Esker Campsite
Closed — Closed for the winter season. The campsite operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October with reservations available on Recreation.gov. Unreserved sites are first-come, first-served during operating season.
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.
Impassable Bridge Near Big Spring Brook Hut
There is an impassable collapsed bridge near Big Spring Brook Hut located at the north section of the monument (46.0333633333, -68.7807583333). This area is impassable by foot traffic and bike.
Bridge Repairs and Closures
Seboeis River Bridge will be closed to traffic August 27-29 for repairs. This will impact travel into the Seboeis parcel via Charlie's Rd. A bridge over Ragged Brook will be closed September 2-4 for repairs and impact travel towards Philpott Bridge.
Increased Logging Activity on Swift Brook Road
Logging trucks and other large machinery will be active on Swift Brook Road for an undetermined amount of time. Please use caution when driving. Always pull over for logging trucks, and wait until dust has cleared to continue moving.
Hunting Season Begins August 23rd
Hunting season is upon us! Please stay alert and be mindful of the rights of lawful hunters. Hunting is permitted only East of the East Branch of the Penobscot River, but it is advised to wear high visibility clothing on all monument land.
About
Esker Campsite offers a true backcountry camping experience within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Located approximately 2.2 miles from the Wassataquoik Gate parking area, this primitive walk-in site requires hikers or bikers to travel along an uneven trail to reach the campsite. The site is situated in a forested setting directly on the bank of Wassataquoik Stream, providing a scenic and secluded camping location. This is a no-fee, primitive campsite with minimal amenities. There are no toilets, potable water, or trash services available. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash and waste. The site features a table and designated fire pit. Campfires require a free Maine Forest Service campfire permit, which can be obtained from the Maine Forest Service Northern Region Headquarters in Ashland prior to your visit. Camp stoves are allowed without a permit. Out-of-state firewood is banned to protect against invasive species. The campsite can be reserved through Recreation.gov between Memorial Day weekend and mid-October. Unreserved sites are available first-come, first-served on the day of arrival during the reservation season. Access to the trailhead requires driving approximately 12 miles on Swift Brook Road from Route 11 in Stacyville to Katahdin Loop Road, then approximately 5.5 miles to the Wassataquoik Gate parking area. All roads within the monument are unpaved.
Directions
From the intersection of Maine State Route 11 and Swift Brook Road in Stacyville, drive approximately 12 miles to Katahdin Loop Road. From the start of the Loop Road, drive approximately 5.5 miles to the parking area at Wassataquoik Gate. From the parking area, hike or bike approximately 2.2 miles to Esker Campsite.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| 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 |
Useful Links
| Reservations | |
| Regulations |
Photos
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