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Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Accessible by rough dirt roads that require careful navigation, Nesowadnehunk Field Campground operates within Baxter State Park from mid-May through mid-October. The campground charges $12-$32 per night and requires advance reservations, which open four months ahead of arrival dates. Sites include both drive-up lean-tos and walk-in tent spots that require campers to cart gear from parking areas.

The facility provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and firewood for purchase, but lacks running water or electrical hookups. Campers must bring their own water or filter from nearby surface sources. "Trails led to the river behind the lean tos," notes Jean C., and several reviewers mention the swimming opportunities this river access provides. Cell service remains unavailable throughout the area.

The campground serves as a staging point for hiking Maine's 4,000-foot peaks, including the Brother mountains accessible via nearby trailheads. Wildlife activity increases at dusk, and moose frequent the area. Dark skies provide clear stargazing conditions without light pollution. Alcohol is permitted within campsites but prohibited in public areas of the park.

Plan to arrive before 8:30 PM to allow adequate setup time, as the access road requires slower travel speeds. The nearest supplies are over an hour away in town, making thorough preparation essential. This backcountry-style camping suits hikers and campers comfortable with basic facilities and remote locations.

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Location

Public Campground

Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park is located in Maine

Detail location of campground

Address

64 Balsam Drive
Millinocket, ME 04462

Coordinates

45.97665635 N
69.07785054 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the gorgeous natural setting and clean facilities at this remote Baxter State Park location. Guests commonly noted the basic amenities and off-grid experience as perfect for those seeking wilderness camping near hiking trails.

M
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2025

Great weekend camping

Had a great weekend camping here! Camp ground is clean, pretty spread out and beautiful! No cell service, bring everything you need as the nearest store is over an hour away. If you’re looking for a nice weekend getaway, or a prefect hiking spot, this is it! Will come back again.

Site23
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park by Mackenzie M., August 3, 2025
  • this shows sites 9, 25, and 24.
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  • this shows sites 7 (with a furry friend) and site 8
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Truthseeker C.
Reviewed May. 23, 2024

Fun, quite, off beaten path

This is an out of the way campground in Baxter. 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.

Month of VisitAugust
Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2018

Awesome location: dark skies, great hikes, Ledge Falls for cooling off

I 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:

  1. Make reservations online, though if you want a group site or a bunkhouse, give them a call or send a letter. Reservations open 4 months ahead of time.
  2. Plan to arrive before 8:30. It takes a while to get to the campgrounds from the gates, wildlife starts moving around at dusk, and you don't want to have to set up camp in the dark
  3. Bring either water or a filtration/treatment system so you can use surface water.
  4. Bring what you'll need…don't expect a convenient store to replace that missing item! It's a long way back to Millinocket. Pack out your trash.
  5. The general camping season is May-Oct, though winter camping (Dec-Mar) and activities are also possible. Snow may arrive early (which is why they sometimes have thru-hikers jump ahead to Katahdin and hike backwards if they aren't likely to make it to Katahdin ahead of the snow)
  6. No pets. No alcohol in public places (i.e. don't celebrate on a summit with a sip of your favorite beverage)
  7. There are a lot of rules, conditions of the donation. Take time to read the rules on the website.
Sitea lean-to
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park by Jean C., October 24, 2018
  • Review photo of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park by Jean C., October 24, 2018
L
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2016

Beautiful!

This place is gorgeous. You have to park and use carts to bring stuff to your site. It's not very far but it is something to consider. Moose are known to be in the area although we didn't see any while here. Outhouses are by the parking although that is not far, as mentioned above. Water has to be filtered and treated or carried in.

  • Review photo of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park by Leah B., September 5, 2016
  • Review photo of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park by Leah B., September 5, 2016
  • Review photo of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground — Baxter State Park by Leah B., September 5, 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Nesowadnehunk Field Campground?

Nesowadnehunk Field Campground offers a rustic, no-frills camping experience. The campground has outhouses near the parking area, but no running water - water must be carried in or filtered from natural sources. Firewood is available for purchase at the ranger station. The campground features walk-in sites requiring carts to transport gear from the parking area (though the distance isn't far). There are no modern amenities like cell service, Wi-Fi, or electricity, making this a true off-grid experience. Be prepared for self-sufficient camping - bring everything you need as the nearest store is over an hour away.

Where can I find a map of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground?

Maps of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground are available on the official Baxter State Park website. You can also obtain detailed maps at the park's entrance gates or at the ranger station when you check in. The maps show the layout of campsites, parking areas, trails, and nearby features. For hiking purposes, topographic maps of the surrounding area are recommended, especially if you plan to explore trails like Hunt Trail. Contact Baxter State Park administration directly for the most up-to-date and detailed maps of the campground.

How does Nesowadnehunk Field Campground relate to Baxter State Park?

Nesowadnehunk Field Campground is located within Baxter State Park, providing a more remote camping option compared to other park campgrounds. It serves as an excellent base for accessing many of the park's western region attractions and trails, including the Hunt Trail which leads to mountain summits. The campground embodies Baxter State Park's wilderness philosophy with its minimal amenities and focus on natural experiences. Like all Baxter facilities, Nesowadnehunk operates under the park's conservation mission to preserve the natural environment. The campground follows park regulations regarding reservations, vehicle access, and wildlife protection measures.

Are there photos available of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground?

Photos of Nesowadnehunk Field Campground can be found on the Baxter State Park official website and various camping platforms including The Dyrt. These images typically showcase the campground's natural setting, tent sites, and surrounding landscapes. The photos highlight the rustic, wilderness character of the campground with its wooded sites and proximity to mountain trails. For the most current and comprehensive collection of images, check the official Baxter State Park website or contact the park directly.

What do reviews say about Nesowadnehunk Field Campground?

Nesowadnehunk Field Campground is consistently praised for its pristine natural beauty and quiet, off-grid experience. Campers highlight the clean, well-maintained grounds and the spacious, spread-out sites that offer privacy. The location receives high marks for its proximity to excellent hiking trails, including access to Hunt Trail and nearby waterfalls. Visitors appreciate the dark night skies and peaceful atmosphere. The campground is described as a perfect base for peak-bagging and wilderness adventures. Many note the complete absence of cell service and the need to be fully self-sufficient, with the nearest store over an hour away.

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