From Mainstream to a Maine Stream: Camping Baxter State Park Part 1

I took a few days away from the cabin to explore the pristine wilderness of Baxter State Park in Maine. One of the few undeveloped expanses of parkland still existing in the US, Baxter is not for everyone, but to a true naturalist, it's a secret paradise. This is Part One of a two-part video.
Book Mentioned in Video:
Braiding Sweetgrass (Amazon Affiliate Link*): amzn.to/3NcFBnY
Music Credit:
Birdseye Blues by Chris Haugen
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[@judyabernathy80]

Slim, you are humanity’s hero! Instead of shaming us, you always point out how we can do better by offering up suggestions (ie only take what you need, and give back, etc). I am SO glad you have THE BEST channel on KZbin, because I’ve learned so much from you! Oh, and did I mention that I especially enjoy your gentle nature and how lightly you go into the forests never disturbing a thing! Thank you!!♥️🙏🏼♥️

[@GrahamRead101]

Can we all just appreciate the effort it must take on a bumpy road when you just want to reach the end, to keep stopping, setting up the camera, driving past it, collecting the camera and carrying on! Not once but multiple times. As ever, a nice video. Thx

[@Spacecowboy1101]

Great to see you on the road again Slim better than those travel shows on TV

[@valeriehancotte-galan4790]

Love that it has no drones, no dogs, no generators....nothing but quiet 🤫

[@jdmather5755]

No drones? Have you seen their mosquitos 🦟.

[@anthonyc1883]

What a concept! :-)

[@erindriffield5643]

Slim thank you for another fantastic video. The content, narration, music, cinematography and editing are second to none. But I have to express my gratitude for how you close out the video. The closing frames or scene are always so exceptionally filmed. The camera perspective is so beautiful and peaceful. Thank you for sharing your adventures and your filming and editing gifts.

[@SarahWRah]

Slim did not mention the other car visible when he first opened his door at Omaha Beach (time stamp 4:07). It does seem like the park should have posted "tent camping only" long before someone made that tedious drive. And I agree that the $13.08 charge is goofy.

[@philipwinter8729]

Quite an experience Slim. Probably some lessons learned there. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@virichter7214]

I don't know how I missed this one, but here I am a year after you've been to Maine. I'm in NH and would say: you don't want to go to NH/Maine/Vermont in May. As you discovered our mutual state bird the blackfly/mosquito. July/August/Sept would have been absolutely beautiful. I hope some day you'll make your way back to our area at that time of year. Thank you for all your wonderful videos, from a teardrop->aliner camper.

[@MsOldschool65]

Mt. Katadyn is the official north end of the Appalachian Trail...nice!

[@richardthomas1743]

Good morning Slim! That was a shame about the Omaha beach camping that was tents only. I am a few hundred miles from that area and have to say that the black flies are voracious this year I really think that they could eat a person alive! I love the stream where you were at in that last camp site, looking forward to tomorrows video! Thumbs UP to you!

[@havenonwheels5158]

Omaha beach was a great drive to camping spot years ago. No one has maintained that road for at least a decade. Last time I was there we went by canoe from an area upstream.

[@BrassLock]

The power of Social Media is now alerting everyone to such difficulties. But you also have to know which media to watch, and that can require an awful lot of searching the Internet. Some sort of _"aggregating application"_ will eventually be launched I guess, by some enthusiastic Digital Nomad which will allow folk to search across a wide range of categories so they can have the ideal camping 🏕 experience, by being warned ahead of time that the only place you can park your camper is right next to the smelly drop toilet 🚻 😉.

[@karljacques5028]

Hello from United Kingdom I really enjoy all your vids slim and I'm a long time subscriber I rember the A fame camper and the very fist video you made and good morning

[@prehnite64]

I used to do backwoods hiking while getting my degree in geology. While on several field trips to Virginia, most of my fellow geologists offered real money for the insect repellent I brought - Bens. Kept away the mosquitoes, flies, and especially the ticks. Love your videos! THanks!

[@bearmaine]

I cringed when you turned onto Omaha Beach Rd, I remember the place as a party spot filled with drunken campers. Fall is the best time to enjoy the outdoors up here in Maine as the biting insects have usually subsided by then.

[@volvo09]

Yeah, you never know what a campsite will be like. I've been to campsites that were "super party's" with generators and even a movie projector running (in the most wild and beautiful area) and the next week it's all respectful people.

