Kidney Pond Campground in Baxter State Park: What You Need to Know
Name: Kidney Pond Campground
Location: Baxter State Park
Activities: Hiking, swimming, paddling, fly fishing, nature watching.
Dog-friendly: No
Season: May-October
Camping: Cabins only
Fees: Yes, click here for fees
Kidney Pond is a great camping alternative for families or those looking for lodging with indoor space. Adventurers can choose from 13 different wilderness cabins that hug the shores of Kidney Pond. Encompassed by thick woods, these cabins make a great home base for anyone hoping to hike, swim, nature watch, paddle, or fly fish in Baxter State Park.
In this blog post, I will be sharing everything you need to know about staying at Kidney Pond Campground—when to make a reservation, how to access the cabins, what to bring, the best time of year to visit, cabin amenities, my favorite nearby hikes, and more!
About Baxter State Park
Kidney Pond is one of several lodging options based in Baxter State Park, most of which cater to adventurers from all over the world to hike Katahdin, the last peak on the Appalachian Trail, standing 5267’ tall. In addition to campgrounds, the park has over 209,000 acres of forest, lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers, all surrounded by rugged mountains. Baxter State Park is known for its commitment to conservation, maintaining a "forever wild" status with minimal development to preserve its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
How to Make a Camping Reservation in Baxter State Park
If you are planning a trip during the Summer and Fall (June-October), reservations can be made up to four months in advance, either via phone (207-723-5140), in person at the Baxter State Park headquarters in Millinocket, via mail, or online using the Baxter State Park website. Personally, I find calling to make a reservation easiest. Reservations for the month of May have to be made via phone, mail, or in-person.
Accessing Kidney Pond Campground
The quickest way to access Kidney Pond is through the Baxter State Park Togue Pond Gatehouse and driving West on the Park Tote Road for about 10 miles (which takes about 40 minutes). I also feel it is necessary to share that all the roads in the park are dirt, so make sure your car is in tip top shape before your trip.
You will need to arrive at the Togue Pond Gatehouse before 8:30p.m., or else you will be turned away. All vehicles entering the park are required to stop and check-in with the ranger at the gatehouse. They will ask you if you are visiting for the day or staying in the park. Be prepared to provide them with a printed copy or picture of your camping reservation, as well as a form of I.D (license, passport, etc.). They will give you a map of the park, a parking pass, and a copy of park rules and regulations.
About Kidney Pond Campground
Kidney Pond is located in the SouthWest corner of Baxter State Park, nestled between several other ponds and streams. The cabins are situated along the Western shoreline of the pond. There are 13 wilderness cabins of varying sizes—all of which have beds, a table, chairs, fire pit or communal fireplace, picnic table, and views of the pond. All of the cabins except for 3, 4, and 5 are walk-in—meaning you will have to load your belongings into a wagon and pull it to your cabin. Cabin 12 (OJI) is a bit harder to reach—it requires either a 1 mile canoe or hike. None of the cabins have electricity, running water, a kitchen or bathroom—which means you will have to cook outside on a stove and you will have other use privy toilets. You will also need to bring your own water supply for cooking and drinking.
The campground also has a dock area, a large grassy picnic area, and a library with books, puzzles, games, and large tables—perfect for hanging out on rainy days.
Campground Activities
Hiking
The best part about camping in Baxter State Park is that you can hike anywhere you want without needing a parking reservation or Katahdin Trailhead Pass (KTP). Here are a couple hikes you can access right from the campground:
Doubletop Mountain (read below for mileage, hard)
Doubletop has two trailheads—one located at Kidney Pond Campground and the other located at Nesowadnehunk Stream Campground. If you choose to hike in-and-out from Nesowadnehunk Stream, it is a 6.4-mile hike. If you decide to hike in-and-out from Kidney Pond, it is a 9.6-mile hike. If you choose to hike one-way from Nesowadnehunk Stream to Kidney Pond, it is a 7.2-mile hike. Whichever you choose, you will encounter a brook crossing and a steep ascent that is rewarded with gorgeous views of Katahdin, OJI, Mt. Cote, and North and South Brother.
Sentinel Mountain (5.2 miles, moderate)
A rewarding hike that starts at the Kidney Pond day use parking lot. The trail winds around the pond and across two streams followed by a steep ascent up the rocky NorthEast face of the mountain. There is a relatively flat small loop trail on top of the mountain, which provides views of Katahdin, Barren Mountain, OJI, and Doubletop Mountain.
