Wild River Campground
Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2020

Update/continuation to previous review

In an effort to help continue providing accurate and up to date information, I wanted to take a moment and write a second review for this campground (my last one was roughly 2 years ago). There is currently conflicting information regarding the operation status of this campground on the US Forest Service's website. As of 6/21/20 this campground IS open despite being listed as closed on the USFS website as of today, 6/26/20. So fret not, the road and the campground are open and operational for the summer season.

The campground is first come-first serve and is off the beaten path at the end of an approximately 7.5 mile gravel road, crossing from Maine into New Hampshire. There is a host present for the summer season in site 1. There is a parking area available for day users for a fee and the Access Pass or similar annual agency passes are honored here.

Sites are $20/night and there are two lean-to shelters available. A few of the sites are drive in/up to while others are a short walk from various parking areas so plan accordingly, as you may need to carry your gear in a short distance. You may want to pack in a consolidated manner.

We stayed here the night before we headed into the Wild River Wilderness for a few nights of backcountry travel. It was a great starting point. Sites were incredibly well maintained (raked and free of any debris) and the campground is quiet, sites are well spaced out. The septic pump truck was pumping and cleaning the pit toilets when we arrived back at the campground at the end of our backcountry travel. 

There is a self service pay station and map of the campground as you arrive, making it easy to find sites and get a lay of the land before settling in for your stay. The Wild River is in the campground and depending on the water levels, can be a wonderful place to sit and cool off or ford and access trails across the river. Be advised, there is only one bridge constructed across the Wild River and it is just off Route 113 BEFORE you turn onto the gravel forest service road that leads to the campground (so 7.5 miles from the campground). So if you are looking at old maps, any "footbridge" or "suspension bridge" listed no longer exists. The river does flood, especially in the spring and fall so be sure to have backup plans should you not be able to cross on a planned hike. 

This is a hidden gem and a great place to spend a long weekend. There is great hiking and swimming holes are plentiful. Pit toilets are clean as are site, spacious too! Check it out.

SiteSite 7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020
  • Review photo of Wild River Campground by Sarah C., June 26, 2020