Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts
4.5357 reviewsPO Box 446, Patten, ME 04765
StargazingGreat Hiking
Quick Facts
696 ftPrice
$8 - $9/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Open season: May 23–...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
696 ftPrice
$8 - $9/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Open season: May 23–...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsKatahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts
$8.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsites and huts are free. However, non-refundable reservation fees are charged: $8 for online reservations and $9 for phone reservations made...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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Provider207-456-6001kaww_superintendent@nps.gov
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What Campers Say
4.53
Top-Rated
Based on 57 reviews
Most mentioned
viewsclean
"User reviews describe the campground as a remote and scenic location with well-maintained amenities. Some criticisms include the lack of signage and the close proximity of sites reducing privacy."
Campground Map
PO Box 446, Patten, ME 04765
Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts
PO Box 446, Patten, ME 04765
Driving directionsThe monument can be accessed via I-95. From Exit 244 (Medway), head west for approximately 0.8 miles towards Medway and turn right onto Route 11 (Grindstone Road). Continue north on Maine Route 11 to Patten, then turn left onto Maine Route 159 (Shin Pond Road). Maine Route 159 continues for approximately 11.6 miles, becoming Grand Lake Road. From there, turn onto New River Road to access the North Entrance.
Roads within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument are unpaved. Swift Brook Road, which leads to the south entrance, is gravel and shared with logging trucks. Caution is advised. Seasonal closures affect access, with roads typically open to motorized vehicles from late May to mid-November.Nearby places
Patten (approximately 0 miles), Bangor (1-hour drive), Bar Harbor (2-hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Patten, ME, offers the nearest location for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.
Best Time to Camp at Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts
Summer arrives with crystal-clear skies and wonderfully dry conditions, creating perfect days for exploration and nights ideal for stargazing. As autumn paints the forest in brilliant golds and crimsons, crisp air signals the approaching winter, when deep snows blanket the landscape and temperatures plunge, transforming the monument into a pristine winter wonderland that challenges and rewards the hardiest souls.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5
Crystal-clear summer days and excellent stargazing; some bugs and campsite proximity noted as downsides.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in MEAutumn foliage described as brilliant golds and crimsons with excellent vistas and crisp weather.
Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5
Limited info; spring likely muddy and variable before May opening; fewer activity notes.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 11% in MEPositive winter reviews for huts and skiing, but official open season is May–Oct so winter access varies.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 23–October 12.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season: May 23–October 12.
- Current Alerts: Impassable collapsed bridge near Big Spring Brook Hut (46.0333633333, -68.7807583333).
About Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts
Beneath some of the darkest skies in America, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument beckons adventurers with an enchanting array of camping experiences. From rustic campsites nestled in ancient forests to cozy lean-tos perched along babbling streams and welcoming huts that dot the wilderness, this International Dark Sky Sanctuary transforms each night into a celestial theater where the Milky Way stretches boldly across the heavens, unobscured by artificial light.
The campground offers diverse accommodation types, including primitive sites, RV-accessible areas (limited), huts, and group camping.
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Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 12:00 PM
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument include hiking, biking, paddling, wildlife watching, fishing, and winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The site is known for its scenic views, dark skies, and diverse natural features.
Hiking"Choose a hike that meets your abilities." The monument offers 30 miles of the International Appalachian Trail. Specific trails include the Bernard Mountain Trail (challenging with loose rocks) and paths through Lunksoos and Deasey Mountains.
FishingFishing opportunities include catching brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, and bass. Some users reported that fishing conditions were impacted by water temperatures.
BikingBiking is allowed on historic logging roads. Reports mention smooth rides on packed gravel in some areas, while other trails are bumpy and challenging.
BoatingPaddlers can explore the East Branch of the Penobscot River and other waterways. Access to some campsites, like Big Spring Brook, is only possible by water.
Wildlife viewingOpportunities to see moose, black bears, Canada lynx, and a variety of birds. Pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians are active during spring and summer.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (e.g., black bears, moose). Roads may be rough and shared with logging trucks.
Active AlertsImpassable collapsed bridge near Big Spring Brook Hut (46.0333633333, -68.7807583333).
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at some campsites to secure scented items.
Weather at Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts
Reviews
4.5
57 reviews
Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the campground as a remote and scenic location with well-maintained amenities. Some criticisms include the lack of signage and the close proximity of sites reducing privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews
What Campers Love
- Stunning views and dark skies\n- Well-equipped huts with wood stoves and cooking facilities\n- Clean vault toilets\n- Opportunities for solitude and outdoor exploration
Based on 57 reviewsCommon Concerns
- Lack of signage\n- Sites too close together in some areas\n- Buggy conditions\n- Trash in some fire pits
Based on 57 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring a map for navigation.\n- Carry firewood if possible, as it is not sold on-site.\n- Prepare for bugs and consider bringing bug spray.\n- Use fat-tire bikes for gravel roads.
Based on 57 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter: Positive reviews highlight the cozy huts and well-maintained trails. \nSummer: Mixed reviews due to bugs and proximity of sites reducing privacy.
Based on 57 reviewsCamper Quotes
"One of the truly quiet places left in Maine." (Emily B, March 2023)\n"The dark skies are incredible!" (Emily B, March 2023)\n"The firepit there was full of trash, empty cans and scrap metal—it could...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Lunksoos 4: "Too close to site 5. Noisy in the morning with workers using power tools." (Barbara A, August 2022)\n- Haskell Hut: "Incredibly well equipped, charming, and cozy." (Megan A, February...
Based on 57 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Upper East Branch site has positive mentions for its handicap-accessible vault toilet.
Based on 57 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at campsites, but they must be leashed at all times. No specific reviews on pet-related experiences.
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Last updated January 13, 2026
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