OutReserve

Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping

Brown wooden sign for Big Spring Brook Campsite on river bank.
A gravel and grassy campsite to the right of a river. The campsite has a wooden picnic table, a brown wooden sign, and a trail that leads into the woods with tall dense green trees.
A close up of a National Park welcome sign on the way to Sandbank Stream Campground. It is wooden and says "Welcome to Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument"
A view from the river facing the land. A canoe with two paddlers paddle towards a forest with vibrant red and yellow leaves on the canopies of the trees.
A gravel parking lot in front of a green and shaded campground. An ADA parking space is in front of the campground.

About Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping

Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument is located in Maine’s north woods. Katahdin Woods and Waters protects part of an extraordinary natural and cultural landscape: the mountains, woods, and waters where the East Branch of the Penobscot River and its tributaries, including the Wassataquoik Stream and the Seboeis River, run freely. Campsites, lean-tos and huts located throughout the monument provide opportunities to stay overnight while hiking, biking, paddling and enjoying other recreational activities. 

Number of accommodations: 25

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on May 22

Sites & Availability

25 Sites Available

Site
Price
Big Seboeis, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
6 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Big Spring Brook, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Esker, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Grand Pitch Lean-to, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
6 guests · Campfire
$0.00
/ per night
Haskell Deadwater, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Katahdin Brook Lean-to, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
6 guests · Campfire
$0.00
/ per night
Lunksoos 1, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Lunksoos 2, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Lunksoos 3, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Lunksoos 4, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Lunksoos 5, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Lunksoos 6, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
20 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Lunksoos 7, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
20 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
Price not available
Lunksoos Lean-to, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
6 guests · Campfire
$0.00
/ per night
Pond Pitch, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Sandbank Stream 1, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
$0.00
/ per night
Sandbank Stream 2, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
$0.00
/ per night
Sandbank Stream 3, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
$0.00
/ per night
Sandbank Stream Site 1, Loop: Sandbank Stream
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Sandbank Stream Site 2, Loop: Sandbank Stream
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Sandbank Stream Site 3, Loop: Sandbank Stream
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Stair Falls, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Upper East Branch, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
10 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night
Wassataquoik Lean-to, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
6 guests · Campfire
$0.00
/ per night
Wassataquoik, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters
5 guests · Campfire · Pet Friendly
$0.00
/ per night

Reviews (54)

What Guests Are Saying

Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping offers a beautiful, quiet, and well-maintained environment, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Campers appreciated the scenic views, wildlife sightings, and excellent facilities, including clean bathrooms and ample space for groups. However, some noted the rough gravel roads and trail maintenance concerns, suggesting improvements could enhance the overall experience.

Review Summary

4.6
54 reviews
5
74.1%
40
4
13.0%
7
3
9.3%
5
2
1.9%
1
1
1.9%
1

Ashlie G

Verified

September 19, 2025 Stayed at: Sandbank Stream Site 1, Loop: Sandbank Stream

5

This campsite was clean and in excellent location. Just feet away from the water that is easy to access. Each of the three campsites comes with a fire pit with a removable grill and a picnic table. Sites are divided only with rocks and so are not fully private, but there is space to park your vehicle between campsites to add to your privacy. The roads to get to the campsite arc gravel and littered with large rocks so I would not recommend for smaller vehicles or those low to the ground. Some of the other campers were in small RVs and had no issue getting there. You are required to cross a large bridge that looks much more unstable than it is so beware of this if that is something you are not comfortable with. The kiosk at the entry point is refilled regularly with maps, guides, and passport stamps and is within eyesight of all three camp sites. There is a vault toilet next to campsite 3 but is a very short walk from all three sites. It is open both at the bottom and top and has a lock on the inside. It was surprisingly clean and stocked with plenty of toilet paper. Overall I would highly recommend this campsite provided you don't require electricity or water hookups. It is not so far from civilization that you can't easily pop into town for firewood or food, but secluded enough to see the stars and plenty of nature. If you're looking for a peaceful place to set up a tent and get some rest after a long day of exploring, this is a great choice!

