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Camper submitted image from South Branch Pond Campground — Baxter State Park

South Branch Pond Campground — Baxter State Park

Canoe and kayak rentals for just $1 per hour make South Branch Pond Campground a hub for paddlers exploring Baxter State Park's northern reaches. The campground sits directly on South Branch Pond with some lean-tos positioned right at the water's edge, offering immediate access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Multiple hiking trails branch out from the area, including routes into the Traveler Mountain Range.

This wilderness camping experience operates without electricity, potable water, or cell service. Campers choose between tent sites and four-person lean-tos, with outhouses serving as the only facilities. "No potable water, electricity or cell service," notes Portia H., emphasizing the need to bring all water and supplies. The nearest town sits about an hour away on dirt roads.

Clean outhouses are positioned close to most sites, and firewood is available for purchase on-site. The park prohibits bringing outside firewood. Night skies remain free of light pollution, creating conditions for stargazing and meteor shower viewing. Some campers paddle out onto the pond in canoes to watch the stars. The campground operates from mid-May through mid-October, with September drawing visitors for fall colors and cooler weather that reduces bug activity.

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Map & DirectionsSouth Branch Pond Campground is located in Maine near Stacyville

Public Campground

Address

64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket, ME 04462

Coordinates

46.10861811 N
68.90069654 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 27 min from Bangor, ME
4 hrs 52 min from Lewiston, ME
5 hrs 29 min from Portland, ME
8 hrs 39 min from Burlington, VT

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Reviews9 Camper Reviews - South Branch Pond Campground

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5 Stars

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1 Star

5.0

out of 5

9 Reviews

Guests commonly noted the stunning pond-side sites and pristine wilderness setting with clean facilities and helpful rangers. Many visitors reported excellent hiking, canoeing, and stargazing opportunities, though campers should prepare for primitive conditions with no electricity or cell service.

Cheryl K.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2025

Beautiful

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

Site29

Month of VisitSeptember

Portia H.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2022

Love South Branch Campground and Baxter

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.

Sitesites 1, 2 and 16

Month of VisitAugust

(6) View All

Roger F.

Guide

Reviewed May. 26, 2021

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

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.

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Carolyn M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2020

Beautiful location

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.

Eric W.

Scout

Reviewed May. 5, 2019

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

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.

Month of VisitAugust

daryl K.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2018

quiet,spacious,access to best parts of park!

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....

Melissa N.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2018

Perfect for Families

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

(9) View All

angie S.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2018

nice place

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

Gary G.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2016

Outstanding rustic campground in the awesome Baxter State Park!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see photos of South Branch Pond Campground before I visit?

Yes! Photos of South Branch Pond Campground can be found on the official Baxter State Park website and various camping platforms like The Dyrt. These images showcase the beautiful setting with tent sites and lean-tos positioned along the edge of the lower pond, the surrounding mountain views of the Traveler Mountain Range, and the pristine waters perfect for swimming and boating. Photos typically highlight both the natural beauty and camping facilities, giving you a good sense of what to expect before your visit.

Is RV camping allowed at South Branch Pond Campground in Baxter State Park?

No, RV camping is not allowed at South Branch Pond Campground. This is a primitive wilderness campground that accommodates tent camping, with options for lean-tos and a few cabins. The campground does not provide hookups or facilities for RVs, and Baxter State Park generally has strict vehicle restrictions. The sites are designed for a more traditional camping experience, consistent with the park's wilderness preservation mission. For RV accommodation, you'll need to look at options outside Baxter State Park's boundaries.

Where can I find a map of South Branch Pond Campground in Baxter State Park?

Maps of South Branch Pond Campground are available through several sources. The official Baxter State Park website provides downloadable maps of all campgrounds, including South Branch Pond. Physical maps can be obtained at park headquarters, visitor centers, or from rangers upon arrival at the campground. The Baxter State Park Authority also publishes comprehensive maps showing trails, campsites, and facilities. For planning purposes, contacting the park directly is recommended to ensure you have the most current map, as trail conditions and campsite arrangements may change seasonally.

What facilities and features are available at South Branch Pond Campground in Baxter State Park?

South Branch Pond Campground offers tent sites, several lean-tos (some right on the water's edge), and a couple of cabins. The campground provides firewood for purchase and clean outhouses/privies. There are no showers, electricity, or potable water, so campers need to bring their own drinking water. Recreation options are abundant with canoe/kayak rentals ($1/hour), swimming areas, fishing opportunities, and extensive hiking trails. The location on the edge of South Branch Pond offers spectacular mountain views and excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. This is true wilderness camping, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.

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