Plan an overnight adventure at KWW
WRITTEN BY KATIE SMITH
With camping season around the corner, it’s time to plot and plan your next adventure. Whether you’re craving a casual family camping trip or a solo vacation to explore one of Maine’s most idyllic spots, Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (KWW) is a sanctuary like no other. While trips to KWW will help you get back in touch with nature, like any camping trip to a remote area, they require planning.
A few things to consider while planning your trip:
Although you can camp all year round, reservations for campsites can only be made between Memorial Day weekend and Oct. 31 on recreation.gov, and they are highly recommended. There are a few campsites you can drive to, including Sandbank Stream Campground, Lunksoos Campground, and Upper East Branch Campsite.
If you’re craving more of an adventure, or these sites are full, be prepared: the rest of the campsites require some hiking, paddling, or biking to get there. If you’re looking to request a drive-up campsite, be sure to make a reservation in plenty of time.
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument currently offers 18 campsites, 4 three-sided lean-tos, and 2 huts. The 2 huts are only reservable during the winter. Camping in non-designated sites is not permitted.
All campers are required to carry out all trash and supplies.
KWW also requires that all firewood burned on the site for campfires is supplied by a local vendor less than 50 miles away. Campfires can only be kindled with a valid Maine Forest Service campfire permit and only in designated locations such as established campsites and lean-tos. You can obtain a free permit before you visit by contacting the Maine Forest Service at (207) 435-7963.
There are bear boxes to keep all your food safe from the wild animals, and it’s important to make sure that you bring plenty of drinking water, or a way to filter water, since there are no sites at KWW with potable water.
Also, plan on bringing some yummy food to cook while you’re enjoying the Maine woods. There are no restaurants on site, but there are plenty of picnic tables to sit and enjoy a family meal or quiet snack.
And if you tire of cooking over the fire, there are restaurants in towns nearby. A list is available on the Katahdin Chamber of Commerce website at katahdinmaine.com.
The camp sites are spacious, clean, and there’s plenty to do to explore the outdoors such as dipping your toes in the water, hiking, and biking.
