Established Camping
Big Pleasant Pond
About
County
Camping is allowed only in the more than 60 authorized campsites. The checkpoint receptionists will gladly assist you in choosing a location when you register. Fees will vary according to the number in your party and the length of your stay. A fire place, picnic table, and privy are located at each campsite. The sites are primitive and well spread out. You will find solitude, good fishing, good hunting, fresh air, clean water, good times, and many other outdoor activities if this is what appeals to you. There is no running water or electricity. Campsites are maintained weekly. We ask that you carry out the refuse you carry in. Occasionally a campsite may be discontinued. Such closure allows the natural environment to recover from the impacts of frequent and concentrated activity.
No party will be allowed to camp more than two weeks in one location. No trailer, tent, or other equipment is to be stored on any campsite. Items left unattended for more than three consecutive days may be removed at the expense of the owner.
You are welcome to use dead and down wood for your fire at an authorized location. Extreme caution is always the rule. Remember a small fire is best for cooking and a DEAD fire is best when unattended. All outside fires must be within the steel fire rings provided at the authorized campsites. Building your own rock fireplaces is not permitted.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
LegendHard to beat Pleasant Pond #1
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.
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Location
Big Pleasant Pond is located in Maine
Coordinates
45.644083126217566 N
69.17563241964643 W