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.
"A short walk from the East Branch of the Penobscot River boat launch, there are several free, walk-in sites. Two group sites allow nearby parking and provide tent platforms."
"No fire permit is needed if you use the fire ring provided
First-come-first-served only for a single night."
$8 - $32 / night
"There are drive up tent sites and lean to sites as well as walk in sites (fairly short walk and easy to locate). Great place to start for an adventure to summit katadhin and tackle knifes edge."
"Only downside are some of the rangers who make all attempts to scare people away from doing any of the more strenuous hikes to the top. Some of the most annoying rangers I've ever encountered."
"It offers a few spots for small RV’s, tent sites, lean-tos, and a few camping cabins, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Our site even had a sheltered area over the picnic table."
"The primitive sites are either AT style leantos or tent sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There is NO potable water, electricity, showers or cell/internet service in the Park."
$32 / night
"Though not open during the off season, this Baxter State Park campground offers tent sites and lean-tos, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There are no sites for RV's here."
"There is NO electricity, no showers, no grocery store, inside Baxter State Park. Those are available at the similarly named Abol Campground and General Store which neighbors Baxter State Park."
"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."
"Small campground with tent sites, a couple of cabins, and several lean-tos."
"The hike up to Chimney Pond is a few miles, but the trails are easy to follow. LeanTo was just hig enough to fit a backpacking tent inside to keep the bugs out. absolutely gorgeous views"
$7 - $13 / night
"Worth the drive!! Didn’t see another person besides maintenance. 10 sites - 5 here, 2 at little Omaha and 3 beyond boat landing. Outhouse on site."
"The road is bumpy but I cleared it driving slowly and carefully with my honda HRV 2019."
"The variety of trails caters to all skill levels, and the ice caves add a unique touch. The lookout point's view is absolutely worth the trek."
$12 - $32 / night
"If you want to get off the grid (no wi-fi, cell service, or running water) to a quiet, dark campground with opportunities to bag some peaks, see some wildlife, and cool off in a river after a long day"
"Our site required a walk in. Plenty of firewood for purchase at ranger station. Within striking distance of hunt trail and the higly talked about slides/falls."
LegendKatahdin Woods and Waters is a young National Monument without much infrastructure. Recent construction and cooperation with corporate & charitable sponsors has led to development of the Lunksoos campground in July 2021. I approached via the turnoff from Swift Brook Rd to Sebois Rd, before you reach the loop road, but Sherman Lumber Co Rd is another option. You may encounter logging trucks. The road is not in great shape, but passable.
A short walk from the East Branch of the Penobscot River boat launch, there are several free, walk-in sites. Two group sites allow nearby parking and provide tent platforms. The other 5 are on a small, walk-in loop through the woods; one is an accessible site. Vault toilets are provided. Sites come with bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings; fire permits are required (call Maine Forest Service 207-435-7693). Bring potable water or plan to treat it. Camping is free and there are no reservations. Midweek August I saw only 1 site occupied, but it's also a new campground. No cell service. Mosquitos and the occasional deer fly were annoying
You can enjoy fishing (license required), boating, hiking, stargazing, and wild-life watching(I saw fresh bear scat on the road on the way in; moose also frequent the area and maybe you’ll even spy a lynx!). There are Junior-Ranger programs, including a Night Explorer one. Drive the loop road to some short hiking trails and look for moose. The information station at Sandbank Stream campsite just before the loop road often has some brochures, including a bird list and interpretive guide to the loop road, though I would consider downloading them from the Friends of Katahdin Woods and Waters website.
If you’ve forgotten anything, stop in Millinocket or Medway to pick them up before you get into the Monument; it’s a long drive out and back over these logging roads!
LegendI always struggle with the notion of rating a full amenities campground with a no-frills place like this, so when it comes down to it, I'm rating the experience. If you want to get off the grid (no wi-fi, cell service, or running water) to a quiet, dark campground with opportunities to bag some peaks, see some wildlife, and cool off in a river after a long day on the trail, and you don't mind traveling over miles of dirt roads to get there, then it is hard to beat Nesowadnehunk Field campground.
