The Most Remote Campground in Baxter State Park
Russell Pond is the kind of place you earn. There is no road to it, no shortcut, and no cell service. To sleep here, you strap on a full backpack and hike at least 7 miles through wilderness, crossing streams on rocks and wading through shin-deep water where bridges do not exist. When you finally drop your pack at the edge of the pond, with Katahdin’s north basin rising to the south and no sound but loons calling across the water, you understand why people come back year after year.
This is Baxter State Park’s most remote drive-to-trailhead backcountry campground, and it rewards the effort with some of the finest wilderness camping in the eastern United States. Russell Pond sits in a shallow basin surrounded by boreal forest, with day-hike access to waterfalls, remote ponds, and some of the park’s least-traveled peaks.
Russell Pond is a 7+ mile hike from the nearest trailhead with no road access, no cell service, and no emergency vehicle access. You must be self-sufficient. Carry a water filter, first aid kit, and enough food for your stay plus one extra day. A satellite communicator or personal locator beacon is strongly recommended. Know your limits before committing.
Getting to Russell Pond
There are two routes in, and both require a full day of hiking with a loaded pack.
From Roaring Brook (7.2 miles): This is the most popular approach. Start at the Roaring Brook Campground trailhead on the eastern side of the park. The trail follows the Wassataquoik Stream drainage north, passing through dense spruce-fir forest with gradual elevation changes. The first few miles are relatively flat, but the trail roughens as you go deeper into the backcountry. You will cross Wassataquoik Stream multiple times. There are no bridges on several of these crossings. You will rock-hop when the water is low and wade when it is not. Waterproof boots or camp shoes for crossings are essential.
From South Branch Pond (9.6 miles): A longer but scenic alternative that approaches from the north. This route is less traveled and passes through some of the most remote terrain in the park. It is a good option if you are already camped at South Branch Pond Campground and want to make Russell Pond part of a multi-day trip.
Baxter State Park enforces a 2:00 PM cutoff for departures from trailheads on the way to Russell Pond. If you arrive at Roaring Brook after 2:00 PM, the ranger will not let you start hiking. This rule exists because the park does not want hikers arriving at Russell Pond in the dark. Plan accordingly and aim to be on the trail by 9:00 AM at the latest.
Campsites and Facilities
Russell Pond has three types of accommodations, all clustered near the pond shore with views of the water and surrounding forest.
Lean-tos are three-sided wooden shelters with raised sleeping platforms, each accommodating up to four people. They face the pond and come with a picnic table and fire ring. Lean-tos are the most popular option because they provide shelter from rain without requiring you to carry a tent. At $45 per night, they are the most comfortable way to stay.
Tent sites are cleared areas with space for one or two tents, each with a picnic table and fire ring. At $30 per night, they are the budget option, but you are carrying your tent the full 7 miles in.
Bunkhouse is a larger communal shelter that sleeps up to eight people at $25 per person per night. It is a good option for solo hikers or small groups who do not mind sharing space with strangers. The bunkhouse has a wood stove for chilly nights.
All sites have access to a privy (outhouse). Water comes from the pond and must be filtered or treated before drinking. There is no potable water system.
What to Do at Russell Pond
The beauty of Russell Pond is that once you arrive, you are already deep in the backcountry with day-hike options in every direction.
Canoe the pond. The camp ranger rents canoes for $1 per hour. Paddling Russell Pond at dawn, with mist lifting off the water and the silhouette of Katahdin’s north peaks behind you, is one of the most peaceful experiences in Maine. The pond also connects to Wassataquoik Lake via a short paddle and portage.
Fish for brook trout. Russell Pond and the surrounding streams hold native brook trout. A Maine fishing license is required. The fishing is best in early morning and evening, and fly fishing from the canoe is particularly productive.
Swim. The pond is clean and clear, with a gradual sandy entry near the campsite area. The water is cold but swimmable from late June through August.
Day hikes. Several trails radiate from Russell Pond. Grand Falls on Wassataquoik Stream is a 3.4-mile round trip to an impressive waterfall. Lookout Ledges offer views back toward Katahdin. Northwest Basin and Davis Pond provide full-day options for experienced hikers.
The moose watching at Russell Pond is some of the best in Maine. Moose come to the pond to feed on aquatic plants, especially at dawn and dusk. Sit quietly on the shore or paddle the canoe slowly along the edges and you have a very good chance of seeing one up close. Bull moose with full racks are regularly spotted in September.