Anthony C

Verified

September 18, 2025 Stayed at: Lunksoos 3, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters

5

Had a great visit. Lunksoos sites are very convenient and nicely kept.

Steve R

Verified

September 16, 2025 Stayed at: Lunksoos 4, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters

4

Lunksoos campground was beautiful and well maintained. On the reservation page, it should be made more clear that the Lunksoos lean-to is not actually at the campground, but is a hike of more than 4 miles away from it.

David W

Verified

September 16, 2025 Stayed at: Lunksoos 1, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters

5

Nice quiet spot along the Penobscot River. Clean campground….well maintained.

Laura K

Verified

September 15, 2025 Stayed at: Sandbank Stream Site 2, Loop: Sandbank Stream

5

My friend and I were bikepacking the KW&WNM and stayed at the Lunksoos Campground. The location by the East Branch Penobscot River was excellent for being able to filter water easily. The sites were clean and scenic; we appreciated the bear boxes. The toilets were clean and well-stocked (including hand sanitizer). The next morning, the ranger came by; we chatted for a bit, and he gave us great tips to make our next day even more enjoyable. Overall an excellent experience!

Prathamesh T

Verified

September 6, 2025 Stayed at: Lunksoos 5, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters

5

Beautiful site. The Coyotes howling at night over a clear dark sky was magic !

Little to no flies at campsite and around water, but flies in toilet. We had a camping toilet so the flies didnt bother us.

Will surely return.

robert s

Verified

August 25, 2025 Stayed at: Sandbank Stream Site 2, Loop: Sandbank Stream

5

Campsite was clean and quiet. Staff very helpful and friendly, obviously proud of what they did.
The moose in the marsh below the campsite was an added plus. Many birds we do not usually get to see. Beautiful place.

Joshua K

Verified

August 18, 2025 Stayed at: Esker, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters

5

From wildlife to rangers the monument was amazing. Visit the Contact station !

Jesse R

Verified

August 6, 2025 Stayed at: Lunksoos 2, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters

5

The monument is as beautiful as it is rugged. The campsites and facilities are clean and well maintained and the staff are very friendly. Many of the roads are pretty rough, so prepare for that. Be prepared with adequate water and lots and lots of bug spray.

Diane K

Verified

August 2, 2025 Stayed at: Lunksoos 1, Loop: Katahdin Woods and Waters

5

Very nice campsite at Lunksoos. Well maintained traioup Barnard Mtn.

Location Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument Camping

Address:
Po Box 446
Patten, ME, 04765
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 46.1252 / -68.8014

Policies & Rules

Category About
General

Campsites at Upper East Branch, Lunksoos and Sandbank Stream can be accessed by road during the summer. Upper East Branch and Lunksoos campsites require a short walk from the parking area to the campsites. Sandbank Stream is the only location that will accommodate small RVs and campers. All other sites and lean-tos require hiking, biking or paddling for access.

General

Roads with in Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument are typically open to motorized vehicles from late May to mid-November. Exact dates vary depending on road conditions. At other times of year, access is by foot or bicycle only. Check current conditions. 

All vehicles (including bicycles, e-bikes, and other motorized vehicles) must follow established speed limits when traveling within Katahdin Woods and Waters NM. The Katahdin Loop Road and Seboeis River Road speed limit is 15mph. All other roads within Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument have a 25mph speed limit. Sometimes, vehicles may need to travel at slower speeds depending on current road conditions.

General

It is not possible to drive from the north entrance to the south entrance through the monument. Some sites may be accessed only from the north and others only from the south, unless you are paddling or hiking long distances.

General

Do not bring firewood from more than 50 miles away. Help protect forests from the spread of hidden, tree-killing insects by obtaining firewood from local vendors near the monument. Please visit Don't Move Firewood for more information.

General

Pets are permitted at campsites and must be leashed at all times. Leashes must be six feet or less in length. Pets are not permitted in lean-tos or huts.

General

All scented items (food, trash, coolers, toiletries, cooking materials, and cleaning supplies) must be stored inside your sealed vehicle or in an NPS wildlife-proof locker at your campsite or picnic site. Help us keep the wildlife wild. 

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