell Hut and Big Spring Brook Hut) located a few miles into the woods that are available only during the winter. Visit the winter camping page for more information about staying at Haskell Hut and Big Spring Brook Hut. They are only available by reservation through Recreation.gov.

 

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  Frontcountry (Drive-To) Camping

  Campsites accessible via unpaved roads at the monument.

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  Backcountry Camping

  Camping for visitors looking for a more rugged experience and to leave the road behind.

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  How to Make a Reservation

  Learn how to make a reservation on recreation.gov