Wildlife
Russell Pond is moose country. The combination of pond, streams, and boreal forest creates ideal moose habitat, and sightings right from camp are extremely common. Many campers report moose wading into the pond within view of the lean-tos, especially during the early morning hours. Keep your distance (at least 50 feet) and never approach a cow with a calf.
Black bears also live in the area. Store all food in the bear-proof storage boxes provided at the campground. Do not leave food in your tent or pack.
Reservations
Russell Pond reservations are handled by phone only. Call Baxter State Park headquarters at 207-723-5140. You cannot book Russell Pond online. Reservations open up to four months in advance on a rolling basis. Summer weekends and September foliage season fill quickly, but midweek availability is often better.
When you call, have your preferred dates, number of people, and site type (lean-to, tent, or bunkhouse) ready. The staff are helpful but the phone lines can be busy during peak booking periods. Try calling first thing in the morning.
Russell Pond is best experienced over two or three nights. One night means you hike in and hike out with barely a full day at the pond. Two nights gives you a full day to explore, paddle, fish, and watch for moose. Three nights lets you tackle day hikes to Grand Falls, Lookout Ledges, and the Northwest Basin without feeling rushed. Most returning campers book three nights.
When to Go
Spring
Campground closed. Snow and high water on trails into late May.
Summer
Open mid-May. Best conditions July-August. Bugs heavy in June. Long days for hiking.
Fall
September is peak. Foliage, moose rut, cool nights, minimal bugs. Book early.
Winter
Campground closed. Trails impassable without winter mountaineering skills.
September is the ideal month for Russell Pond. The bugs are gone, the nights are cool but not cold, the foliage is starting to turn in the surrounding hills, and the moose are active during the early rut. July and August are also good, though June blackflies and mosquitoes can be intense at this elevation and latitude.
Camping Packing List
Russell Pond Packing List
- Backpack (50-65 liters)
- Tent with rain fly (if not reserving a lean-to)
- Sleeping bag rated to 30F
- Sleeping pad
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Camp stove and fuel
- Food for your stay plus one extra day
- Bear-proof food storage bag (bear boxes at camp, but bring backup)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Rain gear and extra layers
- Bug spray and head net (June-July)
- Camp shoes for stream crossings
- Fishing gear and Maine license (optional)
- Satellite communicator or PLB
FAQ
How do I get to Russell Pond?
Hike in. The shortest route is 7.2 miles from the Roaring Brook trailhead on the east side of Baxter State Park. There is no road access. You must carry everything you need on your back. Allow 4 to 6 hours for the hike in with a full pack.
Can I book Russell Pond online?
No. Russell Pond reservations are phone-only through Baxter State Park headquarters at 207-723-5140. Reservations open four months in advance on a rolling basis. Call early in the morning for the best chance of reaching someone quickly.
Is there a canoe at Russell Pond?
Yes. The camp ranger rents canoes for $1 per hour. You can paddle Russell Pond and access Wassataquoik Lake via a short portage. Bring your own life jacket, as availability of loaners is not guaranteed.
Are there moose at Russell Pond?
Yes, frequently. Moose sightings at Russell Pond are extremely common, especially at dawn and dusk when they feed on aquatic vegetation in the pond. September during the early rut is the best time for sightings. Keep at least 50 feet of distance.
Do I need to cross streams to get to Russell Pond?
Yes. The Roaring Brook route crosses Wassataquoik Stream multiple times without bridges. You will rock-hop in low water and wade in higher water. Bring waterproof boots or camp shoes you can get wet. After heavy rain, crossings can be knee-deep or higher.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed anywhere in Baxter State Park. There are no exceptions to this rule.
Getting There
Russell Pond is accessed from the Roaring Brook Campground trailhead in Baxter State Park. From Millinocket, take Baxter Park Road north to the Togue Pond Gatehouse (about 18 miles). After passing through the gate, drive 8 miles on the Park Tote Road to the Roaring Brook Road turnoff, then follow it 8 miles to the Roaring Brook parking area.
From Bangor: About 90 minutes to the Togue Pond Gate. Take I-95 north to Exit 244 (Medway/Millinocket), then Route 11/157 west to Millinocket and north on Baxter Park Road.
From Portland: About 4.5 hours to the gate. Take I-95 north to Exit 244 and follow the same route.
Parking: Limited parking at Roaring Brook. This is also the trailhead for Katahdin via the Chimney Pond Trail, so it fills early on summer weekends. Arrive before 7:00 AM. Maine residents enter free; non-residents pay $15 per vehicle.
