Camp Phoenix is a sixteen acre plot of land located within the center of Baxter State Park in Northeast Piscataquis, Maine, U.S. It contains fifteen 500 sq ft camps and one main lodge (19 condos total) and is only accessed by the perimeter road at Baxter (20 miles from both the North and South entrance). Originating as a sporting camp, attracting and housing hundreds upon thousands of hunters within the Maine wilderness - it now stands as a privately owned getaway, “seasonal residence” and home to the owners.
Sign at entrance of Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park is in north-central Maine, United States. It is in the North Maine Woods region and borders the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument on the east. In fact, Baxter Park is not part of the Maine State Park system as its sole governance is provided by the Baxter State Park Authority which consists of the Maine Attorney General, the Maine Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Director of the Maine Forest Service. The park is independently funded through a combination of revenues from trusts, user fees, and the sale of forest products from the park's Scientific Forest Management Area.[1]
The first “Camp Phoenix” was built in 1896 by Albert McLain (1841–1912) and son Will ( xx-1952) as 3 structures titled a “sporting camp” and called them “Camp Phoenix”.[2]
The Daisys operated Camp Phoenix for 56 years beginning in 1900. They began with a cook house and two cabins.[2]
In the 1910s Charles Daisey added a number of small cabins along the lakeshore, extending south from the original 3 McLain buildings. These are built in traditional “Lincoln log” style.[2]
In the 1920s a central lodge was built and there was some removal of shoreline cabins, replacing them with upright spruce logs (stockade style). Most of these remain today.[2]
This is the current lodge of Camp Phoenix (Taken in 2022)1931 Original central lodge bums in an October fire and another identical lodge is built on the same site[2].
The original permit is amended, allowing for the sale of all the Camp Phoenix units. This process is completed in 4 years, resulting in the formation of the Camp Phoenix Owners Association. In Baxter there was fear of it getting developed but there does not seem to be any efforts for that.[2]
Today: as it was privatized in the late 1900s it now serves as a scenic camp to the owners offering them seclusion and access to Baxter State Parks attractions.
Phoenix is bordered by Nesowadnehunk lake, which is the largest fly fishing only lake in Maine (1369 acres[3]) and known as the ‘Best Wild Trout Lake in New England[4] - Hosting a very predominant population of brook trout.[2] These fish are known for being aggressive and opportunistic feeders and are used for stocking program in Maine.[5]
Nesowdanehunk Lake shown in the background - behind the main lodge. (Taken 2022)
According to the state fisheries biologists, Nesowadnehunk Lake has an excellent “fish caught by hour ratio” compared to other Maine lakes. Plenty of native Brookies are caught daily. Most average 9 to 13 inches, with some going up to 20 inches. Fishing season typically commences mid-May.[4]
With 209,644 acres of wilderness to explore, Baxter State Park has a lot to offer - in the summer months there are approximately 60,000 visitors.[6] There is over 215 miles of trails to hike, over 40 mountain peaks, including the famous Mt. Katahdin.[7] Mt. Katahdin stands at 5,269 feet, making it the tallest mountain in Maine.[8]
In addition to the many scenic places to go, one can camp within the 10 campgrounds in the park, with some having up to 30 campsites via tent or lean-to’s or cabins.[6]
There is the ability to fish at many lakes and ponds. One renowned spot is Daicey pond, one of the many great trout fishing spots in the park (Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game).
