Map showing campground location near Gilead, Maine

Camper submitted image from Hastings Campground

Hastings Campground

The sound of Route 113 traffic filters through the trees at this small Forest Service campground, where 24 sites occupy a single loop just north of Evans Notch. Sarah C. found the grounds "meticulously maintained," with freshly raked sites around picnic tables and fire rings. Two vault toilet buildings serve the campground, along with an old-fashioned hand pump for water.

Most sites sit beneath tall hardwoods that provide varying amounts of shade throughout the day. The campground fills completely during summer months, though campers report it remains surprisingly quiet despite full occupancy. Sites measure large and flat enough for RVs, with some featuring exceptionally long picnic tables. Mosquitoes and horse flies can be persistent during warmer months.

The campground operates on an $18 per night fee collected at a self-pay station near the entrance. Reservations are available online for some sites. Gilead offers campgrounds around Gilead for those exploring the region, while Wild River Campground provides a quieter alternative 5.5 miles down a dirt forest road for campers wanting more isolation from road noise.

Description

Overview

Hastings Campground is located on Route 113 near the shore of Evans Brook in western Maine. It is situated in a rustic and remote part of White Mountain National Forest, not far from the towns of Gilead Me and Gorham, New Hampshire. Activities include fishing, hiking and mountain biking. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular in the country.

Recreation

Within a short drive, campers can access numerous hiking trails of various levels, including a short, 2-mile trail that is great for families, as well as a more rigorous 9-mile trail on Mt. Hastings. Fishing is available in nearby streams and rivers, and the famous Appalachian Trail is about a half-hour drive from the campground. The area also hosts four alpine and five Nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, interpretive trails, special events and regional and national skiing and snowboarding races. Learn more about recreation in the national forest.

Facilities

Campsites are shaded and well-separated around a single loop. Accessible restrooms and a hand pump for water are provided within the facility. The campground also has a large, open play area for kids.

Natural Features

The campground sits in a mixed hardwood forest at the base of Mt. Hastings and a short distance from Evans Brook and the Wild River. The forest is home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the White Mountains.

Nearby Attractions

Campers enjoy a scenic day trip to the Presidential Range, which consists of the tallest mountains in the forest, including the 6,288-foot Mount Washington, the highest peak north of the Smoky Mountains and east of the Mississippi River.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (802) 289-0970.

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Location

Public Campground

Hastings Campground is located in Maine

Directions

From Gilead, Maine, take Highway 113 south for 3 miles to campground.

Address

WHITE MOUNTAIN
ME

Coordinates

44.3519444 N
70.9841667 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&T
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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&T
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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Firewood Available
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

1 hr 23 min from Lewiston, ME
1 hr 56 min from Portland, ME
2 hrs 18 min from Manchester, NH
2 hrs 45 min from Burlington, VT

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

A small, well-maintained USFS campground with large, flat sites and helpful hosts. Visitors often highlighted the pristine facilities and peaceful atmosphere, though some road noise noted during peak times.

Carolyn M.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2024

Great location, quiet

A small campground located at the northern end of Evan’s Notch, close to some great hiking trails. Pit toilets. Very quiet.

Month of VisitOctober

Amy R.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2023

Fantastic experience!

We stayed two nights at Hastings Campground in our Class C RV and cannot wait to go back! The camp sites were all large, wide and flat. The grounds were pristine and well maintained. We were quite surprised how quiet it seemed even though all the sites were booked. Definitely pack the bug spray for the mosquitos and horse flies but didn’t deter us from enjoying sitting around the campfire or at the picnic table. Will be going back there soon!

Site14

Month of VisitJune

(19) View All

David S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2020

Nice

This is a pretty nice, though fairly developed campground in the White Mountains. I stopped in for one night after doing some hiking in the area, and it wasn’t bad at all. A little busy, and definitely more family oriented, but I think it’s a nice spot especially if you have an RV, family, or just want a more developed site in general.

Sarah C.

Legend

Reviewed Jun. 5, 2020

Wonderful Fall Location

This quiet spot is perfect for late season camping in the fall in New England. It is relatively small but there is a host on site who was incredibly friendly and attentive. Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there. The sites are nicely spaced out and most have small wooded sections in between them for privacy. Additionally, sites are meticulously kept as are the two pit toilets available.

There is a water spogit a short walk from most campsites. Each site has a fire ring with grate, clear flat spots for pitching a tent or backing in an RV. Since I'm not an RV camper, I didn't pay much attention to those ameneties. Sites have a nice picnic table as well. There is plenty of space at each site to pitch a tent or two as well as a canapoy of some sort if you want.

While this place can get busy in the summer season, it's perfect for those in between seasons and super close to some great hiking in the White Mountains!

Month of VisitOctober

(9) View All

Sarah C.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2017

Nice Fall Camping

This U.S. Forest Service campground is small but meticulously maintained. It is clear that the USFS and campground hosts care about this space. Our campsite was freshly raked in and around the picnic table and fire ring. The entire campground and facilities are pristine. I especially appreciated the clear but non-passive aggressive signs throughout the campground.

Most sites are nicely shaded with nice tall hardwoods, though some times have more sun than shade. Our site had an exceptionally long picnic table which was nice. There are two vault toilet buildings and a large old fashioned water pump to get fresh water. This campground is bare bones but still close enough (about a 25 minute drive) to the nearest town in case you need access to supplies.

There is one small loop with 24 campsites, some of which are reservable online. Sites are $18/night and there is a self pay station as you enter the campground. This campground is located right off route 113 so can be a little bit loud especially during foliage on their motorcycles. So if you want more peace and quite check out the Wild River campground (it's 5.5 miles down a USFS dirt road).

The campground was virtually empty but I imagine it might get busy in the summer!

Site10

Month of VisitSeptember

(12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hastings Campground located in Maine?

Hastings Campground is located in western Maine at the northern end of Evans Notch in the White Mountain National Forest. This U.S. Forest Service campground sits just off the Wild River, providing a peaceful setting away from major roads. Its location makes it an excellent base for exploring hiking trails in the Evans Notch area while still being accessible for campers seeking a quiet mountain retreat.

What amenities are available at Hastings Campground & RV Park?

Hastings Campground offers basic but well-maintained amenities. The facility features pit toilets that are kept in pristine condition. Each campsite comes with a freshly raked area, picnic table, and fire ring. The campground can accommodate RVs with sites that are large, wide, and flat. While Hastings doesn't offer hookups or showers, it provides a true forest camping experience with attentive on-site hosts. Be sure to pack bug spray as insects can be present, especially during warmer months.

Is there a map available for Hastings Campground?

Yes, maps of Hastings Campground are available through the White Mountain National Forest website and at the ranger stations in the area. As a U.S. Forest Service campground, you can also find site maps upon arrival at the campground itself. The map will show the layout of this small campground in Evans Notch, including individual sites, pit toilet locations, and nearby trails. Contact the USFS for the most current map information.

What do reviews say about Hastings Campground?

Hastings Campground receives consistently high marks for its pristine, meticulously maintained grounds. Campers appreciate the large, wide, and flat sites that accommodate RVs well. The campground is noted for being exceptionally quiet despite being fully booked during peak seasons. Visitors highlight the friendly and attentive campground hosts who keep the facilities in excellent condition. The peaceful setting near the Wild River is frequently mentioned as a major draw, especially for those seeking a tranquil camping experience.

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