Hot take: Baxter State Park is overrated for camping

I was up in Maine last fall and everyone RAVES about Baxter, but honestly I found the campsites cramped and the trails way too packed for how remote it's supposed to feel. Has anyone else had a better time at less hyped spots like the Bigelow Range instead?

3 comments

3 Comments

dixon.nathan2mo ago

Totally get where you're coming from. I was up there a couple summers ago and felt the same way about the campsite situation, like you're basically on top of your neighbors. Ended up having a way better trip at Bigelow actually, theres way more space and the views from the Horn are killer without the crowds. I'd say if you want that remote feel without the hassle, definitely check out the less popular spots in the western mountains instead.

ericjackson2mo ago

@dixon.nathan Bigelow's cool but come on, it's not like it's that bad up there.

avery7218d ago

@dixon.nathan totally nailed it about the campsite situation, it was like a tent city up there last time I went. I think the issue is Baxter's gotten so popular on social media that everyone's flooding in for that "remote" vibe but nobody's talking about how packed it actually is. If you really want elbow room, the western mountains are the move for sure, had a great trip at the Poplar Ridge trail last fall and saw maybe 3 people the whole weekend.