Additional nearby hikes include:
Big + Little Niagara Falls (2 miles, easy)
Park in the day use parking lot at Daicey Pond and walk about a mile South on the Niagaras Trail (Appalachian Trail). Little Niagara will be about 150 feet off the trail, and Big Niagara is located another 0.3 miles South on the Appalachian Trail.
Katahdin (read below for mileage, hard)
Katahdin Stream and Abol trailheads are the closest to Kidney Pond, which means hikers can choose between either the Hunt Trail (9.4 miles) or the Abol Trail (6.2 miles). Keep in mind that when hiking Katahdin, the shorter the trail is, the larger the incline. Both trails will bring you right to Baxter Peak. If you want to also bag Hamlin Peak, that will add an extra 4 miles of hiking onto your trip. It is recommended that Knife Edge be hiked from Pamola Peak to Baxter Peak, so I wouldn’t recommend bagging that peak if you’re starting from Abol or Katahdin Stream.
The Brothers (9.5 miles, hard)
Another challenging 4000’ that provides stunning views of Baxter State Park mountains, lakes, ponds, and streams. It is recommended to hike this loop in a counter-clockwise direction (Marston Trail > Mount Coe > South Brother > North Brother > Marston Trail).
Mount OJI (8.4 miles, hard)
A rewarding day hike that ascends through the Nesowadnehunk Valley and provides stunning views of Katahdin, The Brothers, Barren Mountain, and Doubletop Mountain.
Nature Watching
There is plenty of wildlife to watch around Kidney Pond. Campers can enjoy bird watching (we saw several hawks, eagles, and loons) search for bunnies around the campground, wake up really early to try and find a moose, or rent a canoe and spot fish in the pond.
Swimming
Swimming is permitted at Kidney Pond. There is a small rocky beach that spans from the dock area to each cabin. The bottom of the pond is quite rocky and slippery, so consider bringing water shoes with good grip if you are unsteady on your feet. Other fun swimming options include nearby Slide Dam, Big and Little Niagara Falls, and Daicey Pond.
Canoe Rentals
One of my favorite things about Baxter State Park is that they offer canoe and kayak rentals at every pond side campground in the park. The sign out sheet is located at the ranger station and life jackets and paddles are available at the library. Payment is completed using an honor system where you slip cash into a slot at the ranger station for every hour you used the rental. As of 2025, rentals cost one dollar per hour of use.
Insider Tips for Visiting South Branch Pond Campground
What to Pack
Kidney Pond Campground is what I like to call a wilderness campground. Essentially, this means that they provide the “wilderness” (cabin, privy toilets, and a fire ring) and you have to bring literally everything else. You will need to bring water (for cooking AND drinking), anything you need for cooking meals and cleaning dishes (pots, pans, a stove, propane, dish basin, garbage bags, etc.), a tent and/or bedding, as well as anything else you will need to be comfortable. I would strongly advise that you bring a first aid kit, flashlights and/or headlamps, and a paper map of the park. If you do not camp frequently, be sure to check out my camping checklist to help with packing and my camping essentials storefront for product suggestions.
What NOT to Pack
It’s also important to know what NOT to bring camping in Baxter State Park. Pets of any kind are not allowed in the park for the protection of wildlife, plants, and other precious ecosystems. Motorcycles are prohibited inside the park, as are large RV’s, generators of any kind, and firewood from outside the park. Firewood can be purchased at the campground for a fair price.
Parking
Campers are allowed to park one car at their designated parking spot.
Be Smaht and Bring Cash
Having cash on hand is always smart—especially when visiting Baxter State Park. It’s helpful for purchasing firewood and canoe/kayak rentals, paying for gas or a tow in emergencies, or paying campground fees if you decide to change your plans.
Best Time to Visit
In my humble opinion, Baxter State Park is the most enjoyable during the Summer (June-September) months when temperatures are welcoming to activities such as hiking, swimming, and canoeing.
Leave no Trace
When it comes to enjoying time outdoors, remember the golden rule: Leave No Trace. It’s as simple as picking up after yourself, staying on the trails, and leaving nature just as beautiful as you found it. Think of it like being a good guest—keep things clean, respect the wildlife, take only memories and leave behind only footprints. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of places like Baxter State Park for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more insider Maine camping tips and recommendations? You can find them all here.
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With Love,
MyMaine
