Park Notices
Patriot's Day ClosureThe Reservations Line and Park Headquarters in Millinocket are closed Monday, April 20.Earth Day Litter PatrolJoin us Saturday, April 25 at 9 AM for a community cleanup and BBQ.Park Tote RoadClosed to snowmobiles for the season. Ungroomed travel only.Patriot's Day ClosureThe Reservations Line and Park Headquarters in Millinocket are closed Monday, April 20.Earth Day Litter PatrolJoin us Saturday, April 25 at 9 AM for a community cleanup and BBQ.Park Tote RoadClosed to snowmobiles for the season. Ungroomed travel only.
Baxter State ParkWilderness · Maine
Park rules

Rules adopted in keeping with the Deeds of Trust.

The park’s rules exist so the land can keep doing what Governor Baxter asked of it — stay wild. They are the same for everyone, all the time.

Pets

Pets are not permitted inside the park. This rule protects wildlife, visitors, and the park’s wilderness character. It is one of the rules most often asked about, and one of the rules least often negotiated.

Group size

The maximum group size is 12 people. Groups of 13 or more must split up or reserve a designated group site in advance.

For every 5 juveniles in a group, at least 1 adult must supervise.

Fires

Fires are only permitted in the metal rings and fireplaces provided at designated campsites and picnic areas.

Personal firewood is not allowed inside the park. Purchase firewood at the gate or on-site.

Gas stoves are welcome for cooking and preferred in sensitive areas.

Trash

"Carry in, carry out." There are no trash facilities in the park.

Pack out all trash, leftover food, and personal waste that does not belong in the soil.

Vehicles & bikes

The Park Tote Road is a gravel road, maintained for slow travel. Speed limit is 20 mph.

RVs, generators, and drones are not permitted inside the park.

Bicycles are allowed on the Park Tote Road only. No mountain biking on trails.

Alcohol

Alcohol is permitted at established campsites for registered campers. Public intoxication is not.

Registration

All visitors must register at the gatehouse on entry. Non-Maine residents pay the day-use fee.

Check in at the gate no later than 8:30 PM on the first night of camping.

Wilderness ethics

Visitors are among the park’s most important stewards. Practice Leave No Trace: plan ahead, walk on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, leave what you find, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

Above all, remember the park’s founding principle: Wilderness first, Recreation second.

The full regulations

The complete Chapter 1 Rules and Regulations document is available as a PDF at the Reservation Office and from the park.

Download Chapter 1 Rules (PDF, placeholder)

The Deed of Trust is not a decorative phrase.

Read the park’s founding context — it explains the shape of every rule.