Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument Camping And Huts
Closed — Open year-round with seasonal access. Main camping season runs Memorial Day weekend through October 31 with reservations available on Recreation.gov. Winter camping is available at select primitive sites and lean-tos December through March. Haskell and Big Spring Brook Huts are available by reservation mid-January through mid-March. From mid-November to late May, the north entrance and Katahdin Loop Road close to vehicle traffic.
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.
From Recreation.gov
Haskell and Big Spring Brook Huts now have their own page on Recreation.gov: [Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Huts, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument - ][1][Recreation.gov][2]. Reservations for stays between mid-January and mid-March will open in mid-December. [1]: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10373941 [2]: http://Recreation.gov
About
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provides primitive camping opportunities dispersed throughout Maine's north woods. The monument protects over 87,500 acres of mountains, forests, and waterways where the East Branch of the Penobscot River flows freely through scenic waterfalls and rapids. Camping options include backcountry tent sites, walk-in lean-tos, and two winter-only huts (Haskell Hut and Big Spring Brook Hut). Only three sites offer drive-up access: Sandbank Stream, Lunksoos Campground, and Lunksoos Boat Launch. Most sites require hiking, biking, paddling, or winter skiing/snowshoeing to access. The monument is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the first certified in Maine and New England, offering exceptional stargazing. Visitors can explore 30 miles of the International Appalachian Trail, historic logging roads, and paddle the East Branch Penobscot or Seboeis Rivers. Wildlife including moose, black bear, and Canada lynx inhabit the area. All roads within the monument are unpaved gravel logging roads. This is true wilderness camping with no services, no trash collection, and limited cell coverage.
Directions
Located in north central Maine, 1 hour north of Bangor. Access via I-95 exits 244 (Medway), 264 (Sherman), or 276 (Island Falls) to Maine Route 11. North entrance via Route 159 and Grand Lake Road to New River Road (approximately 25 miles from Patten). South entrance and Katahdin Loop Road via Swift Brook Road off Route 11. All monument roads are unpaved gravel. No cell service or GPS coverage. Logging trucks have right of way.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 - $40 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| kaww_superintendent@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (207) 456-6001 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
Photos
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