Chewonki’s Big Eddy Campground &
Chewonki's Wood Cove Outpost

Chewonki’s two sites in northern and western Maine offer schools a wilderness experience with the flexibility of a base camp.

Big Eddy Campground
The area north of Millinocket is a vast sweep of forest, dotted with lakes and ledge and cut by one of the most fabled rivers in Maine, the West Branch of the Penobscot. This is Thoreau country—the setting for the two journeys described in Henry David Thoreau’s The Maine Woods. This is a land rich in human and natural history, and nowhere more so than at Big Eddy, where the Penobscot River finally slows after a 5-mile tumble through the rapids of Ripogenus Gorge. Situated just outside Baxter State Park, nestled on the shores of the river sits Chewonki’s Big Eddy Campground. This spectacular site provides a unique location for school groups to hike, canoe, kayak, and study nature.

Wood Cove Outpost
Nested on the shore of Big Wood Pond in Jackman, Maine lays Chewonki’s outpost camp – a cozy pine cabin with wood heat and solar powered electricity, two sleeping yurts with wood stoves, a swim / boat dock and an outdoor firepit with picnic table. This base camp can accommodate small groups throughout the year. Winter is often the season that draws groups to this magical spot. Snowshoeing across the frozen pond to a warm and cozy cabin provides students with a memorable winter wilderness experience combined with the comfort and warmth of heated living spaces.

Sample Itinerary: Northwoods Trip to Big Eddy Day 1: Arrival and Introductions at Chewonki’s Big Eddy Campground Ice breakers and goal-setting Campsite set-up and encampment skills Day 2: Day Hike on Mt. Katahdin in Baxter State Park Day 3: Overnight Canoe Trip down the West Branch of the Penobscot River Camp at Debsconeag Lake Day 4: Canoe to the take-out at Ambajejus Lake Return to Big Eddy for last night at camp Day 5: Whole group program wrap-up and departure

Sample Itinerary: Northwoods Trip to Wood Cove Day 1: Meet Chewonki leaders in Jackman, Maine Intro. to canoe skills and paddle to the Chewonki Cabin Campsite skills and day trip planning Day 2: Day Hike up Sally Mountain Day 3: Wildlife exploration to remote ponds Day 4: Canoe Trip to Attean Pond Day 5: Whole group program wrap-up and departure

Find out about winter trips to Wood Cove.