Hastings Campground, Bethel, ME

Introduction / Overview

For Maine residents seeking an authentic, tranquil camping experience far removed from the busy coastal crowds,

Hastings Campground

represents a true inland gem. Nestled within the Maine portion of the vast White Mountain National Forest, this site offers a rustic yet impeccably maintained environment that perfectly captures the spirit of the Western Maine Mountains. The campground is deliberately simple, focusing on the natural surroundings and providing a quiet escape for campers who value peace and easy access to outdoor adventure.

Hastings Campground

is constructed on the site of the old town of Hastings, once a late 1800s logging camp, giving it a unique historical atmosphere amidst a young, mixed hardwood forest. This location ensures that sites are shaded and well-separated, contributing significantly to the quiet, serene atmosphere that customers consistently praise. As one happy camper noted, "It’s clean, quiet, and the hosts are always nice," affirming the dedication to a high-quality, peaceful experience. Whether you prefer pitching a tent or bringing an RV,

Hastings Campground

is designed as a sanctuary where you can truly relax and enjoy Maine’s majestic interior.

It serves as an excellent base for exploring some of the most beautiful hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities in the Northeast, all while returning to a "very quiet and clean" campsite each evening. The focus here is on immersion in the pristine natural landscape, making it a perfect retreat for families, solo travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to reset their internal clocks to the rhythm of Evans Brook and the Wild River nearby.

Location and Accessibility

Hastings Campground

is situated in a particularly beautiful and remote section of Western Maine, within the boundaries of the White Mountain National Forest. Its rustic location provides maximum access to the wilderness while remaining reasonably accessible via state routes.

Official Location:

The campground is located on Route 113 (Evans Notch Road) near the shore of Evans Brook. While the closest formal town is Gilead, ME, the mailing and general service area is often associated with the larger town of Bethel, ME.

Address:

Bethel, ME 04217, USA

Directions for Local Users:

To reach the campground, Maine residents should take Highway 113 south from the town of Gilead. The campground is located approximately three miles down Route 113. This scenic road provides a paved circle within the campground, which is a big hit with families and cyclists. The remote setting means that cell service is generally unavailable in the area, which many Mainers view as a feature, not a drawback, for a true outdoor vacation. The campground operates seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-October, as Route 113 is gated closed during the winter months, reinforcing its status as a dedicated warm-weather basecamp. Its location places it conveniently for a day trip to the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, as well as the nearby Appalachian Trail.

Services Offered

Hastings Campground

provides fundamental, non-hookup camping services designed for a traditional, rustic experience within the National Forest. The focus is on maintaining a clean and functional environment without the distractions of modern conveniences.

Campsites: A total of 14 shaded and well-separated individual campsites are available, situated around a single loop.
Site Furnishings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill for cooking.
RV and Trailer Accommodation: Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30-35 feet in length, though no hook-ups (water, electric, sewer) are provided.
Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is accessible via a central hand pump within the facility.
Restrooms: Accessible vault/pit toilets are provided for convenience.
Trash Collection: Designated trash collection facilities are available on-site.
Camp Host: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are typically present during the operating season to assist visitors.
Reservations: All sites are reservable up to six months in advance through the appropriate national recreation service.
Firewood: Firewood is sometimes available for sale on-site from the camp host, though campers are advised not to transport firewood from outside the area to prevent the spread of invasive pests.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets

Hastings Campground

apart is its unbeatable location and the high quality of the simple, natural experience it offers to visitors:

Pristine Forest Setting: The campground is situated in a mixed hardwood forest at the base of Mt. Hastings and near the banks of the Evans Brook and the Wild River, providing a dense, natural barrier between sites.
Exceptional Quietness: As noted by multiple customers, the sites are "well maintained" and the atmosphere is "very quiet," offering a genuine respite from the noise of daily life.
River and Brook Access: Campers have terrific access to Evans Brook and the nearby Wild River, which offers excellent "swimming spots" and opportunities for fishing, a highlight particularly enjoyed by families.
Hiking and Biking Hub: The location provides direct access to numerous hiking trails, including a short, family-friendly 2-mile loop and a more challenging 9-mile trail leading up Mt. Hastings. The recently paved section of Route 113 also makes for excellent road biking right from the campground.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The campground includes a large, open play area for children and a paved circle road for young children to ride bikes safely, making it a perfect spot for families.
Wildlife Viewing: Located deep within the White Mountain National Forest, the area is rich with northern wildlife, offering opportunities to spot moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, and various bird species.
Proximity to Attractions: It’s conveniently located for scenic day trips to the Presidential Range, including Mount Washington, and is only a half-hour drive from the famed Appalachian Trail.

Contact Information

Hastings Campground

is managed under the umbrella of the White Mountain National Forest, and reservations are handled centrally through the national recreation booking system. For specific information and inquiries, you may contact the relevant Ranger District Office.

Physical Location (Use for GPS/Mapping):

Route 113, Bethel, ME 04217, USA

General Information Phone (White Mountain National Forest):

(603) 466-2713

Reservations/Booking:

Managed through Recreation.gov (search for Hastings Campground, White Mountain National Forest)

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For residents of Maine,

Hastings Campground

is an ideal destination because it delivers on the promise of the "Vacationland" ethos—unspoiled nature, peace, and easy access to true outdoor recreation. Living in Maine means valuing the state's deep connections to its rivers and forests, and

Hastings Campground

places you directly in this environment.

This campground is particularly suited for locals looking to escape the often-crowded coastal areas and find solitude in the Western Lakes & Mountains region. The intentionally simple, rustic setup is exactly what traditional Maine campers seek—a clean, quiet site with a fire ring and a picnic table, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the National Forest. The high standards of maintenance and the "nice hosts" ensure a hassle-free vacation.

Furthermore, its position on the Maine side of the White Mountain National Forest allows residents to easily access premier hiking, mountain biking, and water recreation without crossing into New Hampshire for every outing. Whether you’re a family whose "seven year old loves the access to the river and a paved circle to ride his bike," or a couple seeking a "very quite and clean" base for accessing "terrific swimming spots close with access to hiking trails,"

Hastings Campground

offers a genuine, affordable, and beloved local escape into the rugged heart of Maine.