Wild River Campground
4.3516 reviewsWild River Road, Gilead, ME, USA
Wild River Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
The campground charges $20 per day for one car, with an additional cost of $10 per extra vehicle.
About this campground
Escape to Wild River Campground, where 14 thoughtfully spaced campsites nestle into the untamed beauty of rugged wilderness. Here, the modern world fades away as you cast your line into pristine waters, traverse ancient hiking trails, and immerse yourself in the raw splendor of the Wild River Wilderness. Each campsite has been carefully positioned to offer maximum privacy and seclusion, creating your own personal sanctuary in nature's embrace.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself may not bear historical markers, the surrounding wilderness holds centuries of untold stories within its ancient forests and weathered peaks, inviting modern explorers to create their own lasting memories.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with a symphony of rain and the buzz of mosquitoes in May and early June, making this a season for the truly adventurous. As autumn paints the wilderness in brilliant hues, temperatures drop to comfortable levels and the insect population retreats, creating ideal conditions for exploration. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though gate closures make the campground inaccessible during these months. Pack your own water supply, as none is available on-site, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.
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 SceneryDeep within the White Mountain National Forest's most secluded corners, Wild River Campground serves as your gateway to breathtaking wilderness vistas. The Wild River winds through the landscape like a silver ribbon, its waters reflecting the dense canopy above and offering glimpses of the untamed beauty that defines this remote paradise. Towering trees frame dramatic views of the surrounding peaks, while the sounds of rushing water and rustling leaves create nature's perfect soundtrack.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesSites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits with grills, and are large enough to accommodate 2-3 tents.
Best CampsitesUser reviews mention that all campsites are spaced far apart, offering privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Unspecified
Check-out
Unspecified
Stay Limit
Unspecified
Guests Allowed Per Site
8
Groups
No group camping details are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spaced apart and offer privacy. The layout is remote and secluded, ideal for those seeking solitude.
Open and Closed SeasonRoute 113 is gated closed during the winter months, limiting access to the campground during this season.
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
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
The campground is adjacent to numerous trails, including the Wild River Trail and the Basin Trail. Trails are described as beautiful and varied in difficulty, with options for both casual walking and rugged exploration. However, the absence of a bridge over the Wild River necessitates fording the river, which can be dangerous in high water.Fishing
Fishing is popular in the Wild River. A user review recalls that fish are available, but specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not mentioned.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the Wild River, with users mentioning 'cold but nice' spots to swim. Some areas are fast-moving and deep, so caution is advised.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a noted activity. Bears are present in the area, as evidenced by bear droppings and warnings. Smaller animals like mice and chipmunks also inhabit the area.Winter Activities
The campground closes for the winter as access roads are gated.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed at each site, which includes a fire pit with a grill.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 57%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingBear-proof storage and trash compactor are mentioned in one review. Proper food storage is emphasized due to bear activity.
Proximity to 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.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints from user reviews include the lack of potable water, unpleasant smell from the single vault toilet, noise from other campers, and inconsiderate behavior from campground hosts.
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.
Campground Map
Wild River Road, Gilead, ME, USA
Driving directionsThis remote campground is located 5 miles down the gravel Wild River Road off Route 113, 3 miles South of Route 2 in Gilead, ME. Route 113 is gated closed during the winter months.
Access is via a gravel road (Wild River Road) which is remote and can be challenging for some vehicles. Route 113 is gated closed during the winter months, limiting access during that season.Nearby places
Gilead, Maine (3 miles south)
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
4.4
16 reviews
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 16 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 16 reviewsShow more
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 16 reviewsShow more
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 16 reviewsShow more
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 16 reviewsShow more
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 16 reviewsShow more
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 16 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility features or issues were highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 16 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews regarding pet policies or experiences are provided.
Based on 16 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025