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Established Camping

Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest offers a camping experience surrounded by forested terrain. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit during spring and fall to highs in the 70s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore Baxter State Park and the Appalachian Trail, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.

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Location

Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest is located in Maine

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

45.59619927 N
69.063553 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

Reservations


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1 Review

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2021

Rustic campsites, lovely pond

There are 5 campsites near Johnston Pond in the KI-JO-Mary multiuse forest. None of them are directly on the water, but 2 have easy access plus there is a boat launch area and large beach at the other end of the pond. If you approach from the Jo Mary checkpoint, sites 3 & 4 on the left are more open, The sites have fire pits and a picnic tables. Sites 4 & 5 also have a roof over the picnic table. A latrine provides toilet facilities, but bring your own water or plan to treat water. You may collect dead wood or purchase wood at the checkpoint for fire. 

Site 5 is deeper in the woods and the approach through the trees is beautiful. The waterfront area is very rocky here. 

Be aware of general regulations for the KJM forest, including the need to yield to trucks (which are often moving at quite a clip and loaded with logs) and length limits (28' single vehicle, 44' combined). You'll need to pay with cash or check. Fees are higher for out of state campers; rates are based off Maine minimum wage and campers pay both a day use and a camping fee per person, so the sites are not inexpensive.

I was able to secure a site midweek August without a problem, but most of the sites were reserved for the weekend, so plan accordingly.

The roads are well-marked and if you pick up a map at the checkpoint, you should be ok finding your campsite. Consider also downloading maps for offline use as there is no cell coverage in most of the park. You could sometimes get texts through from the nearby Little Jo Mary campsite area. I found my phone blew up with texts shortly after leaving the forest area, back on the main road.

I enjoyed paddling my kayak in the pond. Continue past the campsite area and you'll see a turnoff at the far end of the pond that takes you to the sandy beach/boat launch area. There were loons on the clear pond and also native trout. 

If you head back toward the checkpoint, you'll see the turnoff on the right to Little Jo Mary pond and Gauntlet Falls. The falls are a nice spot to swim and enjoy sitting on the rocks; it has day use parking in addition to a campsite here, so it's more crowded than some of the other areas.

Leave your bikes and ATVs behind; they aren't permitted. The AT runs through the forest, though, so you may explore on foot.

There is a private campground closer to the entrance that sells ice and a few treats and has a daily fee if you want to fish or use the beach.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest by Jean C., November 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest by Jean C., November 1, 2021
  • Review photo of Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest by Jean C., November 1, 2021
  • (21) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Johnson Pond Campground located in Maine?

Johnston Pond Campground is located within the KI-JO-Mary multiuse forest in Maine. The campground is accessible via the Jo Mary checkpoint. There are five campsites near Johnston Pond, though none are directly on the water. The area is part of a managed multi-use forest system, offering a remote Maine camping experience with both forest and water access.

What are the camping regulations at Johnson Pond in Maine?

Camping at Johnston Pond requires checking in at the Jo Mary checkpoint, where fees are collected for using the KI-JO-Mary multiuse forest. The area has five designated campsites, and camping is only permitted in these established sites. While specific regulations aren't extensively detailed, visitors should follow standard Leave No Trace principles. For complete and current regulations, contact the KI-JO-Mary Forest management before your trip.

What recreational activities are available at Johnson Pond Campground?

Johnston Pond offers various recreational opportunities including swimming at the large beach area, boating from the dedicated boat launch, and fishing in the pond. While the campsites aren't directly on the water, two sites have easy water access. The surrounding KI-JO-Mary multiuse forest likely provides additional activities such as hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the natural landscape. The combination of forest and pond setting creates diverse recreational possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts.