The Central Basecamp
Nesowadnehunk Field Campground, locals call it “Sourdnahunk”, sits in the central part of Baxter State Park along the park’s main perimeter road. It occupies a large clearing that was once a logging depot, surrounded by mountains on all sides. Doubletop Mountain dominates the view to the northeast, and on clear days you can see the peaks of OJI and The Brothers along the ridgeline.
This campground has a different character from the pond-side and streamside camps in the park. The field setting is more open, with sites spread across a mix of grassy clearings and forest edge. It feels spacious rather than enclosed, and the sky is bigger here than at most Baxter campgrounds. The trade-off is that you are not on water, but the Nesowadnehunk Stream runs nearby and Nesowadnehunk Lake is a short drive away.
Nesowadnehunk Field is one of the easier Baxter campgrounds to book, particularly on weekdays. Most visitors focus on the Katahdin-area campgrounds, which means this centrally located camp often has availability when others are full. It is an excellent base for exploring the western and central trails of the park without fighting for a Katahdin Stream or Roaring Brook reservation.
The Campground
The campground has approximately 12 individual sites and a group camping area that can accommodate larger parties. Individual sites include a mix of tent sites and lean-tos, each with a picnic table and fire ring. The group area has space for up to 12 people and is popular with scout troops and hiking clubs.
The field setting means many sites are more exposed to sun than the typical forested Baxter campground. This is actually an advantage for drying gear and getting warmth on cool mornings, but it means less shade on hot summer afternoons. Sites along the forest edge offer the best of both worlds, shade from the trees and views of the mountains across the field.
Vault toilets and a potable water spigot serve the campground. There are no showers, no electricity, and no hookups. A ranger checks the campground but does not live on-site. The nearest staffed ranger station is at Katahdin Stream or Kidney Pond.
Nesowadnehunk Field is the best campground in Baxter for stargazing. The open field orientation and lack of tree canopy give you a wide, unobstructed view of the sky. On moonless nights in August, the Milky Way arcs directly overhead. Bring a camp chair and stay up late.
Things to Do
Doubletop Mountain is the premier hike from Nesowadnehunk Field. The trail begins near the campground and climbs steeply to twin summits at 3,488 feet. The round trip is approximately 6 miles with over 2,400 feet of elevation gain. It is one of the most challenging hikes in Baxter outside Katahdin, with sections of steep scrambling near the top. The summit views encompass Katahdin, the Nesowadnehunk Valley, and the western mountains stretching to the horizon.
The Brothers Trail offers a less strenuous option, connecting to a series of rocky knobs with views of Katahdin and the park interior. The OJI Link trail provides access to a demanding ridge traverse over Barren Mountain, OJI, and Coe, peaks that see a fraction of Katahdin’s traffic and reward you with solitude and panoramic views.
Nesowadnehunk Stream is a short walk from camp and offers excellent brook trout fishing. The stream tumbles through a series of pools and riffles that hold fish throughout the summer. Nesowadnehunk Lake, about a 10-minute drive, provides swimming and paddling opportunities for a rest day.
Doubletop Mountain is significantly harder than its mileage suggests. The trail is extremely steep in sections, with exposed rock scrambles near the summit. It is not suitable for young children or inexperienced hikers. Start early and carry plenty of water. There is no water source on the upper mountain.
When to Go
Spring
Opens mid-May. The field dries out faster than forested sites, but trails are still muddy and bugs are heavy.
Summer
July and August are ideal for Doubletop and the Brothers. Warm days and cool nights in the field.
Fall
September brings spectacular foliage on the surrounding mountains. The open field catches the low-angle autumn light beautifully.
Winter
Campground closed November through mid-May.
Getting There
From the Togue Pond Gate, drive the park perimeter road approximately 14 miles to Nesowadnehunk Field. The campground is well-signed along the main road. From the Matagamon Gate in the north, the drive is about 16 miles on the perimeter road. All roads are unpaved with a 20 mph speed limit.
The drive from Millinocket to the Togue Pond Gate is approximately 25 miles. From Bangor, plan about 90 minutes to the gate. From Portland, the drive is approximately four and a half hours.
The pronunciation trips up everyone. It is “sore-duh-HUNK”, not the way it looks on paper. If you say it correctly at the gate, the ranger will know you have been here before. The name comes from the Penobscot word meaning “stream with smooth, gravelly bottom.”
Nesowadnehunk Field Packing List
- Three-season tent with full rainfly
- 25-degree sleeping bag
- Camp stove and fuel
- Water filter as backup to spigot
- Sun protection (the field has limited shade)
- Trekking poles for Doubletop Mountain
- Fishing rod and Maine license
- Headlamp and lantern
- Bear-proof food storage
- Camp chair for evening stargazing
FAQ
Is Nesowadnehunk Field close to Katahdin?
It is about 6 miles from the Katahdin Stream trailhead, roughly a 20-minute drive on park roads. You can use it as a Katahdin base camp, though Katahdin Stream and Roaring Brook are closer to the mountain.
Can groups camp here?
Yes. Nesowadnehunk Field has a dedicated group camping area that accommodates up to 12 people. Group reservations are made through the Baxter State Park reservation system.
How do you pronounce Nesowadnehunk?
Sore-duh-HUNK. Locals and park regulars use this shortened pronunciation. The full Penobscot name describes the smooth, gravelly stream bottom.
Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not permitted anywhere in Baxter State Park.
Is this a good campground for beginners?
Yes. The open field setting, easier reservation availability, and mix of easy-to-moderate trails make it one of the most accessible Baxter campgrounds. Doubletop is advanced, but the Brothers and stream fishing are suitable for all levels.
