Grafton Notch Campground

- 1472 Bear River Road Route, ME-26, Newry, ME 04261

For Mainers who cherish the rugged beauty of our Western Mountains, finding the perfect, quiet basecamp is essential for any wilderness adventure. Tucked away in the serene woods of Newry, just off the scenic Route 26, is the **Grafton Notch Campground**. This is not a sprawling resort; it's a small, family-run operation that focuses on providing a clean, quiet, and exceptionally friendly environment for those looking to immerse themselves in the spectacular landscape of the Mahoosuc Range and Grafton Notch State Park.

Whether you're planning a challenging multi-day hike on the Appalachian Trail, a short walk to a breathtaking waterfall, or simply a peaceful weekend by the river, Grafton Notch Campground is specifically designed for the dedicated outdoor enthusiast. It’s where attention to detail meets the wild heart of Maine, ensuring a comfortable return after a day on the trails.

The hosts, Mark and Mo, have earned a reputation among locals and seasoned campers alike for their meticulous care of the grounds and genuinely warm hospitality. Campers often praise the "super nice host Mo" and describe the campground as one of the nicest they have ever stayed at, highlighting the dedication of the husband-and-wife team to creating a beautiful and welcoming spot.

Grafton Notch Campground is a private, low-impact camping destination nestled along the beautiful Bear River in Newry, Maine. It primarily caters to **tent campers and small trailers/campervans**, offering an intimate setting with only a small handful of well-designed sites. This small size contributes significantly to the peaceful, quiet atmosphere that reviewers consistently praise. The focus here is on classic, nature-focused camping with key amenities to make your stay comfortable, all while minimizing disturbance to the natural surroundings.

The campground’s greatest draw is its proximity to world-class hiking and geological wonders. It serves as a gateway to the famed **Grafton Notch State Park**, which features some of the most dramatic and challenging terrain in the state, including the formidable Mahoosuc Notch, a notoriously difficult section of the Appalachian Trail. It's the perfect staging area for both the experienced backpacker and the family seeking an easy-access walk to a waterfall.

The campground enjoys an unbeatable location in the heart of the Western Maine mountains, making it easily accessible via a major scenic highway.

Address: 1472 Bear River Road Route, ME-26, Newry, ME 04261, USA

• Direct Route Access: Located right off Route 26 (the Grafton Notch Scenic Byway), the campground is easy to find, yet its wooded setting along the river provides a feeling of true escape.
• Grafton Notch State Park: It is only a few miles from the park entrance, offering immediate access to trailheads for hikes like Old Speck Mountain, Table Rock Loop, and the challenging Appalachian Trail section.
• Local Waterfalls: Easy scenic drives or short hikes lead to the geological highlights of the region, including Screw Auger Falls, Mother Walker Falls, Moose Cave, and the cascading pools of Step Falls Preserve.
• Bear River Frontage: Several sites back up directly to the Bear River, offering a soothing soundtrack of running water and pleasant views.
• Sunday River Proximity: While offering a rustic experience, the campground is a reasonable drive from the amenities and activities of the Sunday River Resort area in Bethel.

Grafton Notch Campground maintains a philosophy of providing all the necessary comforts without over-developing the natural environment.

• Immaculate Bathhouse: One of the most frequently praised features is the super clean restroom facility, which includes **hot showers** and flush toilets, a welcome luxury after a day of rugged hiking.
• Potable Water: Potable water is available on-site for drinking and cooking needs.
• Camp Store: A small, well-stocked camp store offers essentials, local information, and items for purchase, ensuring campers can quickly grab forgotten necessities.
• Dishwashing Stations: Outdoor sinks are provided specifically for washing dishes, helping to keep campsites and the bathhouse clean.
• Trailer Dumping Station: A trailer dumping station is available for camper convenience.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome in the campground, provided they are kept on a leash at all times, supporting a safe and respectful environment for all guests.
• On-Site Hospitality: The dedicated hosts, such as Mo, are available to offer local knowledge, trail advice, and personalized attention, greatly enhancing the camping experience.

This small campground’s charm lies in its thoughtful design, high standards of maintenance, and perfect placement for outdoor recreation.

• Flat, Wooded Sites: The campsites are noted for being well-designed and flat, often covered with gravel or wood chips for cleanliness, and set within the woods to offer privacy and a sense of being truly surrounded by nature.
• Riverfront Camping: Several sites are situated along the Bear River, providing unique access and scenic views of the water.
• No Generators Policy: To maintain the tranquility of the area, the campground strictly enforces a 'No Generators' rule, guaranteeing quiet hours are truly peaceful.
• Recreation Area: A designated field area is available for fun, featuring cornhole boards and horseshoe rings, offering casual recreational activities for downtime.
• Proximity to Appalachian Trail (AT): The campground’s location is a significant highlight for hikers, offering a comfortable night's rest before tackling or recovering from sections of the AT and the extended Grafton Loop Trail.
• Limited Hookups: While primarily a tent/no-hookup campground, there is at least one site (Site #1) reported to have electric hook-up, offering a minimal option for those with power needs, though water hook-ups are generally not available.

For booking reservations, current rates, and seasonal availability, please use the contact information below.

Address: 1472 Bear River Road Route, ME-26, Newry, ME 04261, USA

Phone: (207) 824-2292

Mobile Phone: +1 207-824-2292

For residents of Maine, the **Grafton Notch Campground** is suitable because it embodies the best of our state's outdoor ethos: genuine hospitality and unspoiled wilderness access. It provides the necessary modern comforts—especially those coveted hot showers and clean facilities—without sacrificing the feeling of an authentic, quiet escape into the woods.

This campground is your practical, well-maintained, and ideally positioned basecamp for experiencing the Western Maine mountains. It’s where you can tackle a serious hike up Old Speck in the morning and relax by the Bear River in the afternoon. The small number of sites ensures a quiet experience, away from the crowds of larger parks. If you're a local who values a quiet, respectful camping environment and direct, easy access to world-class hiking, waterfalls, and the Mahoosuc Range, Grafton Notch Campground, with its dedicated hosts, is truly a ten-star spot and an essential part of the Maine adventure circuit.

Grafton Notch Campground

1472 Bear River Road Route, ME-26, Newry, ME 04261, USA