## 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][1] about recreation in the national forest.
## 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. 

[1]: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/white_mountain/recreation/

Hastings Campground

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!

Nice Fall Camping

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!

Wonderful Fall Location

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. 

Nice

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! 