KATAHDIN ADVENTURE BASE CAMP
The Katahdin Adventure Base Camp, located just outside of Baxter State Park along the Penobscot River, is your home base for adventures in the Katahdin region. Whitewater raft on the Penobscot River, climb Mt Katahdin, hike in Baxter State Park, venture into the Debsconeag Ice Caves, fish for salmon, bass, or trout, or rent a stand up paddle board on Millinocket Lake….the adventures are endless.
The Base Camp is located at Abol Campground, where you can pitch a tent along the river bank or stay in a rustic bunkhouse near the base of Mt Katahdin. Wake up the next morning, and walk to our rafting check in to spend your day on the Penobscot River. Prefer the comforts of indoor lodging? Relax in lakeside cabins or private inn rooms & suites at the Big Moose Inn, situated between Millinocket and Ambajejus Lakes, just 10 miles from the rafting check-in.
Why Camping at the Katahdin Base Camp is Perfect for Your Baxter State Park Adventures
Penobscot River Rafting
Raft one of Maine’s most thrilling and gorgeous rivers–the Penobscot. Challenging, technical whitewater rapids in the granite-walled Ripogenus Gorge are balanced by playful swimming holes in the lower section. Spectacular scenery, wildlife and action await you on this dam-controlled river. Learn more about our Penobscot River Rafting trips.
Abol Bridge Campground
Camp in the heart of the Katahdin Region at Abol Bridge Campground. Situated on the river’s edge of the Penobscot, Abol Bridge has incredible views of Mt. Katahdin and direct hiking access to Baxter State Park and the terminus of the 2,000-mile Appalachian Trail.
Big Moose Inn
Ten miles south of The Katahdin Adventure Base Camp, the Big Moose Inn offers a broad selection of indoor accommodations for individuals and groups rafting the Penobscot River, hiking in Baxter State Park or exploring the Katahdin region. Big Moose has inn suites with private baths, inn rooms with shared baths, lakeside cabins, and trail side cabins, all situated either on or within walking distance of two beautiful lakes. Kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle board rentals available on-site, along with moose boat tours and scenic plane rides.
The Katahdin Region
& Baxter State Park
- Rivals the Rockies or Alaska for fishing, wildlife, paddling, camping, birdwatching, hunting, whitewater rafting, and hiking recreation.
- Hike Mt. Katahdin, the northern end of the Appalachian Trail, and get the best tips for Baxter State Park reservations here.
- Pristine wilderness with abundant forests, mountains, rivers, trails, and hundred of lakes, all within an easy half day’s drive from major East Coast cities (approximately 5 hours from Boston, MA and 4 hrs from Portland, ME).
- Home to incredible wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles, blue herons, otters, beavers, and more.
- World-class fishing for trout, landlocked salmon, and smallmouth bass.
- The Debsconeag ice caves await intrepid explorers.
- Major rivers feed into the Penobscot River, including the Mattawamkeag, the Piscataquis, the Pleasant, the Passadumkeag, and the east and west branches of the upper Penobscot.
Want more details about
the Katahdin Adventure Base Camp?
Where is the Katahdin Region?
Located in the east-central portion of the state, this region includes mile-high Mt. Katahdin and Baxter State Park, the vast southern Aroostook softwood flats, the hilly lake country south of Route 6, and the rolling farm country of western Penobscot County.
Out Katahdin Base Camp is 19 miles north of Millinocket on the Golden Road.
