Types of Campsites in North Maine Woods
Not all North Maine Woods campsites are the same. Understanding the differences between campsite types helps you choose the right site and prepare the right gear. Here's what you need to know.
Authorized Campsites
Authorized campsites are the most common type in NMW and KI Jo-Mary. These are established sites with built amenities maintained by the management organization. No additional permits are needed beyond the standard entry and camping fees paid at the checkpoint.
What to expect:
- Built fire ring (metal or stone)
- Picnic table (at most sites)
- Privy/outhouse (at most sites)
- Cleared tent pad area
- Vehicle parking nearby
First-timers should always start with authorized campsites. They're easier to find, better maintained, and require no extra preparation.
Examples: Frost Pond (Telos Region), Chesuncook Lake sites (Ragmuff/Seboomook), Long Pond (KI Jo-Mary)
Fire Permit Campsites
Fire permit campsites (67 sites in NMW) have no built amenities — no fire rings, no tables, no privies. They are often more remote and secluded than authorized sites. To have a campfire, you must obtain a free campfire permit from the Maine Forest Service.
How to get a fire permit:
Call the Maine Forest Service Northern Region office at (207) 435-7963 Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM, 1–2 days before your trip. Permits cannot be obtained online. During high fire danger periods, all open fires may be banned regardless of permit status.
What to expect:
- No built fire ring — bring a fire pan or build a mound fire
- No picnic table
- No privy — practice Leave No Trace waste disposal (catholes 6–8 inches deep, 200 feet from water)
- Typically more remote and harder to find
- Greater solitude and wilderness character
Examples: Remote sites in the Caucomgomoc region, backcountry sites along the St. John River corridor
Allagash Wilderness Waterway Campsites
All 84 AWW campsites are water-access only — reachable by canoe, kayak, or (in rare cases) float plane. They are managed by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry (DACF) and have their own fee structure separate from NMW and KI Jo-Mary.
What to expect:
- Fire ring and privy at most sites
- Canoe/kayak landing area
- No vehicle access
- Separate AWW camping fee ($6.54 resident / $13.08 non-resident per night)
- First-come, first-served (KI Jo-Mary accepts phone reservations)
Examples: Eagle Lake sites, Umsaskis Lake sites, Allagash Falls campsite
Lean-Tos
Some KI Jo-Mary and Appalachian Trail campsites have three-sided wooden shelters (lean-tos). These provide rain protection and a raised sleeping platform. They're first-come, first-served — bring a tent as backup in case the lean-to is occupied.
Examples: Cooper Brook Falls lean-to (KI Jo-Mary), AT lean-tos along the 100-Mile Wilderness
Comparison Table
| Feature | Authorized | Fire Permit | AWW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Ring | Yes | No | Most |
| Picnic Table | Most | No | Some |
| Privy | Most | No | Most |
| Vehicle Access | Yes | Varies | No |
| Fire Permit Needed | No | Yes | No |
| Typical Solitude | Moderate | High | High |