Big Spring Brook Campsite
Open for the season. Reservations available via Recreation.gov from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Unreserved stays are available first-come, first-served the day of arrival. No potable water or toilets on site. Campfires require a free Maine Forest Service permit. An impassable collapsed bridge exists near Big Spring Brook Hut in the north section of the monument, though this does not affect river access to the campsite.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 2:36PM EDT until July 3 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 95 to 100 expected today and Friday. * WHERE...Northern Penobscot and Southeast Aroostook Counties. * WHEN...Until 8 PM EDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Air Quality Alert issued July 2 at 3:15PM EDT by NWS Caribou ME
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality has issued an Air Quality Alert for particle pollution until midnight EDT Sunday night. Particle pollution levels rose into the Unhealthy range earlier this afternoon and continue to be high. Smoke from fires in Quebec moved into Maine today. For the Northen region, people are advised to follow the health message if visibility is poor or they can smell smoke. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection recommends that individuals consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who may be especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants include the very young, older adults, those who work outdoors, those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as asthma, and those with heart disease. It is okay to be active outdoors. But if you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, throat irritation or an uncomfortable sensation in your chest, please consider limiting the intensity and duration of your outdoor activities. A toll free air quality hotline has been established so Maine residents can stay informed on the air quality situations. The toll free number is: 1-800-223-1196. Additionally the Maine Department of Environmental Protection has the air quality forecast available on the web at www.maine.gov/dep/air/aqforecast.
Katahdin Overlook Closure
The Katahdin Overlook is currently closed for construction. Visitors are not permitted in the overlook area due to construction hazards. It is still possible to access anything else on the loop road.
About
Big Spring Brook Campsite offers a true backcountry paddling experience in Maine's Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. The primitive site is accessible only by boat via the East Branch of the Penobscot River, positioned approximately 10.7 miles downstream from the bridge near Matagamon Wilderness Camps. Look for a small wooden sign at the top of the cut bank marking the campsite. The site sits roughly 3 feet above the river on a steep, rooted bank with a narrow shoreline when water levels are low. Shaded by forest canopy, the campsite features one wooden picnic table and a metal fire ring. Campfires require a free permit from the Maine Forest Service, and firewood must be purchased locally within 10 miles due to Maine's quarantine on untreated out-of-state firewood. There is no potable water, no toilets, and no trash service at this site. Campers must bring all water or filter from the river, and practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash. Cell service is unavailable. Water levels on the East Branch vary, so paddlers should check USGS monitoring data before embarking.
Directions
Accessible only by paddling the East Branch of the Penobscot River from upstream. The campsite is located approximately 10.7 miles south of the bridge near Matagamon Wilderness Camps. Look for a small wooden sign at the top of the cut bank reading 'Big Spring Brook Campsite'.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (207) 456-6001 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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