Hastings Campground

For Mainers seeking an authentic, unplugged escape into the heart of the state’s rugged interior, **Hastings Campground** offers a perfect solution. Located deep in the western mountains, this campground provides a truly rustic and remote setting within the stunning Maine portion of the White Mountain National Forest. Unlike large, commercial RV parks, Hastings is a haven for those who prioritize solitude, the sound of the nearby brook, and direct access to pristine wilderness trails. It’s an ideal spot for the local adventurer who appreciates simplicity and nature's raw beauty.

Built on the historic site of an old logging camp from the 1800s, the campground itself is steeped in local history, offering a tangible connection to Maine’s past. It’s a foundational experience in Maine's outdoor recreation—a place where you can relax beneath the towering mixed hardwood forest and enjoy the quiet rhythms of the mountains. This is where you go to slow down, disconnect from digital life, and immerse yourself in the natural grandeur that defines Western Maine.

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Introduction / Overview

Hastings Campground is not just a place to park; it is an experience rooted in the tranquility of the White Mountain National Forest. Situated near the base of Mt. Hastings and close to the serene Evans Brook and Wild River, the campground is a small, single-loop facility that caters to tent campers, trailers, and smaller RVs (up to 35 feet). The campsites are thoughtfully shaded and well-separated, providing an excellent degree of privacy and seclusion. This is a destination specifically designed for the camper who is comfortable with minimal amenities and desires maximum exposure to the natural environment.

Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, Hastings embraces the tradition of simple, conservation-minded camping. It serves as a fantastic, affordable base camp for exploring the surrounding 800,000 acres of pristine forest, which stretches across both New Hampshire and Western Maine. The emphasis here is on the outdoors, with the campground serving as a comfortable launch point for day trips to magnificent hiking areas and river access points.

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Location and Accessibility

Hastings Campground is located on Route 113, also known as the Evans Notch Road, in the westernmost part of Maine, close to the town of Gilead. While the provided address is broadly listed as South Oxford, ME 04217, the most accurate and descriptive location for Mainers is its placement within the White Mountain National Forest boundary, just a few miles south of Gilead.

The precise address context places it:

South Oxford, ME 04217, USA

Access to the campground is gained by taking Route 113 (Evans Notch Road) south from Route 2 just before reaching Gilead, Maine. The campground is located approximately three miles up this scenic route. It’s important to note for local travel planning that Route 113 is a remote, paved mountain road that is typically gated closed during the winter months, meaning the campground is only open seasonally, usually from mid-May to mid-October. Given its remote location, the campground is only accessible by personal vehicle, and cellular service is noted to be nonexistent or very poor in the immediate area, a fact many Mainers view as a welcome feature.

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Services Offered

In keeping with its rustic, National Forest setting, Hastings Campground offers essential services focused on functionality and environmental preservation, allowing campers to truly "rough it" comfortably.

• **Campsite Furnishings:** Each of the 14 available campsites is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a cooking grill.
• **Water Supply:** Drinking water is provided via a communal hand pump, delivering cool, fresh water from a deep source.
• **Sanitation:** The facility provides vault toilets (pit toilets). Campers frequently compliment the cleanliness and maintenance of these basic facilities, a testament to the dedication of the campground hosts.
• **Trash Collection:** Central trash collection services are available, helping campers adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
• **Camp Host:** A dedicated camp host is typically on site to assist guests and ensure the grounds remain clean and organized.
• **Pet Policy:** Pets are generally allowed, making it a great option for Mainers who travel with their dogs.

It is vital to note that this is a primitive campground. There are no full hookups (water, electric, or sewer), no dump station, and no shower facilities. Campers must be prepared to be self-sufficient, which is precisely the appeal for experienced local campers.

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Features / Highlights

The highlights of Hastings Campground are centered entirely on outdoor recreation and the stunning natural environment of the White Mountains.

• **Prime Wilderness Access:** The campground serves as a gateway to the vast White Mountain National Forest, offering direct access to fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
• **Proximity to Evans Brook:** The campground is located near the shore of Evans Brook, and a short walk away from the Wild River, providing opportunities for cooling off in swimming holes and enjoying quiet riverside picnics.
• **Hiking Trails:** Numerous trails of varying difficulty levels are available within a short drive. Highlights include a 2-mile family-friendly trail and a more challenging 9-mile trail on Mt. Hastings itself. The famous Appalachian Trail is also within a half-hour drive.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The surrounding mixed hardwood forest is home to northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, and black bear, making it a spectacular destination for wildlife viewing and photography.
• **Seasonal Beauty:** The campground is a perfect vantage point for experiencing Maine’s vibrant fall foliage and the lush green growth of the summer season.
• **Large Play Area:** A large, open play area is provided, offering space for children to run and play in a natural setting.

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Contact Information

Since Hastings Campground is managed by the White Mountain National Forest, reservations and specific facility inquiries are best handled through the federal reservation system or the local forest office.

Address: South Oxford, ME 04217, USA (Located on State Route 113 near Gilead, ME)

Phone: (603) 466-2713 (White Mountain National Forest Saco Ranger Station)

Bookings for this campground can be made through Recreation.gov, where specific site availability and fee information can be confirmed.

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What is Worth Choosing

Hastings Campground is worth choosing for the Maine resident who seeks an authentic, peaceful, and immersive outdoor experience. If your goal is to truly disconnect—with no cell service and no electrical hookups—and to wake up to the sounds of the forest instead of a bustling RV park, this is your premier destination. It is a highly valued spot for its quiet atmosphere, even when full, and the high level of privacy afforded by the well-spaced, shaded sites.

By choosing Hastings, you are selecting a cost-effective, family-friendly campground that provides immediate access to some of the Northeast’s best hiking and mountain biking, including the renowned Evans Notch. It is the perfect spot for creating lasting memories of a classic Maine wilderness trip, free from the distractions of modern life. For a local looking to fully appreciate the serene and untamed side of Western Maine, Hastings Campground is an unbeatable choice.

Hastings Campground

South Oxford, ME 04217, USA