View Full Version : Baxter State Park reservation over the phone?
How does this process work? I'm going SoBo mid Junish. Do I have to separately reserve my camp site and my climb up Katahdin separately? Do they take reservations over the phone? Why do they make it so difficult? ;)
white_russian
04-25-2010, 15:41
I have done it over the phone before but it was like less than two weeks before. I think there is a period where they only take mail reservations, but I am not up on their system. You don't make reservations for climbing, only for camping and I think parking. Just call up Baxter park and they can help you figure it all out. Everybody that I have dealt with so far at Baxter has been very easy to deal with.
I have done it over the phone before but it was like less than two weeks before. I think there is a period where they only take mail reservations, but I am not up on their system. You don't make reservations for climbing, only for camping and I think parking. Just call up Baxter park and they can help you figure it all out. Everybody that I have dealt with so far at Baxter has been very easy to deal with.
Rockin', thanks.
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/Camping/CampingReservations.html (http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/Camping/CampingReservations.html)
Everything you need to know about camping is linked. Anything you don't understand in most cases is best addressed by contacting BSP. Theirs may be the best A.T.-related website and their staff is sharp too.
mountain squid
04-25-2010, 16:23
Suggest you make reservations for two nights at Katahdin Strm CG or at the very least for the night after you climb Katahdin.
In addition (http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/hiking/hikingThru.html) to emerald's link.
You might also contact the Appalachian Trail Lodge (http://www.appalachiantraillodge.com/) for additional options.
See you on the trail,
mt squid
The Unknown Hiker
05-10-2010, 09:49
I talked to a nice lady at BSP today and she said there is a chance that the ranger at KSC may let SOBOs spend one night at the Birches IF it is not full with northbounders. This is totally at the discretion of the Ranger. If you get to stay, you still have to pay the Birches $10 daily rate. AND this assumes that all of the other lean-to's and tent sites are filled. Otherwise, you have to book and pay full price $30) for an available site.
Yes - you can mail in a reservation request right now - print out the form and mark your preference. Check the availability (real-time) listing of current vacancies for all of the campgrounds. You may be safer to reserve a spot at Abol Campground (two miles south of KSC). Currently, it is a lot more available.
I'm starting my SOBO 2nd week of July and seriously doubt the Birches will be empty of NOBO's. Will probably stay at a hostel night before and try winging it for an available spot after the climb.
Remember - they only take cash at the Park.
Blissful
05-10-2010, 14:22
I had no problem at all sending in my reservation via the mail. They sent it back promptly. We are staying in Millinocket the night before, shuttling in and camping that night after the climb at KS.
I wouldn't risk the Birches. If you can't stay there for some reason, you are really out of luck and will have to hike down the blueberry ledges trail to stay at Abol. And after a tough day on Katahdin. Not worth the chance, IMO
safn1949
05-10-2010, 15:21
I have a reservation for the 27th of July that I will not be able to use,it's paid for and if anyone can use it you can have it.(free)
Email me for the form you will need,I hate to see this go to waste.:D
TJ aka Teej
05-10-2010, 15:29
How does this process work? I'm going SoBo mid Junish. Do I have to separately reserve my camp site and my climb up Katahdin separately? Do they take reservations over the phone? Why do they make it so difficult? ;)
You don't have to reserve a climb up Katahdin! If the trails are open, you can climb.
You can make a reservation over the phone for a date two weeks in advance:
http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/bsp_public/scripts/BSP_Public.exe/overview
Right now, you can reserve for May 24th this way. Dates further away require that you mail in, or just chance it and wait.
Believe me, this isn't difficult!