[@l214laus]

Your title is a good play on words. Soon bedtime here for me, in a very cold south east Australia. I'll watch this tomorrow, thanks.

[@debralozano6129]

That road a true nightmare. Glad you did find Baxter SP to be peaceful. Thank you for the book review.

[@robertziawinski6554]

Good luck Slim on this new adventure! Looking forward to seeing Part 2!

[@CARNIKELLI]

I grew up in Maine and there are 3 seasons...Winter, Summer and blackfly season

[@monnarush6531]

Awesome video thanks 💗

[@ladikmk]

That is my kind of Park - quiet; peaceful with only the occasional buzz of a mosquito taking aim. :) “Braiding Sweetgrass” is such a wonderful book. It’s a fascinating read and Dr. Kimmerer’s storytelling skills and knowledge of indigenous culture, interwoven with botany and modern day science affirm that there are indeed other ways to heal. Another excellent book that is also a part of my personal library is “The Everglades: River of Grass” by Marjory Stoneman Douglas. So many people mistakenly think that the Everglades is just a giant swamp, but in reality it’s a moving river that flows from the North to South In Florida, fed by all the millions of gallons of spring water. Thanks for sharing Slim. Stay well and enjoy your travels.

[@lindamorassi4458]

Loved “Braiding Sweetgrass”!

[@1967BlackRose]

Listen to that water's ripple and the Bird's symphony. Love it.

[@LTDunltd]

The $13.08 fee reminded me of a place I camped at that charged $13.50 / night. I paid with 2 fives and 3.50 in dimes, nickels and pennies. I think they charge the odd cents to get people to pay upwards to the next whole dollar. Or more.

[@mtadams2009]

No one goes camping in Maine and NH during black fly season. Lesson learned. For those that want a true wilderness experience Baxter is the place.

[@anthonyc1883]

What are the approximate start and end dates of black fly season in the Baxter area?

[@RobertSmith-km6gi]

Myself and a few friends camped at South Branch Pond about 6 years in a row starting on the 2nd week in June for 5 days each outing. I lived in Maine for 35 years and the black flies, deer flies, horse flies, mosquitoes, and every other type of biting insect are just a part of enjoying such a wonderful place from mid spring to early fall. Head nets, deet, and campfires all help. At South Branch we always tried to rent the pond side leantos since there was almost always a good breeze to help with the bugs. The 6 months of winter was another story.

[@paulr.3220]

That road was so rough that I counted 2 times that there was daylight beneath the campers tires. Black flies and mosquitoes can be so maddening it is difficult to appreciate that they are an integral part of the food chain. That wouldn't keep me from cursing their existence though. Baxter is so big and we look forward to part 2.

[@redsorgum]

Your trailer has seen worse roads 😉😘 The beach looks nice. $13.08 welcome to Maine……🤪 I like Baxter state park. Looking forward to part two.

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

Slim...go to the Acadia National Park near Bar Habor Maine. Also go to Blue Hill Maine....gorgeous little town on the ocean. Be sure to eat the blueberry pie in Maine. If you go to the park they have the world's best Popovers at the cool park restaurant. It's a must to go there. Sits on a lake with a trail around it. The rocky shore of Acadia and a trip to the top of Cadillac Mountain at the park are memories you'll never forget. Have fun!!!

[@jasonwilliamson8346]

Good morning slim thank you for the live stream

[@SlimPotatohead]

Morning Jason!

[@sjTHEfirst]

Another great adventure. Thanks for sharing Slim.

[@grannypeacock1218]

That was the best looking meal I’ve ever seen on your channel. 🎻🥔

[@anitamitchell3452]

So happy there is a part two. Thanks for the book review. Loved the fern with dew drops. Can't stand the bugs!

[@chickadee04287]

Welcome to Maine, Slim! My husband and I have been to Baxter many, many times. Camping during black fly season is horrible so we try to stay home until later in the season, but then there are mosquitos. Black flies can really drive you crazy. It is nice to have a camper to escape into. Looking forward to part 2 of you adventure.

[@reedandjulie1013]

Great video, well done. Thank you Slim

[@lindawoods6841]

Camping in Maine and a 2 part video.. Yay!!!Narration is totally awesome. I enjoy how you tell the story of the places you visit.. you make everything so interesting.. thank you Slim for sharing.♥

[@pagewhite8177]

That book looks great Slim, I will look for it. Your meal was my kind of meal, it looked delicious! I can’t wait for part two, thanks for the video!

