Satelite Parking At Baxter?

[Redwood]

Folks, My group has two sites reserved in Baxter in late August. The group will be about eight. The majority of the group, five or so will be arriving together and registering upon park entry. The remainder of the group will be late arrivals due to schedule conflicts. My question is, we'll have a vehicle per site which is permitted, but where do the late arrivals park? Is there a satelite lot outside the park somewhere? If so, is there a charge? Any info much appreciated...

Redwood

 

[el-bagr]

It depends -- where is your site? For example, at South Branch c.g., vehicles in excess of the one-per-site rule park in the day lot.

 

[peakbagger]

keep in mind that any out of state vehicles have to pay the vehicle fee which is at least $8 per car.

 

[twigeater]

The campgrounds all have a parking area where the late arrivals can park. If you have reservations, you have a parking spot inside the park.

 

[David Metsky]

The campgrounds all have a parking area where the late arrivals can park. If you have reservations, you have a parking spot inside the park.

The OP referred to them already having one vehicle per site, which is all a reservation covers.

-dave-

 

[maineguy]

"Is there a satelite lot outside the park somewhere?"

Yes, and if your satelite has Maine plates there is no charge.

 

[twigeater]

I don't know what "OP" is, but I have late arrivals all the time, never had a problem with parking. I usually speak with the ranger about where he/she prefers us to park if there are more than two cars.

 

[SherpaKroto]

The way I understand it, extra vehicles park in the day lot, and must display the site pass. Each day the ranger relays the number of available spaces to the gate, and it goes from there.

The fee for everyone but those lucky enough to live in the Kingdom of Maine is now $12 per car. BTW, if you have a Maine resident in your vehicle, and they have proper ID, your car gets in free, regardless of the color of your plate (unless you happen to have a Mass plate- then it's double) Also, make sure to let the Maine resident out of your car before you go hiking

Oh yeah, one last thing. Make ABSOLUTELY certain that each late arriver has a copy of your reservations. Otherwise they will not be allowed to enter the park. It's also a good idea to tell the rangers that they are coming. It is strongly suggested that all campers arrive at the gatehouse before 8:30 PM (see regulations on camping) Here (#7). if you are going to be later, call ahead to get the OK. Too darn far to leave anything to chance!

You won't find nicer Park Rangers anywhere - have a blast!

 

[John S]

This past weekend I was with a group of eight arriving in four vehicles with reservations for two sites. The staff at park headquarters in town said the one-car rule only applies to the actual campsite. As long as you have a reservation, you will be admitted to the park. The four cars presented no problem at either the gate or the campground. The campground ranger pointed out off-site parking for two of the cars.

If arriving separately, be sure that each party has a copy of the reservation.

The fee for out-of-state vehicles was $12.

 

[twigeater]

At Roaring Brook there is a day use lot and a camping lot. The extra cars and cars for the walk in sites, Chimney Pond, or those entering the backcountry from RB park in the camping lot.

I've never given my late arrivals copies of the reservation (which is a good idea) but do make a list with the names of the others on it and leave it with the gate house.

 

[Redwood]

So.. Looks like from the posts that late arrivals with cars on the site reservation can park in the day lot of the campground for the time, days and nights the site is reserved at $12 per vehicle? In this case it would be Katahdin Stream which I believe has about 25 parking spaces.

 

[TJ aka Teej]

Redwood:
At the gatehouse, tell the Ranger exactly who is coming and staying at your two sites, and be sure to let her know how many cars to expect. That way she'll 'save' room in the lot if need be. Each vehicle 'from away' will have to pay $12 to get in, and they'll be able to park in the day use area for the duration of your stay.
If saving dough matters, they can park for free out at Abol Bridge (let Linda at the store know you're leaving a car) and they can hike in via the Blueberry Ledges trail. Or you can drive out and pick them up, your $12 fee covers your car for the days you have a reservation.

Cool semi-secret deal for Mainers: They can reserve a parking spot at KSC, and park after the campground is 'closed' due to a full lot. Shhhh... don't tell the people from away!

TJ

 

[twigeater]

Reserved parking spots are only held until 9am the day of the reservation, then they're given away.

If you're interested in leaving vehicles outside the park, you can ask to leave your vehicle on the lawn area just before the gate. There used to be a building there, but it was torn down. Course it's at your own risk.

One thing to remember though, is that check out time is 11am...if you are hiking on check out day, be sure to clear out your site and move your vehicle to the day use parking lot before you go hiking. It's no fun to arrive at your lean-to at noon and find a vehicle parked at your site, with the hikers not returning until 7pm.

 

[twigeater]

parking lot capacities