I stayed in a lean-to, drove up to it and pitched my tent inside…grateful for a little extra protection in the tent as I listened to animals scratching around the lean-to at night. There was a large bush in front of the lean to and woods behind. I could see and hear my neighbors, but wasn't disturbed by them. The site also had a picnic table. Trails led to the river behind the lean tos. There are also a number of tent sites that you park and walk back to, plus a small bunkhouse.
As the sun sets, it is the sky that catches your attention and doesn't want to let it go. Without light pollution, you'll see more than stars than you imagined you could see (tip: if you need a light, use the red setting on your headlamp so your eyes don't have to re-acclimate to the dark).
I used this as a base for bagging Coe, South, and North Brother, finishing the Maine 4000-footers here. It was so windy I decided to forego the bushwhack to Fort. It's nice to be able to get an early start because you're already in the park.
Things you need to know about low frills Baxter State Park:
LegendIf you enjoy camping with a wonderful view of Mt. Katahdin, then this campground is for you. This is 1 of the 3 campgrounds in Baxter that stays open for a bit past the normal season. It offers a few spots for small RV’s, tent sites, lean-tos, and a few camping cabins, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Our site even had a sheltered area over the picnic table.
There is no running/drinking water, but the stream nearby is perfect for filtering. The pit toilets are cleaned daily. There is no electricity, so bring your solar panel. Plan on packing out your trash. Rangers are assigned to each campground, so there is always someone to chat with if you have questions or emergencies while in the park.
You can start the 8 to 12-hour round trip to the summit of Mt. Katahdin from this campground, as it sits right at the base of the mountain. Or, you can choose from a variety of other trail options if a 4000 ft elevation gain isn’t your thing. You are sure to see many Appalachian Trail thru-hikers as they use this campground as their final base camp before summiting.
Fall is one of the best times to be here…no bugs, less people, and full of autumn color! Be ready for wind and cold days though.
Your last stop for food and gas is in Millinocket, so be sure to stock up before you make your way to the park. Millinocket is about 18 miles from the main entrance to Baxter State Park.
Note: Dogs are not allowed in the park, but Katahdin Kritters is a pet boarding facility located in East Millinocket.
LegendThough not open during the off season, this Baxter State Park campground offers tent sites and lean-tos, each with a picnic table and fire ring. There are no sites for RV's here.
There is no running/drinking water, but the stream nearby is perfect for filtering. The pit toilets are cleaned daily. There is no electricity, so bring your solar panel. Rangers are assigned to each campground, so there is always someone to chat with if you have questions or emergencies while in the park.
You can start the 8-12 hour round trip to the summit of Mt. Katahdin from this campground, as it sits right at the base of the mountain. Or, choose from variety of other trail options if a 4000 ft elevation gain hike isn’t your thing.
Fall is one of the best times to be here…no bugs, less people, and full of autumn color! Be ready for wind and cold days though. You are sure to see many Appalachian Trail through hikers as they use this campground as their final base camp before summiting!
Your last stop for food and gas is in Millinocket, so be sure to stock up before you make your way to the park. Millinocket is about 18 miles from the main entrance to Baxter State Park.
Note: Dogs are not allowed in the park, but Katahdin Kritters is a pet boarding facility located in East Millinocket.
GuideAccessible via the Baxter State Park Tote road, this is the first campground you will come upon if you enter the southern gate. Situated at the trailhead of Abol Trail, this campground offers lean-to and tent sites along a looped camp road. Sites consist of a picnic table and fire ring with grill top. Firewood is avaliable for purchase at the ranger station for $3.00. Sites are close to the camp road except lean-to site 3 which is a short walk in from it’s parking place. Site 6 may not look like the supiror site within Abol while driving by, but adventuring down into the site from the turn off, you will realize it’s speacial qualities. The lean-to is oriented in such a way that you do not realize it’s proximity to sites 5 and 7 or the campground road. Site 6 hugs the Abol stream providing beautiful scenery and the auidable noice which suppresses sounds coming from other campers. If you are hiking the Abol Trail, this is an easy option for spending the night before or after your hike. If I was to do an exstended stay within the park, I would recommend heading to the Northern portions of the park, as there are more special overnight options.
