South Branch Pond Campground

The Quiet Side of Baxter

South Branch Pond is the largest campground in Baxter State Park and one of the most remote. It sits in the northern section of the park, surrounded by the peaks of the Traveler Range, 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 up here. That is exactly the point.

The campground sits on the shore of Upper South Branch Pond, a clear mountain pond ringed by spruce forest with North Traveler Mountain and South Branch Mountain rising directly from the water’s edge. The setting is dramatic. On a calm morning, the ridgeline reflects perfectly off the surface, and the only sounds are loons calling and water lapping against 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. The drive in from Matagamon is about 8 miles on the park’s gravel perimeter road, winding through dense forest before the pond opens up in front of you.

Campsites and Lean-tos

The campground has 21 tent sites, 12 lean-tos, and one bunkhouse that sleeps up to eight people. Sites are spread along the pond’s western shore and back into the woods.

Lean-tos are three-sided log shelters with raised wooden sleeping platforms, open on one side with an overhanging roof. Each one has a picnic table and fire pit. Several lean-tos sit right on the water’s edge with unobstructed views across the pond to the Traveler Range. These are the most popular spots in the campground and book first. A lean-to is a good option if you want shelter without hauling a tent, though you still need a sleeping bag and pad.

Tent sites are cleared, level areas in the forest with a picnic table, fire pit, and space for one or two tents. Some are more private than others. Sites closer to the pond tend to have more spacing, while those farther back along the access road are tighter together.

The bunkhouse is a single structure that can be reserved by one group. It sleeps up to eight people and works well for larger parties or groups who want to share a common space. It books fast for peak weekends.

Facilities

South Branch Pond is a backcountry campground. The facilities reflect that.

Bathrooms are outhouses, maintained by the campground ranger. There is no running water, no electricity, and no showers. Firewood is available for purchase from the ranger. There is no camp store, no ice, and no supplies of any kind.

Potable water is not provided. Bring all the drinking water you need or bring a water filter rated for backcountry use. The pond water is clear but should be filtered or treated before drinking.

The campground ranger lives on-site during the season and is your first point of contact for trail conditions, weather updates, and any issues. Rangers at South Branch Pond tend to know the northern trails well and are worth talking to before you head out.

On the Water

The campground rents canoes and kayaks to registered campers at $1 per hour, paid to the ranger. Upper South Branch Pond is about a mile long and ideal for paddling. Lower South Branch Pond, connected by a short carry, is smaller and even more secluded.

Swimming is excellent here. The water is clean and clear with a sandy bottom near the canoe launch. It stays cold through June but warms to a comfortable temperature by mid-July. There is no lifeguard and no formal beach, so swim at your own risk.

Brook trout and lake trout inhabit the pond. Fishing is regulated under Baxter State Park rules — check current regulations with the ranger. Early morning and evening are the most productive times, especially along the deeper eastern shoreline.

Trail Access

South Branch Pond is the primary trailhead for the Traveler Range, a cluster of peaks in the park’s northern section that offer some of the best ridge hiking in Maine with a fraction of the foot traffic that Katahdin sees.

North Traveler Mountain — The signature hike from South Branch Pond. The trail climbs about 2,600 feet over roughly 5 miles to the summit of North Traveler (3,152 feet). The upper sections are exposed with sweeping views of the park’s northern wilderness and the pond far below. A full loop via the Center Ridge Trail and Pogy Notch Trail makes a challenging day hike of about 10 miles.

South Branch Mountain — A shorter climb directly behind the campground with good views from the summit. About 4 miles round trip and less demanding than North Traveler. A solid option for an afternoon hike or a warm-up day.

The Ledges — A short hike (about 2 miles round trip) to a series of rock outcrops overlooking the pond. This is the best quick hike from the campground and delivers views well beyond what you would expect for the effort.

Howe Brook Trail — Follows a stream through a narrow ravine with small waterfalls and pools. About 4 miles round trip. More of a nature walk than a summit hike, and a good choice on hot days when the shade and water are welcome.

Pogy Notch Trail — A longer connecting trail that runs south from the campground toward Russell Pond. This is backcountry territory and a route used by through-hikers connecting the northern and central sections of the park.

Getting There

From Bangor, take I-95 north to the Sherman exit (Exit 264), then Route 11 north to Patten. From Patten, follow Route 159 west to the Matagamon Gate. The total drive from Bangor is about two hours.

The Matagamon Gate is far less busy than the Togue Pond Gate on the park’s south side. On peak summer weekends, Togue Pond can have a line of cars waiting at dawn. Matagamon rarely has a wait. The gate opens at 6 AM and closes to incoming traffic at a time posted seasonally — check with the park before you go.

The 8-mile drive from the gate to the campground is on the park’s unpaved perimeter road. It is maintained but rough in places. Any vehicle with reasonable clearance can make it. Allow 20 to 30 minutes for the drive.

For those coming from the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, the Matagamon Gate is about 30 minutes away. The two areas pair well for a multi-day trip in Maine’s northern wilderness.

Reservations

Reservations are made through the Baxter State Park Authority by calling 207-723-5140. The rolling reservation window opens four months before your arrival date. Maine residents receive a two-week priority booking window before non-residents can reserve.

South Branch Pond is less competitive than the campgrounds near Katahdin, but waterfront lean-tos and peak-season weekends still fill quickly. Weekday stays and September dates are the easiest to book. The bunkhouse books early for any weekend in July or August.

Check-in is at 1 PM and check-out is at 11 AM. There is no walk-in or overflow camping. If you arrive without a reservation, you will be turned away.

When to Go

September is the standout month. The blackflies and mosquitoes are gone, the foliage is turning, and the campground is noticeably less crowded. Nights get cold — into the 30s by late September — so bring a warm sleeping bag. The trade-off is worth it.

Packing List

For a full gear breakdown, see our best camping gear for Maine guide.

FAQ