Day hikers and backpackers heading into Gulf Hagas will find Pleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks) a practical base, with the Gulf Hagas trailhead roughly ten minutes from the campsites and Appalachian Trail access nearby. The campground sits in forested terrain along the Pleasant River in Maine's North Woods, reached through the Katahdin Iron Works gate managed by the Jo-Mary division of Northern Maine Woods. Cash is required at the checkpoint. No bikes or ATVs are permitted beyond the gate, as logging trucks actively use these roads.
Each site includes a covered picnic table, fire ring, and access to a latrine across the road. No potable water is on-site, though the river is close enough for dishwashing and filtering. Sites tend to work best for tents or small campers, with a reported limit of 44 feet total for truck-and-camper combinations. Firewood is available for purchase at the access gate. Moose sightings have been reported by multiple visitors, particularly in the evening hours.
Shari G. notes there is "lots of privacy, beautiful view of the river." Resupply options are limited out here. The town of Milo has the closest grocery stores and gas stations, so arriving with full provisions is advisable. Campers planning trips in the broader region can explore campgrounds around Brownville Junction for additional options. Those wanting walk-in access along the same river corridor might consider Pleasant River (Katahdin Iron Works) Walk-in Sites a few miles west.
Description
Camping permits are issued at the checkpoint upon entrance to the North Maine Woods area. Camping is allowed at designated, marked camping areas for a two week maximum time per campsite. The North Maine Woods map, DeLorme's Maine Atlas and Gazetteer, and maps at the checkpoints show campsite locations.
Due to the expanse of the area and staff limitations, campsites are available on a first come/first served basis. Reservations are not accepted.
There are two types of campsites available for use:
Authorized Campsites While all campsites are rustic, there are steel firerings, cedar picnic tables, and toilets at authorized campsites. Fires may be carefully built in the steel firerings. A Maine Forest Service Fire Permit is not required.
Designated Fire Permit Campsites These are locations where overnight camping is allowed but where building camp fires requires a Maine Forest Service Fire Permit. The locations of designated fire permit campsites are shown by a different symbol on the maps. These campsites have fewer facilities than authorized campsites. Although many fire permit campsites are not as attractive as authorized campsites, November hunters prefer sheltered locations rather than windswept lake shore campsites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPleasant River (Katahdin Ironworks) is located in Maine near Brownville Junction
Coordinates
45.46793895 N
69.22274354 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Toilets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 1 hr 19 min from Bangor, ME
- 2 hrs 33 min from Lewiston, ME
- 3 hrs 10 min from Portland, ME
- 4 hrs 13 min from Manchester, NH