LegendBeautiful hike-in sites located along the Pleasant River, and a great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or in Gulf Hagas area! We didn’t stay at these sites, but came across them while hiking just off the AT.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with access to a clean latrine (with TP!). No potable water is available, but the river is easily accessible for dishwashing and boiling/filtering. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate at Katahdin Iron Works, but keep in mind you’ll have to carry it about ¾ of a mile, and across a river.
For safety, no bikes or ATV’s are allowed beyond the Katahdin Iron Works gate, as these roads belong to the logging companies in the area and there can be many fast-moving logging trucks. The town of Milo is where you’ll find the closest grocery stores and gas stations, but it’s a bit of a drive so come prepared.
Note about costs: Located in the Maine North Woods, getting here is quite a journey, but ooohh so worth it. It’s on the way to nowhere, you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee. Note: If you are planning to backpack on the AT from this location, the pricing is very different, so be sure to ask!
GuideThe primitive sites are either AT style leantos or tent sites. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. There is NO potable water, electricity, showers or cell/internet service in the Park. Firewood is for sale at the Ranger station for $5 per bundle. NO firewood is permitted to be brought into the Park. Pit toilets are clean and well maintained. Most sites are within easy access to Katahdin Stream which is fast moving and cold. You can get into the water but no soap or detergent of any kind is permitted. It is approximately 45 minute drive from the Togue Pond Gate over narrow dirt roads (very dusty). You are at least an hour from the nearest supply and closer to 2 hours from Millinocket where there is a Hannaford supermarket. Be sure to bring everything you need! Pack bug spray in June & July.
Reservations can be made beginning 4 months from the first day of your reservation. Current fees are $16 per night per site. You can do this on-line or call the office. $16 per out-of-state car collected at the gate. (Maine cars are not charged an entrance fee.)
LegendThis was an unexpectedly beautiful site and great access point for hiking on the Appalachian Trail or Gulf Hagas area! We were seeking a place to stay 1 night just before embarking on a backpacking trip. The woman at the Katahdin Ironworks gatehouse selected the site for us and couldn’t have picked a better one.
Lots of privacy, beautiful view of the river, and we even were visited by a moose and her calf one evening! Each site has a covered picnic table and fire ring, with access to a private, clean latrine (with TP!) across the road. No potable water is available, but the stream is easily accessible for dishwashing and boiling/filtering. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate at Katahdin Iron Works.
For safety, no bikes or ATV’s are allowed beyond the Katahdin Iron Works gate, as these roads belong to the logging companies in the area and there can be many fast-moving logging trucks. The town of Milo is where you’ll find the closest grocery stores and gas stations, but it’s a bit of a drive so come prepared.
Note about costs: Located in the Maine North Woods, getting here is quite a journey, but ooohh so worth it. It’s on the way to nowhere, you have to pay to get through the gate at Katahdin Iron Works, pay a daily access fee, and daily camping fee. Note: If you are planning to backpack on the AT from this location, the pricing is very different, so be sure to ask!
TravelerThere are drive up tent sites and lean to sites as well as walk in sites (fairly short walk and easy to locate). Great place to start for an adventure to summit katadhin and tackle knifes edge. I will definitely be back. Hiked past chimney pond (another campsite) with great views of the mountain. That site is hike in only whereas roaring brook has parking.
Nestled in the heart of Maine, Stacyville offers a fantastic backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With a variety of campgrounds nearby, adventurers can enjoy stunning landscapes and outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stacyville, ME?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stacyville, ME is Lunksoos Campground — Katahdin Woods And Waters National Monument with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Stacyville, ME?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Stacyville, ME, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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