Map showing campground location near Brownville Junction, Maine

Camper submitted image from Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest

Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Five campsites sit near Johnston Pond in the KI-JO-Mary Multi-Use Forest, accessed via well-marked forest roads where logging trucks have the right of way. No cell coverage. Sites include fire pits and picnic tables, with sites 4 and 5 featuring a roof over the table. A latrine is on-site, but there is no potable water. Midweek availability is generally good, though weekends book up, so reservations are worth making in advance. Gauntlet Falls in KIJO Mary Multi Use Forest is accessible from the same road network. Fees are per person and vary for in-state versus out-of-state campers; cash or check only.

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Map & DirectionsJohnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest is located in Maine near Brownville Junction

Private Campground

Coordinates

45.59619927 N
69.063553 W

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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

+12077238944

Drive Time

1 hr 38 min from Bangor, ME
2 hrs 51 min from Lewiston, ME
3 hrs 28 min from Portland, ME
4 hrs 32 min from Manchester, NH

Reviews1 Camper Review - Johnston Pond in KIJO Mary Forest

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1 Review

Jean C.

Legend

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

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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.

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