At the Quiet South End of the Notch
Cold River Campground sits at the southern end of Evans Notch in Stow, about 15 miles north of Fryeburg on Route 113. It is one of four small White Mountain National Forest campgrounds strung along this Maine valley, and it shares a corner of the woods with Basin Pond and the Cold River. The setting is classic notch country: tall trees, mountain water, and the ridges of the Caribou-Speckled Wilderness close at hand.
This is a small, rustic campground with 14 sites and a picnic pavilion, the kind of place that draws anglers fishing the Cold River and hikers heading up into the wilderness trails. There are no hookups and no store, just a wooded site by the water and the basics you need to be comfortable. It is one of the larger of the Evans Notch campgrounds by site count, which makes it a good first choice if you want a reservable spot in the notch.
The Campground
Cold River has 14 sites plus a picnic pavilion that groups sometimes use. Some sites are reservable in advance through Recreation.gov, and others are held first-come, first-served, so a same-day trip is realistic if you arrive early on a busy weekend. The Cold River runs alongside, and Basin Pond is right next door, which puts both river fishing and quiet pond paddling within a short walk or drive.
As with the rest of Evans Notch, there is no cell service here. Treat it as an off-grid trip and plan accordingly.
Sites & Amenities
The amenities are the national-forest standard: vault toilets, potable water on site, picnic tables, and fire rings, plus the shared picnic pavilion. There are no showers and no hookups. Campsite fees run about $30 per night, with roughly $6 per night for each additional vehicle, and Senior and Access pass holders get 50 percent off. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
Campsite mosquito-free zone
Cold River and Basin sit so close together that many people treat them as a pair. If Cold River is full, drive the extra minute or two to Basin Pond, and vice versa. Both share the same season and the same trail access into the high country to the east.
Getting There
Cold River is on Route 113 about 15 miles north of Fryeburg, at the southern entrance to Evans Notch. From Portland it is roughly an hour and three-quarters up Route 25 and Route 113 through Fryeburg; from Bangor it is over three hours. Approaching from the north, Route 113 runs south through the notch from Gilead past Hastings, Basin, and finally Cold River.
Route 113 through Evans Notch is gated closed in winter and is not maintained for cold-weather travel. The campground operates mid-May to mid-October only. Always check current Forest Service conditions before a shoulder-season visit.
When to Visit
Spring
Opens mid-May. The Cold River runs high and cold, and black flies peak from mid-May into June.
Summer
Warm days, river fishing, and full access to Evans Notch trails. Reserve ahead for weekends.
Fall
Foliage fills the notch in late September and early October. Cool nights, few bugs, and the campground closes mid-October.
Winter
Closed. Route 113 is gated and the south end of the notch is inaccessible.
Summer for the river and fall for the color. The valley is one of the best foliage drives in western Maine.
Packing List
Cold River Campground Trip
- Tent and ground tarp
- Sleeping bag for cool mountain nights
- Camp stove and fuel (no store)
- Headlamp and spare batteries
- Bug spray or a repeller for black-fly season
- Fishing gear and a Maine license
- Cash or card for self-pay fees
- Downloaded maps (no cell service)
FAQ
How many sites does Cold River Campground have?
Fourteen sites, plus a picnic pavilion. Some are reservable through Recreation.gov and others are first-come, first-served.
What facilities are there?
Vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and a shared picnic pavilion. There are no showers or hookups.
When is Cold River Campground open?
Mid-May through mid-October. Route 113 through Evans Notch is gated closed in winter.
Can I fish or paddle nearby?
Yes. The Cold River runs alongside the campground for fishing, and Basin Pond next door is good for quiet, non-motorized paddling.
Is there cell service?
No. There is no cell service in Evans Notch. Download maps and tell someone your plans before you go.
Cold River is one of four campgrounds in the notch. See nearby Basin, Hastings, and Crocker Pond, or the overview at Evans Notch Campgrounds.
