How much does camping cost at Wild River Campground?

Camping fees at Wild River Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Wild River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wild River Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the best time to visit Wild River Campground?

Wild River Campground is open Null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wild River Campground?

Wild River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Wild River Campground?

Fire policies at Wild River Campground: Campfires are allowed at each site, which includes a fire pit with a grill.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Wild River Campground have?

Wild River Campground has 14 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Wild River Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Wild River Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wild River Campground?

Wild River Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wild River Campground?

Popular activities at Wild River Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wild River Campground

4.35

28 reviews

Wild River Road, Gilead, ME, USA

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,181 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Route 113 is gated c...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Null Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,181 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Route 113 is gated c...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Null Official Website

Get Directions

Wild River Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $20 per day for one car, with an additional cost of $10 per extra vehicle.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 28 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

sites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's remote and natural setting, its proximity to trails and the Wild River, and overall peace and seclusion. However, users have expressed dissatisfaction with the vault toilet odor, the lack of potable water, and occasional noise from other campers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Wild River Road, Gilead, ME, USA

Wild River Campground

Wild River Road, Gilead, ME, USA

Nearby places

Gilead, Maine (3 miles south)

Nearby supplies

Null

Best Time to Camp at Wild River Campground

Fall brings the best conditions. Daytime temperatures reach the 50s and 60s, while nights drop into the 20s and 40s. Maples and birches turn red, orange, and gold. Water clarity improves for brook trout fishing, and insect pressure drops significantly compared to summer. Weekdays and early October see the fewest visitors. Spring means rain and heavy mosquito populations in May and June. The campground gate closes in winter.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn offers brilliant hues and excellent hiking conditions per description and reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Route 113 is gated closed during the winter months, limiting access to the campground during this season.
Current Alerts: Seasonal closure of Route 113 during winter. Lack of potable water at the campground.

About Wild River Campground

Wild River Campground offers 14 primitive tent sites in White Mountain National Forest near Gilead, Maine. Sites cost $20 per night and provide access to the Wild River Wilderness. The campground sits at 1,181 feet elevation with no potable water and a single vault toilet. Cell service is nonexistent at the sites.

Wild River Campground provides a primitive camping experience. It is ideal for tent camping and accommodates a variety of outdoor enthusiasts looking for a remote and natural setting.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. Daytime temperatures reach the 50s and 60s, while nights drop into the 20s and 40s. Maples and birches turn red, orange, and gold. Water clarity improves for brook trout fishing, and insect pressure drops significantly compared to summer. Weekdays and early October see the fewest visitors. Spring means rain and heavy mosquito populations in May and June. The campground gate closes in winter.

ElevationThe campground rests at an elevation that provides comfortable camping conditions while offering access to the varied terrain of the surrounding wilderness areas.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Wild River runs close enough that you can hear it from any campsite. Dense forest surrounds the sites, and on clear nights the lack of light pollution reveals the Milky Way overhead. The campground sits within the Wild River Wilderness, where ancient bedrock channels frame hiking routes and fishing spots. Terrain is rugged. Peaks rise in the distance beyond the forest canopy.

Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent White Mountain National Forest, the campground lies at the heart of the Wild River Wilderness—a landscape sculpted by millennia of geological forces. Rugged terrain tells the story of ancient mountain-building events, while the Wild River and its tributaries continue their patient work of carving channels through solid rock. This dynamic geological wonderland offers endless opportunities for discovery among its peaks, valleys, and crystalline waterways.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Unspecified

Check-out

Unspecified

Stay Limit

Unspecified

Guests Allowed Per Site

Groups

No group camping details are provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 14 sites spread out enough to provide decent privacy in most cases, though some adjacent setups feel close together. Each site includes a picnic table and fire pit with grill.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as the campground is first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as large enough for two or three tents. A reviewer noted that the picnic tables and fire pits with grills are available at each site.

PrivacySites are relatively spaced out, offering decent privacy. However, one review mentioned that some setups feel near each other, which could lead to noise issues.

Total Campsites14 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits with grills, and are large enough to accommodate 2-3 tents.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Wild River Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, star gazing, wildlife spotting, and swimming. The area is remote and ideal for those looking to reconnect with nature.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include bear sightings and fast-moving water. User reviews mention safety concerns when swimming in the river and the need for airtight food storage. There are also advisories for hypothermia risks during cold and rainy nights.

Active AlertsSeasonal closure of Route 113 during winter. Lack of potable water at the campground.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed at each site, which includes a fire pit with a grill.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesNull

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof storage and trash compactor are mentioned in one review. Proper food storage is emphasized due to bear activity.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near the Wild River and offers opportunities for fishing and swimming. Users caution about fast-moving and deep areas of the river.

Camp HostA park ranger or campground manager is on-site during the season and often sells firewood. User reviews differ in their descriptions of the host, ranging from helpful to unhelpful.

Weather at Wild River Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

28 reviews

Recommended

Wild River Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's remote and natural setting, its proximity to trails and the Wild River, and overall peace and seclusion. However, users have expressed dissatisfaction with the vault toilet odor, the lack of potable water, and occasional noise from other campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's seclusion ('You can hear the river in the distance from any campsite'), natural beauty ('clear nights you can damn near see the Milky Way'), and access to trails and...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the vault toilet odor, lack of potable water, absence of cell phone service, and occasional noise from other campers. One user mentioned poor treatment by a camp manager...

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing potable water, airtight food storage due to bears, and insect repellent for mosquitos in May and June. Prepare for rain and the lack of cell service. Fording the river to...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest in late spring to early summer, with mosquitoes being a notable issue. Fall offers fantastic hiking opportunities but be cautious about weather changes. Winter access is...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"I hate to talk this place up and get more people going, but here I am. The campground is beautiful." "After 10 hours hiking, we arrived at this campground at 10 pm, exhausted... We were received the...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention 14 large campsites spaced for privacy, each equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. Users note that all sites are first-come, first-served.

Based on 28 reviews