Maine’s Baxter State Park Named One of America’s Best Camping Destinations

By no means is Baxter State Park a hidden gem; it's a well-known landmark in Maine.

However, it's fair to say that it often takes a backseat to its cousin, Acadia National Park. Not that there's anything wrong with that, Acadia is one of the premier national parks in the United States.

Maine's Baxter State Park is One of the State's Most Magnificent Locations

That said, I would argue that Baxter State Park is one of the finest parks in America. It's home to Mount Katahdin and marks the northern terminus of the legendary Appalachian Trail. This vast expanse of wilderness contains some of the most beautiful and remote landscapes in the country, not just in Maine. Sure, Katahdin can get a bit crowded, but that's just one part of nearly 210,000 acres of unspoiled natural beauty.

Baxter also offers a wide variety of unique campgrounds. Some are located on ponds or near trailheads, while others require a few hours of hiking to reach. And of course, there's no shortage of backcountry options.

With that being said, it's no surprise that Baxter is gaining national attention for its outstanding camping reputation.

Baxter Named One of the Best Parks in the Nation for Camping

The popular travel site County Adventures recently released a list of the best remote camping areas in the United States. The list included just 11 locations—one of them being Baxter.

Here is a little of what it had to say about Baxter State Park.

Camping here means you’ll experience the raw beauty of Maine’s forests, rivers, and wildlife. The park’s strict conservation policies ensure that the environment remains pristine, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Well, that's a pretty darn good explanation of the park. It truly is one of the best places in all of the Northeast, and it should be on every outdoor enthusiast's list. This is especially true for those seeking beautiful, remote areas, as Baxter offers those backcountry camping sites that are simply stunning.

Baxter does tend to be overlooked by tourists, and that's just fine by Mainers. The quiet, peaceful park is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature. However, that doesn't mean you can just show up and easily get a campsite.

How Do Baxter State Park's Campground Bookings Work?

Baxter's campgrounds operate on a reservation-only policy. Even though there are a number of campsites, they tend to get booked very quickly. It's advisable to reserve your spot as early as the system allows—especially for campsites near Katahdin.

However, despite how quickly the sites fill up, there's still an incredible sense of peace and serenity throughout the park. Nature truly takes the lead in one of Maine's most cherished places.

READ MORE: Maine’s Acadia Climbs to 7th Most Popular U.S. National Park

It's wonderful to see Maine's most special park recognized on this list. As someone who has camped at numerous sites in Baxter, I fully endorse a trip, you won’t be disappointed.

Happy camping!