[@lowrangeoverland9013]

Good to see camping again. looking forward to your excellent adventures !

[@TravelingGranny]

Maine is on my list of places to see! I need to get one of those net hats! Thank you for the heads up! So green so loved seeing the ferns, plants, flowers etc...I have never heard or seen those fiddle heads before! Your meal looks very good! Thank you for sharing! Happy & safe travels! ~Tracey~👍🤗

[@ftkinsella]

Slim, good to see you again. Cheers 😌

[@Toris30]

Cool video Slim thanks for taking us on trips whit you

[@kaykaykayak9368]

Love that book ! And I want to plant some sweet grass. I had some land near Baxter State Park and remembered how bad the black flies were but still love the state of Maine , so beautiful!! And thanks to the foresight of Mr. Baxter we have natural places like this!!

[@jandyke9995]

Slim, another great video and that book is wonderful

[@theresatruax3846]

Slim I knew I was watching a National Geographic program excellent video and videos you are talented and I enjoy all the content you create. You keep it real and that is what makes this very enjoyable! Thanks a million!!!!!

[@hsaurid]

This is definitely the type of camping where you are truly roughing it or close to it. Not for everyone, but everyone should experience this at least once in their life so they know what it is like. Good to know the picaridin helped against the blackflies. And, sometimes when things don’t start out that well, one sometimes gets to experience something different and awesome in its own way. Looking forward to part 2. Thank you, Slim!

[@sueg2658]

Slim, I hope you realize by sharing your awesome channel with us you are “giving back” a HUGE amount of enjoyment, wisdom and education to us viewers. Many thanks for the hard work it takes to keep the channel going and for all your wisdom that you share.

[@juliafromwisconsin]

Yes, Braided Sweetgrass is a great book, I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for another great video and I hope the bugs don’t eat you alive!

[@contrafax]

I LOVE that fern shot, so beautiful and the composition is most excellent.

[@cherriemckinstry131]

Looks like a great place to view a saucer landing! Loved the view and your experience.

[@dhblan8591]

Hi Slim. Great to see you on the road and camping. The Baxter are looks wonderful and definitely rustic and wilderness-like. Too bad about your run ins with Maine’s state bird - the black fly!

[@FeedScrn]

Nice vid. I am seeing the beauty of forest plants in a new way.. glimpses... through your videos and perspective.

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

Hello Slim! Good to see you. Looking forward to part 2.

[@livingsimplytosimplylive6817]

Thank you for bringing us along on your travels.

[@georgegandara6054]

Hi,in spite of the odds you could finally made it!!!!thanks for sharing your experiences,regards from Chile

[@milacy3]

Slim! Love your narrative and your perseverance of the mosquitos and black flies!😱 Apparently you were there at the height of black flie season. Love the nature shots and I agree with you the $13.08 ...what is that about! Lol! Looking forward to part two and more of your cabin renovation!

[@bobmanzi7712]

great stuff Slim thanks

[@bradleysonthemove5790]

Think we might be as excited as you are to be back on the road .. YAY! Really appreciate how you take the time and effort to make great videos, even to the extent of retracing your steps over rugged terrain, in the rain, through bug infested areas, just to capture the best shot .. that's what we enjoy most. Go job, Slim!

[@rgold02]

Thanks so much for sharing Slim! I always look forward to your new videos. Have a great week. Goldie in Jacksonville Florida

[@johnandreadavis3024]

You're doing great buddy. Keep it up you have a lot of people liking your stuff!

[@philipdutton9831]

Hey Slim, long time follower, thanks for the book tip. I think I may enjoy that!

[@36PawsPNWC]

Awesome book!!! That is the book I read as I traveled cross country with our trailer! I love it and highly recommend it! Great video, Slim! Good night😴

[@ex_yz]

New slim video always turns my day around

[@kathrynb4683]

Thank you for the book review. I absolutely love learning about what there is around me that is not only edible, but heals. Looked like you were at my cabin there showing my plants and flowers. No black flies here. The dairy farms nearby keep them busy. I take pics of plants and use Google Lens to teach myself the names. Transplanting some to a special garden. Every week new ones show up. I'm picking up a fiberglass slide in shell for my truck today (free) about the size of your camper. Looking forward to seeing if I can downsize from my 32 ft class A until this gas madness is over. Have fun out there. I enjoy going along with you while doing the PEX on my cabin. Safe travels!

