Horn Pond Campsite, Kingfield, ME

Welcome, fellow Mainers and outdoor enthusiasts, to a professional and friendly look at one of the state's most treasured backcountry gems: Horn Pond Campsite. Nestled deep within the magnificent Bigelow Preserve Public Lands, this site offers a genuinely rugged and restorative wilderness experience that is easily accessible (by trail, of course) from our local communities. For those seeking to connect with the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Maine High Peaks region, whether for a challenging multi-day trek or a focused weekend escape, Horn Pond Campsite serves as a perfect basecamp.

This location is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a point of intersection for the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) and a hub for exploring the Bigelow Range—home to some of Maine's most stunning 4,000-foot peaks. It embodies the spirit of Maine's wild character, offering a basic, Leave No Trace-focused camping experience that respects and preserves the delicate mountain environment. The campsite is a testament to the dedication of conservation efforts in the region, providing essential infrastructure for hikers while keeping the surrounding area pristine.

Our focus here is to provide clear, factual information about the Horn Pond Campsite, giving you, the local user, all the details you need to plan your next Bigelow adventure with confidence and preparation.

Location and Accessibility

Horn Pond Campsite is situated in the Bigelow Preserve Public Lands, a massive tract of protected wilderness known for its dramatic ridgeline and challenging trails. The specific mailing address associated with this section of the trail is:

Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Kingfield, ME 04947, USA

It is crucial to understand that this is a backcountry, hike-in-only location. It is not accessible by car and requires a significant trek to reach. The nearest town and service center is Kingfield, approximately 40 miles north of Farmington, providing an essential link to the local Maine communities.

The campsite is located directly on the Appalachian Trail, near the Horns Pond, a small, beautiful mountain tarn tucked between the Bigelow Range peaks. The elevation and remote nature of the site mean hikers must be fully prepared for a challenging ascent and variable mountain weather.

Common access points that lead toward the general area of the campsite include trailheads such as the Fire Warden's Trailhead (accessed via Stratton Brook Pond Road) or various crossings of the AT, like the one on ME Route 16/27, requiring several miles of strenuous hiking to reach the pond and campsite. The journey itself is an integral part of the experience, offering rewarding views and true solitude as you climb into the Bigelows. Due to the difficulty and remote nature, cell phone reception is generally unreliable in this wilderness area, stressing the need for careful planning and self-sufficiency.

Services Offered

As a backcountry site managed for minimal environmental impact, Horn Pond Campsite offers basic, essential services designed for rugged, prepared hikers. The focus is on functionality and preservation rather than luxury. Services are typically maintained by the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) and often include a caretaker during peak season to manage the site and educate users.

Designated Tent Sites: Cleared, flat areas for tent camping, often including wooden tent platforms in heavily used areas to minimize ground impact.
Lean-tos/Shelters: The site typically includes a number of open-front log shelters that can sleep multiple hikers, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Vault Toilets/Privies: Basic, low-impact toilet facilities are provided a short distance from the main camping area to ensure sanitation and protect water sources.
Natural Water Source: Access to a natural water source (such as Horns Pond or a nearby stream) is available. Important Note: All water must be treated (filtered, boiled, or chemically purified) before consumption, as there is no potable tap water.
Food Storage: Secure food storage solutions, such as bear boxes or hang poles, are often provided or recommended to protect hikers' food from local wildlife like bears and rodents.

Features / Highlights

The main appeal of Horn Pond Campsite is its stunning natural environment and its role as a gateway to the wider Bigelow Preserve. It provides a unique setting that attracts both long-distance hikers and local Maine day-trippers and section hikers.

Horns Pond: A picturesque, secluded mountain pond (a tarn) located near the shelters, offering a tranquil spot for reflection or for collecting water. It is known to be stocked with brook trout and is a gorgeous setting for a morning view.
Appalachian Trail Access: Located directly on the legendary AT, making it an indispensable stop for northbound and southbound thru-hikers, and an ideal launchpad for local section hikers.
The Horns Peaks: The campsite is the direct access point for the challenging side-trail leading to the North and South Horn peaks, which offer incredible, often 360-degree, panoramic views of the Bigelow Range and Flagstaff Lake below.
Proximity to West Peak and Avery Peak: Hikers staying at Horn Pond are perfectly positioned for challenging ascents to Bigelow's highest summits, including West Peak (4,145 feet) and Avery Peak, allowing for rewarding day hikes without carrying a full pack.
True Maine Wilderness Experience: The site offers a non-commercial, undeveloped experience that requires self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, providing an authentic taste of Maine's remote high-country camping.

Contact Information

Since this is a remote, backcountry site, direct on-site management is seasonal and focused on trail and site maintenance. Reservations are typically not required for the lean-tos or tent sites (first-come, first-served), though this is subject to change. For non-emergency inquiries, questions about trail conditions, or local information, your best resource is the Maine Appalachian Trail Club (MATC) or the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL), which manage the surrounding Bigelow Preserve Public Lands.

Address:

Horn Pond Campsite, Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Kingfield, ME 04947, USA

Phone:

This campsite does not have a public phone number. For information regarding the Bigelow Preserve or the AT in Maine, please consult the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.

Conclusion: Why Horn Pond Campsite is Suitable for Locals

For us Mainers, Horn Pond Campsite offers an essential opportunity to engage with our state's most challenging and rewarding wilderness. Unlike drive-up campgrounds, this location demands effort, rewarding the determined hiker with unparalleled solitude and spectacular mountain views right in our own backyard. It serves as a proving ground for new backpackers and a cherished retreat for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

This campsite is suitable for locals for several key reasons:

First, it is a vital part of the Bigelow Preserve, a protected area we are proud to have in Maine. Supporting this trail infrastructure helps ensure the future preservation of these beautiful lands. Second, it offers an authentic, off-the-grid experience that provides a genuine escape from the hustle of modern life, fostering the quiet determination and appreciation for nature for which Mainers are known. Finally, its location on the Appalachian Trail allows local hikers to become part of the larger, legendary AT community, meeting thru-hikers from around the world and sharing a piece of the trail culture right here in the Maine Highlands. If you’re looking for a deep dive into the heart of Maine’s mountains, your adventure begins with the challenging hike to Horn Pond Campsite.