Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts

About

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument preserves Maine's north woods landscape where the East Branch of the Penobscot River flows through 25 miles of wilderness featuring waterfalls, rapids, and views of nearby Katahdin. Camping options include frontcountry sites at Sandbank Stream, Lunksoos, and Upper East Branch that can be reached via unpaved roads (Sandbank Stream accommodates small RVs), backcountry primitive sites requiring hiking or paddling, lean-tos at established locations, and two winter huts at Haskell and Big Spring Brook. Most campsites include picnic tables, metal or stone fire rings, and bear-resistant food storage boxes. No potable water is available anywhere in the monument; campers must bring water or filter from natural sources. There are no trash services, so visitors must pack out everything they bring in. Vault toilets are available at some sites, while others require Leave No Trace practices. Starting in 2026, reservations through Recreation.gov are required for Sandbank Stream, Lunksoos, and Big Seboeis campsites from Memorial Day through mid-October. Other sites remain first-come, first-served. Winter huts require reservations mid-January through mid-March and are accessed via snowshoes or cross-country skis from North Gate parking.

Directions

From I-95, take Exit 244 (Medway) or Exit 264 (Sherman) to Maine Route 11. For the North Entrance via Patten: follow Route 11 north to Patten, turn left onto Route 159/Shin Pond Road for 11.6 miles until it becomes Grand Lake Road, continue 12.7 miles, then turn left onto New River Road to reach the North Gate (approximately 25 miles/40 minutes from Patten). For the South Entrance and Katahdin Loop Road: from Exit 244, follow Route 11 north approximately 20 miles, turn left onto Swift Brook Road (gravel), and continue 10 miles to the Loop Road. All gravel roads are shared with logging trucks, which always have right of way. No public transportation is available.