How to Get a Permit for Camping and Hiking in Baxter State Park
Securing a permit for Baxter State Park is the single most important—and confusing—part of planning a trip to the Park. With strict capacity limits, a unique reservation system, and no walk-in permits, Baxter State Park requires advance planning that catches many first-time visitors off guard.
This step-by-step guide explains exactly how Baxter State Park permits work. You’ll learn when reservations open, which permits you need for backpacking or camping, and the most common mistakes to avoid—so you can secure your permit and focus on enjoying a stress-free visit to Baxter State Park!
About Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park caters to adventurers from all over the world, most of which are hoping to summit Katahdin, the final peak on the Appalachian Trail, standing 5267’ tall. In addition to it’s 337 campsites and 215 miles of trails, 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.
Baxter State Park reservation system overview
Hiking Reservations
All Katahdin trailheads require a Katahdin Trailhead Pass (KTP) if you are not camping the night before you hike. The Katahdin trailheads are Roaring Brook, Abol, and Katahdin Stream. Even if you are not hiking any of the trails that go to Katahdin, you will still need a Katahdin Trailhead Pass because you are parking at a Katahdin Trailhead. All other trailheads (Traveler Loop, Doubletop, The Brothers, etc.) do not require a parking pass.
Camping Reservations
All campgrounds in Baxter State Park, including backcountry campsites, require reservations to be made in advance.
When do reservations open for Baxter State Park?
Hiking Reservations
Starting on April 1st, you can reserve Katahdin Trailhead Passes in advance for any day of the summer. There is a limit of two reservations per calendar month for the months of June-October. Katahdin Trailhead Passes are not required in May.
Camping Reservations
Camping reservations can be made up to four months in advance. This table can help you pinpoint the exact date you should call to make a reservation.
How to make a reservation for Baxter State Park
If you are planning a trip during the Summer and Fall (June-October), camping and hiking reservations can be made 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. The reservation office is open seven days a week in the Summer, from 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Reservations for the month of May, Chimney Pond, Russell Pond, backcountry sites, bunkhouses, and group sites, must be done via phone, mail, or in-person.
In my experience, I have found that calling when the office opens at 8:00a.m. to make a reservation is easiest, especially if you need advice on where to go and what to do.
Reservation fees for Baxter State Park
Katahdin Trailhead Passes are $10.00 per day. If you are not a Maine resident, you will also have to purchase a gate pass, which are $20.00. Or you can buy a season pass for $50.00.
Click here for the most up-to-date information on camping fees.
Frequently asked questions about Baxter State Park permits
If I have a camping reservation, do I need a gate pass?
No, as long as you are camping in the park the night BEFORE you are hiking.
How many Katadin Trailhead Passes do I need?
Only one per vehicle.
Which trailheads are “Katahdin” trailheads?
Roaring Brook Campground, Abol Campground, and Katahdin Stream.
Insider tips for getting a Baxter State Park permit
To help secure a high-demand reservation (Chimney Pond lean-to’s, Kidney Pond, Daicey Pond) you’ll want to call right when the reservation office opens at 8:00a.m. This is especially true for July and August reservations.
If you want to secure a weekend reservation for a high-demand campsite, book a reservation for Wednesday or Thursday through Sunday. Then call and cancel the extra nights you won’t be using two weeks before your trip so you can get refunded that money and keep the weekend days.
Another way to secure a weekend reservation for a high-demand campsite is to book a night or two somewhere less busy in the park followed by however many nights you want to spend at the desired campsite. You can always get refunded for reservations as long as you cancel two weeks in advance.
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. By practicing Leave No Trace, you help preserve the magic of Maine for future adventurers to enjoy, so everyone can keep enjoying the same beautiful, wild world we love.
Interested in more Baxter State Park hiking information and tips? You can find them all here.
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