Zaleski State Forest Atkinson Ridge Hunters Camp

For West Virginians who truly cherish the raw, untamed beauty of their home state, Chief Cornstalk WMA Lake Campground offers an authentic and immersive outdoor experience. Tucked away in the heart of north-central Maine, this unique destination allows you to drift deep into the wilderness along the stunning Mattawamkeag River, providing a quiet and scenic retreat that feels a world away from the everyday. It's a place where the sounds of the forest and the lapping of the lake set the pace, inviting you to explore, relax, and reconnect with nature on its own terms.

Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground is designed for those who appreciate a more rustic and natural camping environment, where the focus is firmly on the breathtaking natural surroundings and outdoor activities. Reviews highlight the stunning beauty of the forest, the Mattawamkeag River with its captivating rapids, and the dramatic outcrop rocks along the canyon walls. It’s a place that evokes a sense of timelessness, with visitors even imagining historical scenes of indigenous people traversing the land. While some aspects may be more "rustic" compared to a resort-style campground, it’s precisely this wild charm that appeals to many Mainers seeking an unadulterated wilderness experience.

The park spans over 1,000 acres of old-growth forest, offering ample space for exploration and quiet enjoyment. The variety of accommodations, from RV sites to traditional tent spots and charming Adirondack lean-to shelters (some right by the river), caters to diverse camping preferences. Despite its wilderness setting, the campground does provide essential facilities to make your stay comfortable, including full bathroom facilities and a well-stocked store. It’s a testament to Maine’s natural splendor, offering a serene backdrop for hiking, fishing, and simply unwinding in nature’s embrace. Many consider it a "great place to go camping," emphasizing its generally quiet atmosphere and abundant opportunities to explore along the river.

Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground is nestled in a prime location at 1513 Wilderness Park Rd, Mattawamkeag, ME 04459, USA, in the scenic north-central region of Maine. Its address truly reflects its nature, as it’s located approximately 8 miles into the wilderness along a scenic road that culminates at the campground. While this means a journey down a narrow, winding dirt road, it’s precisely this remoteness that contributes to the park’s authentic wilderness feel, and visitors report that taking it slow makes for a manageable drive.

For Mainers, this location offers an ideal launching point for exploring some of the state's most iconic natural landmarks. The campground is within reasonable driving distance to Baxter State Park (approximately 45 miles to Mt. Katahdin) and the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument (around 50 miles away), providing access to world-class hiking, wilderness exploration, and incredible vistas. The immediate area around the campground is rich with natural wonders, including Lower and Upper Gordon Falls and the dramatic Sleugundy Heater Gorge, often described as a miniature Grand Canyon with 40-foot cliffs. Furthermore, the park offers direct access to various trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling (ITS trails), and ATV riding, making it a true hub for outdoor enthusiasts. This blend of seclusion and accessibility to major natural attractions makes it a highly desirable destination for locals seeking an authentic Maine outdoor adventure.

Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground offers a range of services designed to enhance a rustic yet comfortable camping experience, providing essential amenities in a wild setting.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The park features 50 campsites suitable for RVs and tents. This includes 6 full-service RV sites with electricity, water, and sewer (recommended for RVs under 35 feet, though larger can be accommodated on other sites) and 8 sites with electric hookups and water.
• Adirondack Lean-to Shelters: For a unique and semi-rustic experience, there are 11 Adirondack lean-to shelters available, some conveniently located "a stone's throw from the river." These provide open-fronted, three-sided shelters for sleeping.
• Full Bathroom Facilities: The campground provides full bathroom facilities, which include free hot showers, ensuring comfort even in the wilderness.
• Laundromat: A laundromat is available on-site for guest convenience, particularly useful for longer stays.
• Well-Stocked Store: A well-stocked store is on-site, allowing campers to pick up forgotten items, supplies, or treats without having to leave the park.
• Recreation Hall & BBQ Pavilion: A recreation hall is available, which can be rented for events like weddings, reunions, and retreats. This rental now includes the use of a 40' by 70' BBQ Pavilion, with a large commercial-sized gas grill available for an additional fee.
• Dumping Station: A convenient dumping station is available for RV campers.
• Pets Welcome: Pets are allowed at the campground, provided they are under direct supervision (on leashes) and have proof of vaccination.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Many sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, though some fire pits may be in disrepair.

The Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground is rich with features and highlights that emphasize its dedication to providing an authentic Maine outdoor adventure.

