South Branch Pond Campground, near Millinocket, Maine, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a true wilderness experience. This campground is all about primitive camping, so you won’t find any frills like electricity or running water here—just the beauty of nature at its finest.

The sites are surrounded by stunning views of mountains and a picturesque pond, making it a perfect backdrop for activities like canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Visitors rave about the canoe rentals available for just a buck an hour, and the chance to swim in the clear waters is a big hit. As one camper put it, “This is wilderness primitive camping,” so be sure to bring your own supplies and firewood, as you can’t bring any from outside the park.

With plenty of hiking trails nearby, including access to the famous Katahdin, you’ll have no shortage of adventure. Campers have enjoyed star-gazing at night while listening to the loons, and the clean privies are conveniently located close to most sites. Families appreciate the spaciousness and kid-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for a memorable getaway.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat where you can disconnect and soak in the natural beauty, South Branch Pond Campground is the place to be. Just remember to come prepared, as you’re a good distance from the nearest town.

South Branch Pond Campground — Baxter State Park

Stacyville is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Stacyville campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Maine camping adventure.

Stacyville

The Best Camping Near Stacyville, Maine

Small campground with tent sites, a couple of cabins, and several lean-tos.  Access to South Branch Pond and the Traveler Mountain Range is unbelievable, with sites right on the edge of the lower pond.  

The rangers are very helpful, wood is always available, and the night sky is void of any light pollution.  Nearest town is about 1 hour away, so come prepared!

Outstanding rustic campground in the awesome Baxter State Park!

great pond with easy access, nice for day rental of canoe. lean-tos right on water

nice place

boating, swimming, hiking, surrounded by beauty. the park ranger we had was amazing. my daughter did not want to leave!

Perfect for Families

_leantos are the way to go,august no bugs.my daughter (now 11 yrs old) have been going there for 8 years-very kid friendly.traveller loop much more intense than baxter peak-more above tree line travel. we go there during the perseid meteor shower peak,make some hot chocolate,go out in the canoe,drift around watching the shooting stars-doesn’t get much better...._

quiet,spacious,access to best parts of park!

This is a beautiful spot. It has excellent canoeing and hiking. The facilities are well maintained and this is camping the way it’s supposed to be.

Beautiful and excellent facilities for the the camper who truly loves to ca

This is a great campground with wooded sites and lean-tos adjacent to a gorgeous pond surrounded by mountains in Baxter State Park. Lots of hiking, swimming, and canoeing/kayaking in the area or star gazing at night on the shore of the pond while listening to the loons. Privies are kept clean and are located close to most sites. Highly recommend. 

Beautiful location 

Fairly last minute trip, but within a couple weeks of our trip, I was able to find one last available site. Woohoo! 

Nice open grassy site - drove right up and had a great breakfast, couple nights great rest while we explored the area. 

  

Notes: 

  

primitive site, outhouses only, so bring your sun shower. 

  

And it is in the northeast of the park, a lonnnng leisurely dirt road trek down to trailhead for Chimney Pond trail and summiting Katahdin. Made sure we left by 3am to get to the main gate by 6am. IF you stayed overnight in the park, you can roll right into the parking lot before the main gate opens (there WILL be a line of cars waiting to get in as soon as the gates open, and once the lot is full it's full – no more preference to those who stayed overnight anywhere in the park)

  

Baxter is one of the most pristine, magical and majestic public lands in the US, always worth a visit. My fave time of year is Sept. here.

Inside Baxter State Park! That's enough right there. 

Lots of trail options. Canoe and kayak rentals ($1/hour).  Swimming, fishing and gorgeous views.

This is wilderness primitive camping.  No potable water, electricity or cell service.  Bring your own water and any food and ice you need as you will be more than 45 minutes from “civilization”.  Firewood is available for purchase.  You are NOT allowed to bring any firewood into the Park.  Sites are 4 person lean-tos or tent sites.  

Love South Branch Campground and Baxter 

Stayed here 3 nights in September. Enjoyed hiking one day and renting a kayak another day (only $1 per hour!). The fall colors were beautiful. Outhouses were clean. I would like to go back 

Photos of South Branch Pond Campground — Baxter State Park

Real photos from real campers