Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Camping and Huts
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Campsites, lean-tos and huts located throughout the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while hiking, biking, paddling and enjoying other recreational activities.
Campsites, lean-tos and huts are dispersed throughout Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. All roads within the monument are unpaved. Some sites can only be reached by hiking, biking, paddling, skiing or snowshoeing. There are no flush toilets within monument boundaries. Sites may have vault or pit toilets; other sites require following Leave No Trace practices for human waste. Most sites have picnic tables and a stone or metal fire ring. Campfires may require a permit from the Maine Forest Service.
Need to Know
Campsites at Upper East Branch, Lunksoos and Sandbank Stream can be accessed by road during the summer. Upper East Branch and Lunksoos campsites require a short walk from the parking area to the campsites. Sandbank Stream is the only location that will accommodate small RVs and campers. All other sites and lean-tos require hiking, biking or paddling for access.
Roads within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument are typically open to motorized vehicles from late May to mid-November. Exact dates vary depending on road conditions. At other times of year, access is by foot or bicycle only. Check current conditions.
It is not possible to drive from the north entrance to the south entrance through the monument. Some sites may be accessed only from the north and others only from the south, unless you are paddling or hiking long distances.
Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away. Help protect forests from the spread of hidden, tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood from local vendors near the monument. Please visit Don't Move Firewood for more information.
Campfire permits are required at all sites except Lunksoos and Sandbank Stream campsites. Contact the Maine Forest Service at 207-435-7963 for a permit prior to your visit.
Pets are permitted at campsites and must be leashed at all times. Leashes must be six feet or less in length. Pets are not permitted in lean-tos or huts.
Natural Features
- The East Branch of the Penobscot River flows all the way through the monument, about 25 miles from north to south. The first 10 miles drops over 200ft, creating a series of waterfalls and rapids (Stair Falls, Haskell Rock Pitch, Pond Pitch, Grand Pitch, the Hulling Machine, and Bowlin Falls).
- The Seboeis River and Wassataquoik Stream also create scenic viewpoints in the monument, such as Orin Falls.
- Katahdin Woods and Waters is known for its dark sky. In 2020 it was designated an International Dark Sky Sanctuary.
- Forest, waterways, and wetlands provide critical habitat and corridors for plants and wildlife, including threatened species such as Atlantic salmon, Canada lynx, and rare mussels and butterflies.
- Geological formations are throughout the monument. Haskell Rock is a 20 ft tall conglomerate bedrock pillar in the East Branch. Popular hikes include trails on Barnard, Deasey, and Lunksoos Mountains.
Nearby Attractions
Baxter State Park, home of Mount Katahdin, is adjacent to the western boundary of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Recreation
Experience Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument by paddling the East Branch Penobscot or Seboeis Rivers, hiking on the 30 miles of the International Appalachian Trail that pass through the monument or by biking former logging roads. Wildlife watchers might see moose, black bears or a variety of birds while driving the 16-mile Katahdin Loop Road. Winter activities include snowmobiling in designated areas, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Changes & Cancellations
The reservation fee is non-refundable. Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use it. You may cancel or modify your reservation online up to one day prior to your reservation start date.
Contact Information
Mailing
PO Box 446 Patten ME 04765
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 207-456-6001
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in north central Maine, approximately a 2-hour drive west of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor and 1-hour drive north of Bangor, Maine. Both areas are served by regional airports.
You can access all parts of the monument from I-95. Take exit 244 (Medway) or exit 264 (Sherman) to access Maine Route 11. Once you exit I-95, you will travel on Maine Route 11 to access the monument. If you are southbound on I-95, you can also access the monument from exit 276 (Island Falls). Maine Route 11 is the main access route to the monument. It is also known as the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Scenic Byway.
North Entrance
From Exit 244 (Medway), head west for approximately 0.8 miles towards Medway and turn right onto Route 11 (also called Grindstone Road). If you cross the East Branch of the Penobscot River, you have missed the turn for Route 11 north. Continue north on Maine Route 11 to Patten. Turn left onto Maine Route 159 (also called Shin Pond Road). Maine Route 159 continues for approximately 11.6 miles and then becomes Grand Lake Road. Continue on Grand Lake Road for another approximately 12.7 miles, then turn left onto New River Road (also known as Messer Pond Road) to access the North Entrance.