• Stunning Mattawamkeag River Access: The campground offers direct access to the beautiful Mattawamkeag River, known for its clean, brisk water, rapids, and excellent fishing opportunities.
• Miles of Trails: The park boasts over 15 miles of marked hiking and mountain biking trails, easily accessible from the campground, allowing for extensive exploration of the old-growth forest.
• Lower and Upper Gordon Falls & Sleugundy Heater Gorge: These natural wonders are easily accessible from the campground, with Sleugundy Heater Gorge often described as a "Miniature Grand Canyon" with 40-foot cliffs and unusual rock formations.
• Winter Activities: The park is ideal for early winter hikes and snowshoeing, with smaller trails cut into the woods specifically for snowmobiles, connecting to ATV club trails. This indicates year-round potential for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Quiet and Peaceful Environment: Reviewers consistently note its "generally quite quiet" atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility and a break from noise.
• Abundant Fishing: The streams and river running through the wilderness park are teeming with fish, offering fantastic opportunities for anglers.
• Nature Immersion: The rich forest, diverse foliage (especially vibrant in autumn with "yellows, oranges, and red"), and potential for wildlife sightings make it a truly immersive natural experience.
• Lean-to Shelters and Screen House: The availability of lean-to shelters and a screen house provides unique camping options that blend rustic charm with some protection from the elements.
• Proximity to Major Wilderness Areas: Its location near Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument provides unparalleled access to some of Maine's most iconic and vast wilderness regions.
• Town-Owned and Operated: The park is owned by the Town of Mattawamkeag and leased to dedicated managers, reflecting a community commitment to preserving and sharing this beautiful area.

Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground offers straightforward and competitive pricing for its sites, aligning with its focus on providing an accessible wilderness experience.

Site rates generally fall within the range of $22-$35 per night, depending on the specific site selected and the type of hookups desired. For example, sources indicate that Adirondack Shelters, Tent Sites (no hookup), and Tent Sites with Water Hookup all start at $22.00 per night, with weekly rates around $132.00. The full-service RV sites with water, electric, and sewer would be at the higher end of the stated range.

While extensive, advertised "promotions" beyond these competitive daily rates are not widely listed, the campground does mention offering group rates for retreats or special occasions when renting their recreation hall and BBQ pavilion. It's always advisable for Mainers to contact the park directly via phone to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing for their specific dates and site preferences, and to inquire about any potential seasonal offers or discounts for longer stays. Given the overall value of the wilderness access and amenities, the pricing is considered fair for the unique experience offered. Please note that the park's website currently states it will be closed until further notice for 2025, so direct contact is essential to confirm current operating status.

To inquire about Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground, its facilities, or to confirm any current regulations, please use the following contact information:

Address: 1513 Wilderness Park Rd, Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Rd, Mattawamkeag, ME 04459, USA

Phone: (207) 736-4881

Mobile Phone: +1 207-736-4881

Additionally, the park has an email: info@mwpark.com, though they advise calling as they have experienced issues retrieving emails. It is highly recommended to check their official website or Facebook page for the most current information regarding their operating status, especially given recent notices about temporary closures. The staff are knowledgeable about the area and can assist you in planning your visit to this unique Maine wilderness gem.

For Mainers, Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for those who truly seek to immerse themselves in the state’s wild heart. Its undeniable natural beauty, characterized by the scenic Mattawamkeag River, impressive gorges, and lush old-growth forests, provides a deeply authentic Maine experience that feels wonderfully remote yet offers essential comforts. This is not a manicured resort, but rather a place where the focus is on the environment itself, appealing to locals who appreciate genuine wilderness.

The park’s extensive network of hiking, mountain biking, ATV, and snowmobile trails means that adventure is literally at your doorstep, allowing for endless exploration right from your campsite or lean-to. The excellent fishing opportunities in the clean, brisk river are a significant draw for anglers. Furthermore, its proximity to iconic landmarks like Baxter State Park and Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument positions it as an ideal base for more ambitious expeditions. The availability of various site types, including charming lean-tos, ensures there’s an option for every preference, and the generally quiet atmosphere allows for true relaxation. For Mainers looking to escape the everyday and embrace the untamed splendor of their state, Mattawamkeag Wilderness Park Campground offers a profound connection to nature and a truly unforgettable outdoor adventure.

Zaleski State Forest Atkinson Ridge Hunters Camp

Township Hwy 5, McArthur, OH 45651, USA