[@derekneumann]

When I climbed Katahdin with my Brother and Dad, we had an INSANE cloud veil shoot up like a rocket on one side of us while crossing the Knife Edge, and then looking down to Baxter Pond was totally blue sky and clear. SWEET!! My Brother and his wife got chased by a rabid deer once there, also!! haha!!

[@dandial3733]

We've run into similar situations across the country. Like you, I shake my head at whoever dreamed up these policies.

[@SlimPotatohead]

The Omaha Beach policies were unfair, but I totally appreciate the Baxter ones. One of the quietest places I ever camped! SP

[@dandial3733]

@@SlimPotatohead I should have clarified, I was referring to the Omaha Beach location.. The strange odd amount for "Self Registration" really makes me wonder what they're thinking. We've seen strange amounts like $12.45 or $17.50...cash only. iMO, they realize you probably won't have change so you'll just over pay. It just occurred to me, maybe this is owned by the state but maintained by a private entity. They turn in the correct amount for camp sites and just pocket the overage. OK, gotta go get my tin foil hat and head out to the big foot convention. LOL

[@maineiacts]

@Dan Dial.. LMAO!! I would say you are 98% CORRECT!!! I thought so right off the bat!! Ideal scam-scheme! I know! I used to live in Maine, hence part of the reason for my handle...live in Iowa now, and what sucks is there is hardly any camping areas that are not too pricey, or too crowded and noisy, or more free wild space get aways! People really need these places to reboot the mental and Spiritual Hard Drives..! Plus the low percentage of refreshing water features here dissappoints , imho...( naturally I feel that way after being born and raised in upper New England Tri-State area.. Miss it much..but not Black Fly Season YIKES!! Poor animals! Take Care! 😉🙋🏻‍♀️🌲🌲🌲

[@maryr8063]

Can't wait for part II . :)

[@RRyan-pq5xd]

Well, it didn't look like a dream vacation spot with the flies, bugs and all...BUT Slim, you did find several great moments to take pictures of, lovely. thanks again

[@cjhawk45]

Love fiddle heads! I read that book last summer when I camped on crownland for a week, glad to see you found it. :-)

[@richardmacphee2367]

Ooooooh my home state, ok home sick now, I’m one of them Penobscot native Indians from up there, I’ve been watching your videos for a long time, love your channel, lots to see up there, find you some fiddleheads to eat, and some Maine blueberries 🥰 👍🏼

[@larzybernard9617]

I lived in Maine for 5 years. After a long winter, you are anxious for spring and it starts with ticks, then black flys, and then on to mosquitoes and throw in some biting horseflys. Fall comes and quiets the mosquitoes but before you know it you are back into winter. It chased me back west. October is great though!

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Another adventure! That trip in and out was awful, but it did help you rearrange the inside of your travel trailer! Looking forward to tomorrow!

[@volvo09]

Hey, you were near me! I was out rotating my tires before a trip and the black flies were mauling me.

[@csnyd2936]

Thanks Slim ! Great video

[@hansostlund4626]

Always great entertainment when you post sir

[@azclaimjumper]

Yep, camping spots sometimes just don't work out. Thanks for sharing the beauty your surroundings.

[@webthing8028]

Loved this ride with you. Im.not physically able to so this anymore. And this was wht I was needing. Going on ride with u. Awesome

[@echomoon3381]

Oh jeeze, you really, really had my mouth watering with those fiddleheads. And yes, Maine is totally beautiful. I lived downsouth I Old Orchard then Biddeford got 4yrs. It got to where I couldn't afford it any more and moved back to TN. I sure do miss Maine tho.

[@judyrobinson9556]

Loved the video. So well done and interesting. That said, what a rough road coming into the park, and then to find out you couldnt camp where you wanted to. Good decision to leave. Your 2nd campsite was great, despite the massive bug situation. Enjoyed the flora and fauna you filmed and the babbling brook. Trillium are my favorite spring flower. They're prolific in the woods here in Wisconsin mid May into June.

[@r8edrv4fun65]

Great video, Slim! Thanks for the tour of where not to go.

[@donemery1005]

Mother’s Day to Father’s Day are usually the worst ti e for black flies. We purchased a no seam gazelle screen room . Sets up in 2 minutes. Works great for spring and fall. Thank you for another great video

[@oldfisherman5112]

Camped at Baxter state park a couple times back in the 80's. Beautiful park.

[@cas5324]

Love it when you're on the road. Sorry this experience wasn't so great. I'm going to look for that book.

