Planning your trip

Allagash River Trip Planning

Careful planning is key to a successful Allagash River canoe/camping trip due to it's remote wilderness location.

1. Select Your Dates

Best Months: Late May, June and September generally have higher water levels and less paddlers on the river. Bugs peak in June and gradually decreases throughout the summer.
Peak Season: July and August are typically the busiest months on the river. During this time it's best to secure a campsite by mid-day since all campsites firs- come; first-served, otherwise you may need to paddle further than planned to find an open site.
Water Levels: Ideal river flow is between 2000 and 700 CFS (cubic feet per second). Levels below 500 CFS will expose gravel bars and slow progress.

2. Choose Your Trip Duration and Put in Location

Entire Allagash Wilderness Waterway: Chamberlain Lake to Allagash Village is 92 miles and typically takes 7-10 days.
Partial Trips: Popular shorter trips start at Churchill Lake, Umsaskis Lake and Round Pond. Click for mileage chart and prices.
Buffer Days: Consider including an extra day for a layover or weather delay such as high winds or thunderstorms.

3. Organize Logistics and Fees

Shuttles/Transport Service: Since you will be ending far from where you start, you'll need to arrange a plan ahead of time. We offer two services. You can arrive at our location and we will drive you and your gear to your put in location or you can drive yourself to your start point and leave your vehicle and we will drive your vehicle to your take out location while you are on the river. Click for mileage chart and prices
No Advanced Reservation: All 80+ campsites are first-come, first served.
2026 Camping Fees(per person/per night): $6.54 for Maine residents; $13.08 for non-residents.
North Maine Woods Day Use/ Road Fee(one time fee): $13 per day for residents; $18 for non-residents.

4. Gear and Safety

Communication: There is no cell service along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway.
Navigation: Carry a physical river map avaialbe at North Maine Woods gates or purchase ahead. GPS or satellite communication are highly recommended as you will need to be self reliant.
Group Size: Limited to a maximum of 12 people.
Gear: Click here for our suggested Gear List.
Essential Services: There is no electricity, and no potable water available. Carry in and Carry out all refuse.
Fire Policy: Open fires are strictly limited to designated fire rings provided at each authorized campsite. A separate fire permit is NOT required for fire pits at authorized campsites at AWW; your registration covers fire pit use. You may collect dead and downed wood.