From Exit 264 (Sherman), follow signs for Maine Route 11 north towards Patten. In approximately 10 miles, turn left onto Maine Route 159 (also called Shin Pond Road). Maine Route 159 continues for approximately 11.6 miles and then becomes Grand Lake Road. Continue on Grand Lake Road for another approximately 12.7 miles, then turn left onto New River Road (also known as Messer Pond Road) to access the North Entrance.
From Exit 276 (Island Falls), proceed west to Patten on Route 159 for approximately 8 miles. At the junction of Maine Route 159 & Maine Route 11, follow the above directions to access the North Entrance by Maine Route 159 and Grand Lake Road.
From the intersection of Maine Route 11 & Maine Route 159 in Patten, it is approximately 25 miles (approximately 40 minutes driving time) to the North Entrance. To access the monument, take the second left turn onto New River Road after you cross the East Branch of the Penobscot River near Grand Lake Matagamon. New River Road dead-ends at a parking area near Haskell Gate in approximately 4 miles. After October, vehicle traffic ends at North Gate parking area.
South Entrance and Katahdin Loop Road
From Exit 244 (Medway), head west for approximately 0.8 miles towards Medway and turn right onto Maine Route 11 (also called Grindstone Road). If you cross the East Branch of the Penobscot River, you have missed the turn for Maine Route 11. Follow Maine Route 11 for approximately 20 miles and then turn left onto Swift Brook Road (it is a gravel road). Use caution with this turn as sight distance is limited. The Swift Brook Road will lead you to the Katahdin Loop Road in approximately 10 miles.
From Exit 264 (Sherman), follow signs for Maine Route 11. To reach the south entrance and the Katahdin Loop Road, turn left at the next intersection (onto Grindstone Road) to stay on Maine Route 11. In approximately 5 miles continue straight onto the gravel road when the paved road curves left. This gravel road will lead you to the Swift Brook Road and to the Katahdin Loop Road.
From Exit 276 (Island Falls), proceed west to Patten on Maine Route 159 for approximately 8 miles. At the junction of Maine Route 159 & Maine Route 11, follow the above directions for access to either the Swift Brook Road or the Katahdin Loop Road.
From the intersection of Maine Route 11 & Swift Brook Road in Stacyville, it is approximately 12 miles to the Katahdin Loop Road. Plan your trip by viewing a map of the local area and follow signs within the monument proper.
Traveling on Swift Brook Road
Use caution when traveling on the Swift Brook Road, which is a gravel road. All gravel roads in the area are shared with logging and equipment trucks. Logging trucks always have the right of way. It is important to drive slowly, keep to the right side of the road, and yield to oncoming trucks. If you are traveling north on Maine Route 11, use caution when making the left turn onto Swift Brook Road as there is limited sight distance.
Please be considerate of your speed as you pass the residential area near the intersection. There is no public transportation to the monument. Mobile phone and GPS coverage is spotty and unreliable. There is no public transportation to the monument.
Available Campsites
- Site Sandbank Stream 1, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type
- Site Lunksoos 4, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Walk To
- Site Grand Pitch Lean-to, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Haskell Hut, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Group Hike To
- Site Lunksoos 3, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Walk To
- Site Lunksoos 1, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Walk To
- Site Katahdin Brook Lean-to, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Sandbank Stream 2, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type
- Site Lunksoos 6, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Group Walk To
- Site Lunksoos 7, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Group Walk To
- Site Haskell Deadwater, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Sandbank Stream, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site Stair Falls, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Big Spring Brook Hut, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Group Hike To
- Site Lunksoos Lean-to, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Big Spring Brook, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Boat IN
- Site Wassataquoik, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Upper East Branch, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Walk To
- Site Lunksoos 5, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Walk To
- Site Big Seboeis, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Boat IN
- Site Pond Pitch, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Lunksoos 2, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Walk To
- Site Esker, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Wassataquoik Lean-to, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type Hike To
- Site Sandbank Stream 3, Loop Katahdin Woods and Waters, Type