[@faithrada]

Thanks Slim... you never disappoint. 🌱🌿🌲🙏

[@tyleryoungandco]

I ordered that book through your description. Hopefully you get your 2 cents. I read 1491 based on your review and enjoyed that. I saw part 1 and 2 with my folks. They think you are great. It's amazing how some trips start rough and end with some of the best memories. I'm impressed at how far you hauled the kayak. 🍻

[@1cosmocat]

Glad to see you show that every camping spot doesn't always work out.

[@tressessalon]

Thanks for the video, sorry you had to beat up your vehicle and trailer on that crappy road, and to no end to boot! Im looking forward to reading that book

[@carolynthompson6518]

Hi from Australia 🇦🇺. Love your channel ♥️

[@Delilaah57]

Your videos are so beautifully done! Editing is superb and you are looking quite fit lately, must be all those treks with your kayak.

[@booniebuster4193]

Oh boy Slim. That road in was just like the road I just traveled last week on my boondock camping trip in the high Sierra mountains. I had to deal with rocks, tree branches, gullies caused by the snow melt water, and pot holes 6 inches deep and a foot across. The thing about the pot holes was that you sometimes could not see them coming because they were in the shade of trees. I just creeped along in 4-low for 17 miles to limit the impact. I have a popup camper, so everything was well packed inside. I wish you better luck on choosing your next camp site. I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos.

[@glennkennedy441]

This was a good one !

[@bpalpha]

I use to live in Maine. Beautiful place if you can hack the long winters. Might want to check out Mount Dessert Island/Bar Harbor. Camden and Rockport are extremely photogenic.

[@lukespack]

A totally different world is Bar Harbor. That was Rockefeller land.

[@Scott_From_Maine]

Those places are awfully busy for Slim's tastes. The Donnell Pond area might be an option.

[@deborahrahalski]

Ah Slim- you discovered the two big B's Baxter is well known for particularly in late Spring : an abundance of Beauty and Black Flies! The added Bonus of your review of a personal favorite of mine- Braiding Sweetgrass- made me smile as does your authenticity and honest self- reflection. All reasons why so many of us follow your adventures. Thank you for bringing us along!

[@pagewhite8177]

I just checked the Sweetgrass book out from the library. I’m excited to read it. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@GundamDroid]

God bless you Slim, stay safe out there

[@marycoburn1829]

Hi Slim, While you are on the Golden Rd, check out Ripogenus Dam and about a mile the other side of it is Frost Pond Camps. The sites are cheap and it's very quiet and beautiful there. You have to go online to reserve a site, as there is no electric or phone at all there. It is worth the trip though, as you will see if you go there. Happy camping!

[@jdux9089]

Hi Slim. You're the King of Lemonade. Nobody turns lemons into lemonade like you can. I'm going to buy the book, it looks great.

[@ShawnPatterson402]

Baxter is a beautiful park, but I must agree that the insect population is very very vibrant. As always, safe travels....

[@joharmon2148]

I felt those flies right through my computer screen. Hate flying bugs. To bad about the misadventure for the beach.

[@thomascronquist1604]

I would add front straps to the kayak, to the bumper and rear straps to the rear bumper. This will be safer if your straps break and if it’s windy while driving, the kayak won’t move.

[@johnswof]

It's a requirement in my state. I use a strong nylon cord for both ends and two three inch canvas straps across that are ratchetted tight to my roof rack.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I can relate to the black flies and skeeters. Personally I think you should take up smoking big black cigars, they keep the bugs away. They might take 10 years off of your life but hey, the bugs won't bother you. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@BlissfulDee]

I moved to midcoast Maine two years ago, but haven't been to that wilderness area of the state yet. It was nice to see your trip so far. Finally I know what people were always talking about (before I moved here) when they referred to Maine's "biting black flies." I don't have to contend with them where I am on the coast - but the mosquitos are vicious!

[@silverbreezeRn]

So glad to see your review. I am, hopefully, going to Baxter later this month. I hope you get a chance to hike up to Mt Katahdin, the terminus of the Appalachian Trail. The "easiest" strenuous trail is at Chimney Pond, 3 miles up the Roaring Brook Trail. If you are around on the 25th or 26th I'd love to buy you a beer to celebrate reaching the top of Mr Katahdin, which is this old girls goal. Love your channel.

[@myperidot12]

Hello there. Love your videos. Thanks 😊