Sandbank Stream Campground
Open for the 2026 season. Reservations available on Recreation.gov from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October; unreserved sites available first-come, first-served. Note: logging trucks are active on Swift Brook Road, the access route to this campground. Roads typically close mid-November depending on snow.
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.
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.
About
Sandbank Stream Campground sits at the southern entrance to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, roughly 10 miles from the intersection of Route 11 and Swift Brook Road. The three campsites occupy a mostly flat, compacted gravel area near the beginning of the Katahdin Loop Road, making it the most accessible drive-to camping option in the monument and the only one suitable for small RVs and trailers up to 27 feet. Amenities are primitive: each site has a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets and food storage lockers (bear boxes) available nearby. There is no potable water, trash service, or cell phone coverage. Campers must bring all water, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Campfires require a free permit from the Maine Forest Service. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Unreserved sites are available first-come, first-served on the day of arrival. Roads within the monument typically open to motorized vehicles from late May to mid-November depending on conditions. A short interpretive trail near the campground leads to a wetland habitat viewpoint.
Directions
From Route 11, turn onto Swift Brook Road and drive approximately 10 miles. The campsites will be on your left, near the beginning of the Katahdin Loop Road.
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 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 27ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 27ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (207) 456-6001 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Photos
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