View Full Version : Katahdin Springs - Tent vs lean-to
protargol
04-16-2011, 16:35
I'm starting my SOBO in early June and am wondering if it's better to reserve a tent site or a lean-to with regards to black flies.
Also, does anyone know what happens to my reservation if the trail isn't open? Thanks.
TJ aka Teej
04-16-2011, 18:47
I'm starting my SOBO in early June and am wondering if it's better to reserve a tent site or a lean-to with regards to black flies.
Also, does anyone know what happens to my reservation if the trail isn't open? Thanks.
It's Katahdin Stream Campground. Rent a lean-to for the night before and after your climb. Your reservation is for the campsite, not for climbing, so your reservation isn't effected by trail closures.
The lean-to v tentsite is simple, really. The cost is the same, but one keeps you and your stuff dry. You really don't want to start a week long backpacking trip with you and everything you own soaked. If the blackflies are a bother, use your tent as a bivy (no poles) over you and your bag inside the shelter.
protargol
04-16-2011, 18:55
It's Katahdin Stream Campground. Rent a lean-to for the night before and after your climb. Your reservation is for the campsite, not for climbing, so your reservation isn't effected by trail closures.
The lean-to v tentsite is simple, really. The cost is the same, but one keeps you and your stuff dry. You really don't want to start a week long backpacking trip with you and everything you own soaked. If the blackflies are a bother, use your tent as a bivy (no poles) over you and your bag inside the shelter.
Oops, I keep calling it Katahdin Springs on accident.
When do the blackflies start to settle down for the night? I may have a group of friends for a send off hike of the mountain, so this may all be moot, but you're right that I hope we don't have to start off wet, it's going to be hard enough
bulldog49
04-16-2011, 19:21
It's Katahdin Stream Campground. Rent a lean-to for the night before and after your climb. Your reservation is for the campsite, not for climbing, so your reservation isn't effected by trail closures.
The lean-to v tentsite is simple, really. The cost is the same, but one keeps you and your stuff dry. You really don't want to start a week long backpacking trip with you and everything you own soaked. If the blackflies are a bother, use your tent as a bivy (no poles) over you and your bag inside the shelter.
It's been my experience they keep you :confused:
bulldog49
04-16-2011, 19:22
It's been my experience they keep you equally. :confused:
corrected......................................... ..
Leanto.
Bugs shouldn't be too bad. It is an established campground and the woodsmoke clears them out.
Walkin sites might be a little buggier.
Your rez is for camping. You bought it. Even if you can't go uphill.
We have strict rules about the length of the work day for blackflies. About dusk they start to settle down and are home enjoying a beer by dark. The bad news is that dark isn't early in June.
protargol
04-17-2011, 10:43
Your rez is for camping. You bought it. Even if you can't go uphill.
Well now I'm a little hesitant about my start date. I can't risk getting there June 3rd and having to spend $30 a night for 2 weeks waiting for the trail to cooperate. Should I just hold off until we can get a better idea of what the conditions might be and make a latter reservation? It doesn't seem to be filling up anytime soon.
peakbagger
04-17-2011, 12:50
I would hold off, June usually isnt that busy in the park and as long as you aree flexible by a couple of days in case is busy on a weekend, there shouldnt be an issue in getting a spot Most of the early birds have already locked in their reservations already. Plus 20% of the campground is held open until two weeks before the date for Maine residents, if they dont book them than anyone can with a credit card.