Kidney Pond
A rustic wilderness retreat in Baxter State Park, offering serene lake views, dark skies, and cozy cabins for a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bugs are aggressive, plan accordingly.
Kidney Pond
Best Time
Bugs are aggressive, plan accordingly.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rustic wilderness retreat in Baxter State Park, offering serene lake views, dark skies, and cozy cabins for a peaceful escape.
"It's always a great stay at Kidney Pond. Park rangers are always kind and helpful, the campground is always peaceful."
Bug Spray is Essential!
Mid-July brings aggressive mosquitoes. A Thermacell Radius is recommended for outdoor dining and cooking. :bug:
Cabin Wildlife Watch
Rodents can be an issue in cabins. Set traps upon arrival and check them regularly. :mouse:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Peaceful Lakeside Serenity
Kidney Pond
Enjoy tranquil mornings with loon calls and evenings under star-filled skies, far from light pollution.
Cozy Winter Cabin Stays
Cabins
Well-maintained cabins offer warmth and comfort, even in cold weather, with essential supplies provided.
Quality Canoeing Experience
Kidney Pond
Rent high-quality canoes that track well for exploring the calm waters of the pond.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wilderness: Prepare for Rustic Charm
Activities Beyond the Campground
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
So you want to go to Baxter?
Bug Spray is Essential!
Mid-July brings aggressive mosquitoes. A Thermacell Radius is recommended for outdoor dining and cooking. :bug:
Cabin Wildlife Watch
Rodents can be an issue in cabins. Set traps upon arrival and check them regularly. :mouse:
Katahdin trip plans?
Out of towner
Pack Extra Lighting
Cabins can be dark; bring battery-powered lanterns to supplement the gas light. :flashlight:
Leeches in the Water
Swimming may be affected by leeches. Be cautious when entering the water. :water_wave:
First time up Katahdin
Tips
from all over the internet
Bug Spray is Essential!
Mid-July brings aggressive mosquitoes. A Thermacell Radius is recommended for outdoor dining and cooking. :bug:
Cabin Wildlife Watch
Rodents can be an issue in cabins. Set traps upon arrival and check them regularly. :mouse:
Pack Extra Lighting
Cabins can be dark; bring battery-powered lanterns to supplement the gas light. :flashlight:
Leeches in the Water
Swimming may be affected by leeches. Be cautious when entering the water. :water_wave:
Wagons for Gear
The campground provides wagons to help haul gear to and from cabins. :handbag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kidney Pond is praised for its peaceful, natural setting, especially for winter cabin stays and stargazing. Visitors appreciate the quality canoes and the serene atmosphere. However, some find the lack of activities at the campground, potential leeches in the water, and occasional wildlife in cabins to be drawbacks.
"It's always a great stay at Kidney Pind. Park rangers are always kind and helpful, the campground is always peaceful, and relaxation is close at hand. Loons singing through the night (hopefully you like that) and dark sky viewing with no light pollution!"
Dave Ainaire
"I don't think I would stay here again. Maybe it was just COVID-19, but with the library/game building closed, no firepits (at least no community pit and none near my cabin #11), and leeches in the water ruining swimming there wasn't much to do. Pretty much just canoe. It was more of a spot to keep your stuff while you go elsewhere to hike/swim etc.
Just stepping into the water to hop into a canoe I saw a long leech come out of the rocks at the edge and start swimming for us. The canoes they have are great quality.. I've never been in one that tracked so well.
At nighttime it became evident there was a rodent problem in my cabin. I could hear the crinkling of my trash bag in the room and saw a mouse several times. Eventually me scaring them off woke up my kid who saw one in another area of the cabin.. up above the closet. I took a closer looks and there was a giant mouse nest up there and mouse traps that were no longer set. I set them and quickly got 2 mice.. but saw 2 others up there still. I think that is something campers should be notified of so they can set the traps upon arrival and know to check them so the problem can be dealt with. It wasn't something my daughter or I thought was a big deal though. Beds were fine.. nothing special, springs with a vinyl covering - the twin beds were not the longer/extended size so my feet were starting to overhang.
Outhouses were clean for our stay. The cabin stayed warm for the two of us even with the temp dropping to 40F outside. We only used the gas light and light blankets. The view is great though at cabin 11 - you can see water and mountain. The sun sets behind the cabin and raises up behind the mountain. The cabin was very dark even during day time. The gas light isn't enough and I was glad I had a few battery lanterns. The campground had a bunch of wagons to help haul gear in and out. Bugs were pretty aggressive - in mid July it seemed to be all about the skeeters. We had a Thermacell Radius that ran on batteries that made it nice to eat and cook outside.
I don't want to compare to this something it isn't so I am just putting info out there. My rating is really because of the lack of things to do AT the campground. To me the basics are being able to swim and cook smores while sitting around a fire.
