Summer Camping at Baxter State Park

This is a lot of information, but if you don't read it you may not understand the special features of BSP and that can compromise your trip in the Park. Please take the time to read all information - it's worth it!

2. Print and completely fill out reservation forms (downloaded from the bottom of this webpage). Include as many options as possible.

4. If reserving by mail, enclose self-addressed, stamped, legal or business sized envelope.

5. At the appropriate time (see below): mail, bring in person, or phone to Baxter State Park Headquarters (address at bottom of webpage). Chart

When can I make a reservation at Baxter State Park?

1. To reserve a site, you can now mail reservations to Headquarters or walk-in to Headquarters four months prior to the date of your camping trip. Chart Mail and walk-in customers will be processed at the same time. Mail will be randomly processed (not in the order it was received) except that all Maine resident reservation requests made by mail will be processed before non-resident requests on a daily basis. There is a limit of two (2) reservations per day for each person making walk-in or mail-in reservations. For mail reservations, send in reservation requests at least 10 working days prior to the trip. Chart (pdf)

2. Last minute reservations during the camping season (14-days or less before you would arrive at the Park). If you would like to camp in the Park in the next 14 days or less, we will accept your reservation by phone. Phone-in reservations are limited to one reservation per call and one call per person per day. Phone reservations must be paid by credit card at the time of the call. It is against Park regulations to use a cell phone inside the Park for a non-life threatening emergency. Please do not call for reservations from inside the Park. As we expect many reservations to be taken during the rolling reservation system, less choices will be available for the 14 days prior to your trip. During July, August and fall weekends, much of the Park may be full when you call, but you can always hope for a cancellation.

CAMPGROUND OPENING & CLOSING DATES (INCLUSIVE)

For Camping at Russell Pond before June 1, plan on hiking from the North End (South Branch Pond trailhead) due to high stream crossings in the spring on the south end of the Park.

*Please call Park Headquarters for current opening/closing dates for these campgrounds.

As you prepare for summer camping, check for updates on our maps. Many of the sites have been renumbered or moved, please double check your choice of sites on the maps before sending in reservations.

The Director or such other person designated by the Authority may adjust campground seasons before July 4th and after Labor Day should use, weather or other conditions warrant. Under these circumstances, reservations will be made on a daily basis only.

Fees

The proper fee must accompany all reservation requests. All fees include sales tax where applicable and must be paid in U.S. funds. For summer reservations, Park Headquarters accepts Visa, MasterCard, money order or check made payable to Baxter State Park. Campgrounds and gates inside the Park do not accept credit cards (no electricity). Fees are payable by all persons year round, except government employees on official business within the Park.

REFUNDS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE ORDINARILY. THE DIRECTOR MAY (AT HIS SOLE DISCRETION) PERMIT REFUNDS OR MAY IMPOSE A SPECIAL REQUIREMENT BEFORE GRANTING REFUNDS (fee applies).

Reservation Limits

A reservation is an arrangement by which accommodations are secured for one or more consecutive nights of lodging in Baxter State Park. Reservations shall be accepted for up to seven (7) total nights for any one (1) site and any one (1) campground, and up to two weeks (14 nights) total duration.

When considering capacity of all facilities, each child is counted as one individual regardless of age. Site capacity is restricted. Before adding people to your party, consult with Park Reservation Clerks to be sure your site will hold additional people.

Reservations for two or more nights will be held only until 4:00 PM of the day following the first evening for which reservations were made.

An average of 30% of campground lean-to and tent site facilities shall be set aside for Maine resident advance reservations. These sites will be held for Maine residents until seven (7) days prior to the actual use date. After which time, unreserved sites will be released to either residents or non-residents.

Groups of thirteen (13) or more in a family or non-family situation shall be assigned to one of the group areas.

Each organized camp group of five (5) or more individuals will be limited to one (1) visit to Chimney Pond Campground during the period from July through August.

To make a reservation; print a summer reservation form (HTML or PDF), and follow the steps listed here.

Office Hours:

The Reservations Office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, but closed on weekends and Holidays. During our peak season from Memorial Day through the Saturday of Columbus Day week-end, the Reservation Office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, including Holidays.

Welcome to Baxter State Park

Camping & Reservations

MAKING SUMMER RESERVATIONS AT BAXTER STATE PARK

When can I make a reservation at Baxter State Park?

CAMPGROUND OPENING & CLOSING DATES (INCLUSIVE)

Fees

Reservation Limits

Office Hours: