Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gilead, ME is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Gilead is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Gilead, reviewed by campers like you.
White Mountains Camping on Little Larry Road
6 min away
Cold River
18 min away
$35 - $45 / night
"This campground is just north bordering the White Mountain NF. Close to northern trailheads. NH take care in keeping their parks orderly.
Nice site."
"In addition to our designated spot, we had access to a large open space behind that many people utilized to play games or expand their camping area."
$30 - $44 / night
"This is a perfectly situated campground. Just off the main road connection Gorham and North Conway (Route 16), this campground is just minutes from town but has a wonderful wilderness feel."
"My family of 4 tent camped for 1 night as we were making our way from Maine back to Indiana as part of our summer ‘24 New England camping adventure road trip."
$30 - $67 / night
"Close to the main road but not too noisy. There are train tracks on the property but no trains went thru this weekend. Beautiful walking path right by the river!"
"There is also a great playground and a beautiful nature trail along the Androscoggin River.
The campground tends to have a mix of tents and RV folks."
$22 - $79 / night
"It was unfortunate that my site was close to the main road, but that was my fault and it didn't really change how my weekend was. They have remote sites for camping, see video. "
"While the campground looks to be primarily RV camping from the road, there are many tent sites tucked away in the trees and even two sites that are walk-in only and are situated right on the Androscoggin"
"These campsites are located on a dead end dirt road. The campsites are spread out so you are not on top of each other (I think there are only 8 sites on the road.) "
"Highwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road."
$28 / night
"This campground is privately owned and is situated in an amazing spot in the mountains of Western Maine."
"This small, private campground just outside Grafton Notch State Park offers clean, level, quiet sites with hot showers. If you don’t need wi-fi and hook-ups, this is the place for you!"
$18 / night
"Into the Whites from West Bethel, Crocker Pond is an off the beaten path car camping destination. Beautiful place to set up camp for a night to 14 days."
"With no one else around we thought, “welcome to the perfect campsite.”
Each site offers a picnic table, fire ring, and access to the pond."
$30 / night
"It’s located in Evan’s Notch, so close to many wonderful hiking trails and next to lovely Basin Pond. So quiet!"
"This campground has a day use area with a boat launch and picnic area on the right as you drive in. Non-motorized boats are allowed on the water and it’s a great swim spot in the summer."
"There were plenty of sites to choose from and most (not all) had access to the river as well as a fire ring. Sites were on a dirt road, but it was quiet for the most part."
"With a nice fire ring next to the river. Reasonably level spot for our van. Also there is a fun hiking trail just up the road. Camp sites are well spread out."
$24 / night
"Situated just off the Wild River and off of major roads, Hastings was incredibly peaceful while we were there."
"A small campground located at the northern end of Evan’s Notch, close to some great hiking trails. Pit toilets. Very quiet."
ScoutHere’s the revised version of your review with the laundry issue added in seamlessly:⸻ I came to this campground after seeing it advertised in a New Hampshire magazine, noting that it had once been recommended by Yankee Magazine. Unfortunately, it seems that recommendation must have been from many years ago, because what we experienced was nothing like what was promised. From the moment we arrived, it was clear the property was extremely rundown. The entrance and camp store were full of broken wood, broken signs, and musty smells. The bathrooms were absolutely atrocious—filthy, smelly, and clearly not maintained. They may not have been updated in years, but they could at least be kept clean, and they were not. The playgrounds—despite this being advertised as a family-friendly campground—were unsafe and neglected. Structures were practically falling down, weeds were everywhere, and one so-called playground was nothing more than a tarp on the ground with a tiny jungle gym. The game room was equally disappointing: dirty, moldy, and unusable. We had also looked forward to using the laundry facilities, but they were completely out of order and appeared to have been that way for quite some time. This was extremely disappointing and added to the sense that the entire campground is neglected. The swimming area was also a major letdown. The water was murky and uninviting—I wouldn’t even consider kayaking or putting my feet in it. Calling it a“beach” is misleading; it was unkempt and unpleasant. Overall, this campground was an extreme disappointment. It felt neglected, unsafe, and unhygienic in every way. I will not be returning, and I would strongly caution others to look elsewhere for a true family-friendly New Hampshire camping experience.⸻ Would you like me to shorten this into a punchier version(since some review sites have word limits), or keep it as a full detailed account for maximum impact?
TravelerIf you're looking for a safe, family friendly, quiet campground this is it.
Pool with water slides for kids, Kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, playground with slides and a pirate ship.
Strict quiet hours at 1030 make it very quiet in the evening with no worry of loud parties keeping you up.
Super clean restrooms and sites and a camp store with about everything in it.
10 minute drive to the cute town of Lancaster which has coffee shops, brewery, restaurants, bakery and groceries.
GuideHighwater trail with bridge close by. Great stars. Creek runs through road near sites good for getting water to filter or washing. Trailhead at end of road.
ScoutThis campsite sounds like a perfect spot for nature lovers who enjoy rugged terrain and peaceful surroundings. The mix of wooden platforms, nearby water sources, and bear protection measures shows how well-prepared it is for group camping. Exploring trails like the Appalachian or enjoying the views from Mount Washington would make the trip even more memorable— almost like the adventure and excitement you find in an android game.
Scout8 huge, beautiful campsites in the heavily wooded Evans Notch section of The White Mountains National Forest. It's easy to forget there are other people camping on other sites because they're so far apart. It's wonderfully relaxing and quiet. The only thing I regret not bringing with me is a table to put my camp stove on.
ScoutStayed in a tent they do have multiple tent sites RV sites and cabins available more than enough room for tents they have a beautiful pond in the back they have showers or a shower and toilet for those that need it a common room for those that want to cook food play games watch movies. it's about 11 minutes to the grocery store in downtown colebrook. The owners are amazing people they are very nice and kind. This place is really a hidden gem
ScoutNice gem. Toilets were pristine. Very peaceful. Not all sights have drive in access so get here early
TravelerStaff was very helpful. We arrived,after a 3 1/2 hour drive, early for check in but were able to go to our site. The lean-to site was beautifully situated by the incredible river making it easy to take a dip or go fishing. The pit toilet behind the site is our only complaint. There were times we could smell the stench from our site. There is construction work at the campground as they build bathhouses that should be done by next spring. Hopefully, they get rid of the pit toilets.
ScoutI am currently living all year round at Stony Brook Campgrounds. Showers clean ,bathrooms clean. Very nice pool. Basketball and volleyball. RV pull thru sites and tents and cabins as well. Excellent campgrounds to call home.
Camping near Gilead, Maine, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Gilead, Maine, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be sure to check the specific campground details to make the most of your trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the camping options at Gilead?
The Gilead area offers diverse camping experiences for all preferences. Crocker Pond provides secluded car camping with seven sites (five directly on the water) and allows stays up to 14 days. For RV travelers, Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground offers full hook-up pull-through sites for large rigs, while also providing grassy shaded sites for tent campers. Additional options include riverfront camping, private wooded sites, and state park campgrounds throughout the broader Western Maine and White Mountains region.
What amenities are available at Camp Gilead?
Campgrounds in the Gilead region offer varied amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Grafton Notch Campground features 15 well-wooded sites with access to hiking trails and natural sightseeing spots. Timberland Campground provides beautiful walking paths along the river. Many area campgrounds offer water access, with options like Crawford Notch Campground featuring riverside sites and 60 acres of hiking trails. Facilities typically include restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, with some locations offering wood sales, boat rentals, and shower facilities.
When is the best time to visit Gilead for camping?
The prime camping season in Gilead and the surrounding region runs from late spring through early fall. Mollidgewock State Park Campground shines in late spring with beautiful wildflowers dotting grassy campsites. Most private campgrounds like Lakeside Pines Campground operate from May through October. Many campgrounds in the area, including Grafton Notch Campground, specifically operate from mid-May through Columbus Day weekend. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, while September brings spectacular fall foliage with fewer crowds. Be prepared for ticks in spring and early summer.
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