The Quiet Side of Baxter
South Branch Pond Campground sits in the remote northern section of Baxter State Park, a full 30 miles from Katahdin and a world away from the crowds at Roaring Brook and Katahdin Stream. Most visitors to Baxter never make it this far north. The campground occupies a stunning position on the shore of Upper South Branch Pond, a crystal-clear mountain pond ringed by the peaks of the Traveler Range rising directly from the water’s edge.
The setting is dramatic and intimate at the same time. On a calm morning, the ridgeline of North Traveler Mountain reflects perfectly off the pond surface, and the only sounds are loons calling and water lapping at the canoe launch. You reach South Branch Pond through the Matagamon Gate, the park’s northern entrance off Route 159 from Patten. This gate sees a fraction of the traffic that comes through the southern Togue Pond Gate.
For campers who want the Baxter State Park wilderness experience without the Katahdin reservation pressure, South Branch Pond is the answer. It is easier to book, less crowded, and arguably more beautiful than the southern campgrounds. The Traveler Range offers challenging hikes with panoramic views, and the pond itself is one of the finest in the park for paddling and swimming.
The Campground
South Branch Pond has approximately 21 sites spread along the pond shore and into the surrounding forest. The mix includes tent sites, lean-tos, and a handful of rustic cabins. Tent sites are cleared pads with picnic tables and fire rings. The lean-tos are classic three-sided shelters, and the cabins are small log structures with bunks that sleep four to six people.
Canoes are provided for camper use at no additional charge, a perk that distinguishes South Branch Pond from most Baxter campgrounds. The canoes are stored at the pond’s edge and are available on a first-come basis. They open up access to Lower South Branch Pond and the connecting waterway between the two ponds, which is excellent for wildlife viewing. Moose are regularly spotted feeding in the shallows at dawn and dusk.
The campground has vault toilets and a potable water spigot. There are no showers, no electricity, and no hookups. A seasonal ranger lives on-site and manages the campground. The ranger station has a small lending library and information about trail conditions in the Traveler Range.
Request a site on the pond side of the campground road for the best views and direct water access. Sites closest to the canoe launch are convenient for early morning paddles when the pond is glassy and wildlife is most active.
Things to Do
The Traveler Range rises directly from the campground and offers some of the best hiking in Baxter State Park outside of Katahdin. The North Traveler Trail departs from camp and climbs steeply to the ridgeline for a loop that can be combined with the Center Ridge and Pogy Notch trails. The full Traveler loop is roughly 10 miles with significant elevation gain and delivers panoramic views across the northern Maine wilderness, a sea of forest with virtually no sign of human habitation in any direction.
The ponds are the other main draw. Upper and Lower South Branch Ponds together cover about 170 acres of clear, cold water. Brook trout fishing is excellent, particularly in early morning and evening. Bring your own rod and a Maine fishing license. Swimming is refreshing after a hike, the water is cold but swimmable by mid-July.
Paddling the ponds is a highlight. The canoes provided by the campground are basic but functional. Paddle to the far end of Lower South Branch Pond and you will feel as remote as it is possible to feel in a designated campground. The connecting channel between the ponds is narrow and weedy, perfect habitat for moose, great blue herons, and other wildlife.
South Branch Pond is remote. The nearest hospital is in Millinocket, over an hour away on unpaved roads. Cell service does not exist here. Pack a first aid kit, tell someone your plans, and bring enough food for an extra day in case weather delays your departure.
When to Go
Spring
Park opens mid-May but trails are muddy and black flies are brutal through mid-June. The pond is still very cold.
Summer
July and August are ideal. Warm days, swimmable pond water, and the best fishing. Mosquitoes taper off by late July.
Fall
September and early October bring spectacular foliage across the Traveler Range. Fewer campers and no bugs. Nights are cold.
Winter
Campground and Matagamon Gate closed November through mid-May.
Getting There
From Patten, take Route 159 west approximately 25 miles to the Matagamon Gate, the park’s northern entrance. From the gate, drive the park perimeter road south about 8 miles to the South Branch Pond campground road. The total drive from Patten is about 40 minutes on a mix of paved and unpaved roads. The park road has a 20 mph speed limit.
From Bangor, take I-95 north to Exit 264 (Sherman), then follow Route 11 north to Patten and Route 159 west to the park. The total drive is approximately two hours. From Portland, the drive is roughly five hours.
The Matagamon Gate is far less busy than the southern Togue Pond Gate. You rarely need to worry about arriving before the gate opens at 6 AM, even on summer weekends. This is one of the big advantages of the northern campgrounds. You can set your own pace without the rush.
South Branch Pond Camping Packing List
- Three-season tent with quality rainfly
- 25-degree sleeping bag (nights get cold even in summer)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Camp stove and fuel
- Fishing rod and Maine fishing license
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Bug spray and head net (essential through July)
- Bear-proof food storage
- Dry bags for canoe paddling
- Extra day of food as a buffer
FAQ
How do I reserve a site at South Branch Pond?
Through the Baxter State Park reservation system on a rolling four-month basis. South Branch Pond is less competitive than Katahdin-area campgrounds, but summer weekends still fill up. Book early for July and August.
Are the canoes really free to use?
Yes. Canoes are provided for registered campers at no extra charge. They are stored at the pond's edge and available on a first-come basis. Bring your own life jackets, PFDs are required.
Can I drive from South Branch Pond to Katahdin?
Yes, but it is a long drive on the park perimeter road, about 30 miles one way on rough gravel. Most campers who want to climb Katahdin book a separate stay at a southern campground.
Are pets allowed?
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted anywhere in Baxter State Park.
Is there cell service?
No. There is no cell service at South Branch Pond or anywhere in the park. The nearest signal is in Patten, about 30 miles east.
