Big Pleasant Pond

first, Site 1 is 5 star, site 2 is 4. Big Pleasant Pond (sign omits the Big) has 2 campsites in the KI-JO Woods area. PP#1 is the better of the two, located right on the water, though the access is a little trickier than PP#2’s wide open area. Both sites provide a picnic table and fire ring; PP2 has a shelter over the picnic table. PP2 also has a path to the pond with rocks on the shore of the clear water. No drinking water, so bring your own or bring treatment. Pit latrine provided a short walk from the campsites.

This is a multi-use forest and you’ll pay a fee at the entrance. There’s a day fee as well as a camping fee, so the cost racks up quickly, especially if you are an out-of-state camper. You’ll need to look out for logging trucks; they own the road. To reserve a campsite, call the Jo-Mary checkpoint, 207-723-8944. Fees are per person and must be paid in cash or check. Plan to arrive by 9pm weekends, by 10pm on summer weekends. Although sites tend to fill up on summer weekends, I was able to snag a campsite midweek in August the same day. This area is one of the more popular locations and is relatively private with some distance between the two sites, though you can see each other if you're on the water

Vehicle restrictions: single vehicle less than 28’ or combined vehicle+ trailer less than 44’. Other restrictions include no bicycle, motorcycles, ATVs, or horses.

Additional details are here: KI-Jo Mary

You can pick up a map at the checkpoint or download it here

The intersections are well marked and you should have no trouble locating the sites. You’ll cross the Appalachian Trail before you reach the turn toward Big Pleasant Pond. If you look at the satellite images, you can clearly see the campsites with vehicles and clearings marking the 2 sites.

No cell service, so it’s worthwhile to download maps. There is sufficient cell service for texting near Little Jo Mary sites 3& 4, but my phone really blew up with messages about half a mile from the turnoff.

On the way in, you’ll pass a private campground. If necessary, you can buy ice here. They charge a daily fee if you want to swim or fish there, but if you’re at Pleasant Pond, you don’t need that. Also, Gauntlet Falls is another place to enjoy swimming.