Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Winter In Baxter
Winter use is strictly regulated, with a system of color-coded
days indicating allowable activity according to weather condi-
tions. Snow depths of five to seven feet are average. Windchill
temperatures of 50 ° or even 60 ° below zero are not unusual.
Long backcountry Nordic ski excursions with stays in bunk-
houses are possible. Often, parties will use snowmobile track
shortcuts created by park staff who use the machines to bring
summer supplies, fuel and equipment to remote campgrounds
and ranger cabins. Snowmobiling is allowed only on the perime-
ter road, which is not groomed and is often impassable due to
downed trees, etc.
All winter users must register with the park and will be quizzed
on their experience level and physical condition. Equipment is
also inspected to be sure users literally “have the right stuff.”
Applications for winter use must be filed two weeks in advance.
Campsites & Cabins
Use of any campsite in Baxter is by reservation only. In peak summer,
when the campgrounds are full and when trailhead parking lots are
clogged with day hikers staying outside the park, the gates are, in effect,
closed. Day hikers often arrive by 5:30 am to insure a spot when the gates
open at 6 am.
Reservations at Baxter are not taken by phone. Callers can check on
availability by phone, but must send a check and written request by mail
or appear at park headquarters on Balsam Drive in Millinocket in per-
son. Mail-in reservations from Maine residents are given priority over
other mail-in reservation requests.
The park begins taking reservations each year on the first weekday after
New Year's Day. In order to get favorite spots - particularly the rustic
cabins at Daicey and Kidney Ponds offering glorious views on prime sum-
mer weekends - some people get in line days in advance. They camp out
in sleeping bags and tents in the parking lot of a nearby hotel where
opening day registrations are processed. It is not unusual for more than
150 people to be in line when the door opens. Some have endured nights
with temperatures of 20-below zero!
In addition to the cabins, Baxter boasts 10 traditional campgrounds with
tent and lean-to sites. Bunkhouses holding varying numbers of people
are also available. Backcountry lean-tos and tent sites are also scattered
throughout the park.
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