Hastings Campground

Bethel, ME

4.8(57 reviews)

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About this campground

Hastings Campground is located on Route 113 near the shore of Evans Brook in western Maine. It is situated in a rustic and remote part of White Mountain National Forest, not far from the towns of Gilead Me and Gorham, New Hampshire. Activities include fishing, hiking and mountain biking. The White Mountains boast pristine forests, clear mountain streams and rivers and the tallest peaks in the Northeast. The forest encompasses nearly 800,000 acres in New Hampshire and western Maine, and is one of the most popular in the country.

Campsites are shaded and well-separated around a single loop. Accessible restrooms and a hand pump for water are provided within the facility. The campground also has a large, open play area for kids.

The campground sits in a mixed hardwood forest at the base of Mt. Hastings and a short distance from Evans Brook and the Wild River. The forest is home to many species of northern wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer and black bear. Almost 200 species of birds, including the rare Bicknell's Thrush, live in the White Mountains.

Within a short drive, campers can access numerous hiking trails of various levels, including a short, 2-mile trail that is great for families, as well as a more rigorous 9-mile trail on Mt. Hastings. Fishing is available in nearby streams and rivers, and the famous Appalachian Trail is about a half-hour drive from the campground. The area also hosts four alpine and five Nordic ski areas, which provide year-round recreation opportunities such as skiing, hiking, mountain biking, outdoor concerts, interpretive trails, special events and regional and national skiing and snowboarding races.

What campers say

Hastings Campground is a small, well-kept primitive site in a wooded setting with flat, private sites and river access. Hosts are regularly described as friendly and helpful. Facilities are basic—vault/pit toilets, no showers or hookups—so it's best for tent camping or those wanting rustic, dry camping. The campground is convenient for hiking, swimming spots and trout fishing, making a good base for exploring the area. Most visitors find it quiet and family-friendly, though some have noted daytime road or pass-through traffic. A few reports mention wildlife sightings, so typical outdoor precautions are wise.

Our summary of 57 traveler reviews.