Overview Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the…
About Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping
Overview Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Campsites, lean-tos and huts located throughout the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while hiking, biking, paddling and enjoying other recreational activities. Recreation There are many ways visitors can experience Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Below are a few recommended activities: Hiking: Choose a hike that meets your abilities to observe the biodiversity of the monument. Biking: Bike on historic logging roads (current and former) within the monument that display signs of logging activity that dates back as early as the 1800s. Camping: Sleep under the stars. Katahdin Woods and Waters is an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, the first to be certified in the state of Maine and in New England. Paddling: Paddlers can experience the scenic hydraulic features that are ecologically and culturally significant within the monument. The streams and rivers within the monument provide important habitat for spawning and rearing federally endangered Atlantic salmon. Wildlife watching and birding: The monument provides a landscape for a wide variety of wildlife. Birds can be seen and heard year-round. Pollinators, reptiles, and amphibians are most active during the spring and summer months. However, large mammals like moose, black bear, and Canada lynx are often what visitors have their cameras ready for. Fishing: Anglers enjoy catching brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass at the monument. Sight seeing: Visitors often enjoy the views of Katahdin (located in Baxter State Park ) and the scenic waterways at the monument. Snowmobiling and hunting in designated areas:
Photos
A gravel and grassy campsite to the right of a river. The campsite has a wooden picnic table, a brown wooden sign, and a trail that leads into the woods with tall dense green trees. — NPS/Grace KirkA close up of a National Park welcome sign on the way to Sandbank Stream Campground. It is wooden and says "Welcome to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument" — NPS/Alyssa MatteiA view from the river facing the land. A canoe with two paddlers paddle towards a forest with vibrant red and yellow leaves on the canopies of the trees. — NPS/R.WangA gravel parking lot in front of a green and shaded campground. An ADA parking space is in front of the campground. — NPS/Alyssa Mattei
How to Get There
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in north central Maine, approximately a 2-hour drive northwest of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor and 1.5-hour drive north of Bangor, Maine. Both areas are served by regional airports. You can access all parts of the monument from I-95. Take exit 244 (Medway) or exit 264 (Sherman) to access Maine Route 11. Once you exit I-95, you will travel on Maine Route 11 to access the monument. If you are southbound on I-95, you can also access the monument from exit 276 (Island Falls). Maine Route 11 is the main access route to the monument. It is also known as the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Scenic Byway. North EntranceFrom Exit 244 (Medway), head west for approximately 0.8 miles towards Medway and turn right onto Route 11 (also called Grindstone Road). If you cross the East Branch of the Penobscot River, you have missed the turn for Route 11 north. Continue north on Maine Route 11 to Patten. Turn left onto Maine Route 159 (also called Shin Pond Road). Maine Route 159 continues for approximately 11.6 miles and then becomes Grand Lake Road. Continue on Grand Lake Road for another approximately 12.7 miles, then turn left onto New River Road (also known as Messer Pond Road) to access the North Entrance. From Exit 264 (Sherman), follow signs for Maine Route 11 north towards Patten. In approximately 10 miles, turn left onto Maine Route 159 (also called Shin Pond Road). Maine Route 159 continues for approximately 11.6 miles and
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
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Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping
Heading to Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping?
No central reservation system listed for Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10145539) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping?
Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping has 27 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping?
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in north central Maine, approximately a 2-hour drive northwest of Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor and 1.5-hour drive north of Bangor, Maine. Both areas are served by regional airports. You can access all parts of the monument from I-95. Take exit 244 (Medway) or exit 264 (Sherman) to access Maine Route 11. Once you exit I-95, you will trave…
How do I contact Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping?
You can reach the park at phone: 207-456-6001 or email: [email protected].
