Welcome to Baxter State Park

Camping & Reservations

BSP 43B - Rev. 10/03

WINTER VISITOR RULES & PROCEDURES

Handbook | Winter Use Map | Winter Registration Form | Winter Visitor Rules & Procedures | Winter Fees

Definitions

• Winter camping, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing: camping in authorized campsites (lean-tos, tentsites, bunkhouses, cabins or picnic-areas); skiing or snow-shoeing on overnight trips below treeline.
• Winter mountain hiking and climbing: any trip above treeline or off marked trails, including ice or snow climbing.
• Ski-mountaineering or snowboarding: any use of skis or snowboards above treeline.

Activities Subject to Winter Procedures

• Day-use: No special permission is required for one-day trips below treeline. Visitors should check in and out at the self-registration boxes, or at Park Headquarters (by phone, if more convenient). Special permission is required for all day-use climbs above treeline (see below).
• Winter camping, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing; winter mountain hiking and climbing; and ski-mountaineering or snowboarding (that is, any winter overnight use, or any winter above-treeline travel, including day-use) requires a permit and is subject to these administrative policies and procedures, including minimum party size of four (4) and paperwork submitted to BSP Headquarters at least 10 working days prior to the trip.

Party Size

• A minimum party size of four (which may consist of separate teams of two who remain in auditory or visual contact with each other) is required for winter mountain hiking and climbing or ski-mountaineering or snowboarding above treeline.
• A minimum party size of three (3) is required for overnight activities below treeline at roadside campgrounds and campsites.
• A minimum size of four (4) is required for camping at Chimney Pond, Russell Pond, or outlying sites.
• The maximum winter party size is ten (10).

Joining or Leaving a Party

A member may join a party already in the Park if:

• An application has been submitted and approved five (5) business days before the first scheduled day of the trip.
• The party inside the Park already meets minimum size requirements and does not exceed ten (10) persons.
• For parties at Chimney Pond, two or more members meet the new arrival at Roaring Brook.
• Any party members who do not follow the above procedures will cause the revoking of the leader's permit.

Two or more members may leave a party already in the Park if:

• The remaining party size does not drop below minimum requirements.
• An early departure time (6:00AM) is observed, so that departing members are outside the Park before nightfall.
• The ranger is notified of the departure or, if no ranger is available, the departing members sign out on appropriate registers.

Other Rules

• For administrative purposes, winter party applications will need one designated leader and two designated assistant leaders.
• Camping is permitted only by reservation in authorized sites. Parties must register with the ranger at Chimney Pond, or self-register at unstaffed ranger stations, upon arrival at any campsite.
• Winter parties going to Chimney Pond by way of Roaring Brook must stay at Roaring Brook the first night.
• Winter parties must have confirmed camping reservations (including all paperwork and full payment submitted) at least ten (10) working days prior to the actual start of the trip. The BSP Reservations office begins accepting and processing winter reservations for the upcoming season on the first business day in November each year.

Required Equipment

Because of the likelihood of extreme weather conditions in Baxter State Park in winter, and because rescue of injured persons may be delayed for hours or days, the following equipment is required as part of every winter visitor's basic kit.

(A) Winter camping gear (personal):

1. Showshoes or skis, and repair materials
2. Insulated pacs or mountain boots (not summer boots)
3. Sleeping bag rated for winter conditions
4. Sunglasses or snow goggles
5. Pack
6. Matches or other fire-starting device
7. Food (with two-day reserve)
8. Warm clothing
9. Topographic map and compass
10. Flashlight or headlamp

(B) Winter camping gear (one (1) per group):

1. First aid kit
2. Axe and camp saw
3. Outdoor thermometer and wind-chill chart
4. Snow shovel

(C) Winter mountain hiking or climbing or ski-mountaineering or snowboarding gear (in addition to winter camping gear):

1. Ice axe
2. Crampons
3. Helmet (required for all activities above treeline)
4. Climbing rope (one per party of two/four)
5. Sleeping bag or bivi sack (one per party of two/four)
6. Climbing equipment appropriate to terrain
7. Baxter State Park highly recommends that you bring appropriate avalanche assessment and safety equipment, along with a competent working knowledge of how to use it.
   

The weather classification system provides a daily weather and safety evaluation and sets park access or restrictions for the public. The daily coding system is based on current weather and projected weather forecasts. All users of Baxter State Park are urged to call or stop at Park Headquarters in Millinocket, or the closest occupied Ranger Station, for weather forecast and classification information.

Failure to meet these procedures may result in the denial of access to the Park by the Ranger on duty. For your safety and ours, please be prepared. All winter parties must carry their winter reservations with them and all members must have a photo ID available to present to any BSP Ranger upon request.