As far as nearby attractions, everything is a long slow drive on the dirt roads, but I would definitely go back to the natural waterslides at Ledge Falls again with kids. It is about 20-25 mins past the campground."
Dana F
"Great trip and an excellent place to stay during the winter. The bunks were well maintained and held up nicely during the wind. Definitely would make another reservation at this location"
Elliott Sanders
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kidney Pond is located within Baxter State Park. Access involves driving on dirt roads, which can be slow. The park has specific entrance regulations and hours, so check the official Baxter State Park website before your visit.
While general directions to Baxter State Park are available, specific routes to Kidney Pond are best navigated using park maps provided upon entry or reliable GPS. Be prepared for unpaved roads.
The roads leading to Kidney Pond are typically dirt roads. They can be rough and slow-going, especially after rain. A vehicle with decent clearance is advisable.
Cell service is generally very limited or non-existent at Kidney Pond and throughout much of Baxter State Park. It's best to download offline maps and inform someone of your travel plans.
Baxter State Park has entrance fees per vehicle. These fees can vary, so it's recommended to check the official Baxter State Park website for the most current pricing information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for cabins, as they are popular. Book well in advance through the Baxter State Park reservation system.
Kidney Pond, as part of Baxter State Park, has specific operating hours for entry and exit. These hours can vary seasonally, so consult the official Baxter State Park website for the most up-to-date information.
Baxter State Park offers various camping options. While cabins require reservations, there may be other camping areas available, but booking in advance is always advised. Check the park's official site for details.
Generally, entry into Baxter State Park requires a vehicle pass. Specific activities might have regulations, but no special permits are typically needed for general use of the pond or hiking trails.
Cancellation policies can vary. It's crucial to review the specific terms and conditions when making your reservation on the Baxter State Park website to understand any fees or deadlines.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kidney Pond is ideal for canoeing and enjoying the peaceful natural surroundings. Nearby, you can find hiking trails and natural waterslides at Ledge Falls. Swimming may be affected by leeches.
Kidney Pond typically offers outhouses (composting privies) that are kept clean. Dedicated shower facilities are generally not available at this rustic campground.
Bring bug spray, extra lighting (lanterns), any personal toiletries, food, and cooking supplies. Wagons are available for gear transport.
While the natural setting is beautiful, the presence of leeches and potential wildlife in cabins might require extra supervision. Nearby Ledge Falls is a great family-friendly destination.
Expect to see and hear loons. Wildlife like mice have been reported in cabins, so securing food and using provided traps is recommended.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or dining facilities at Kidney Pond. You will need to bring all your own food and cooking supplies.
Cabins are typically equipped with basic amenities, and you can cook your own meals. Bring your own portable stove or grill if needed, and be mindful of food storage to deter wildlife.
The nearest stores for groceries are likely in towns outside of Baxter State Park. Plan to stock up on all your food supplies before entering the park.
Cabins may come with basic provisions like a wood bin, kindling, and sometimes axes. It's best to confirm specific inclusions when booking or bring your own portable cooking gear.
Always store food in sealed containers and keep it inside your cabin or vehicle. Never leave food unattended outdoors, especially overnight.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunrise and sunset views over the pond and Katahdin. The dark skies offer excellent opportunities for astrophotography.
Early mornings and late evenings offer the best light for landscape photography, with opportunities for golden hour shots. Nighttime is ideal for stargazing photos.
From Cabin #11, you can see views of Katahdin. Other vantage points around the pond may also offer scenic perspectives of the mountain.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and astrophotography. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing wildlife. A sturdy tripod is essential for low-light and night shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted within Baxter State Park to protect wildlife and the natural environment. Always check the park's official regulations regarding drones before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❄️ Winter Travelers
🎣 Anglers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Baxter State Park's Access
Driving within the park involves navigating unpaved, often rough dirt roads. While many vehicles can handle them, a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended. These roads are part of the immersive wilderness experience, but they require slower, more cautious driving. Be prepared for potential washouts or uneven terrain, especially after periods of heavy rain. The park's remoteness means cell service is unreliable, so downloading offline maps and informing someone of your itinerary is a wise precaution.
Cabin Life: Rustic Comforts and Wildlife Encounters
To ensure a comfortable stay, it's advisable to bring your own battery-powered lanterns, as the provided gas lights may not be sufficient for all needs. Securing food properly in sealed containers and utilizing the provided mouse traps upon arrival can help manage any potential rodent issues. The beds, while functional, may not be extended-length, so guests who need extra legroom might find them a bit short. Despite these considerations, the cabins provide a cozy base with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Exploring the Natural Wonders Near Kidney Pond
It's worth noting that swimming directly in Kidney Pond might be impacted by the presence of leeches, as reported by some visitors. This makes Ledge Falls an even more attractive alternative for water-based activities. When planning day trips, remember that travel times on the park's dirt roads can be longer than expected, so factor this into your itinerary.
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