Evans Notch Campgrounds

Maine’s Corner of the White Mountains

Evans Notch sits on the Maine-New Hampshire border along Route 113, a narrow road that cuts through some of the most rugged terrain in the White Mountain National Forest. The Maine side has four campgrounds spread along the Cold River valley, each one small, wooded, and far enough from civilization that you will not see a streetlight for miles.

The 14,000-acre Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness is the main draw. No motorized vehicles, no cell towers, no maintained bridges on some crossings. Just ridgeline trails with views into both states and swimming holes cold enough to make you question your decisions. These campgrounds put you right at the edge of that wilderness.

The Four Campgrounds

Evans Notch has four campgrounds, each with a different character. Three are on the Maine side of Route 113, and one sits just across the border in New Hampshire but is accessed from the Maine road.

Hastings Campground is the largest on the Maine side with 14 sites along the Wild River. It works as a solid base camp with easy river access for wading and fishing. Sites are spaced well through mixed hardwood forest. The trailhead for Roost Trail starts nearby.

Cold River Campground has just eight sites tucked along the Cold River. It is quieter than Hastings and feels more remote despite being only a few miles south on Route 113. Good for couples or small groups who want to hear the river at night and not much else.

Crocker Pond Campground is the most secluded of the four. Seven sites on a small pond, first-come first-served only, no reservations. If you want to paddle a canoe on glass-still water at dawn with nobody around, this is the spot. The access road is rough gravel and keeps the casual crowd away.

Basin Campground sits on the New Hampshire side but you reach it from Route 113 coming from Maine. It is the largest at 21 sites and the most developed, with a $30 nightly rate. Basin Brook runs through it, and several trails into the Baldface range start from here.

Hiking From Camp

The trail network around Evans Notch connects to some of the best ridge walks in western Maine.

Caribou Mountain is the signature hike. The loop from the Caribou trailhead on Route 113 gains about 1,900 feet over roughly 7 miles. The payoff is open ledges with views of the Mahoosuc Range, the Presidentials, and deep into Maine’s lake country. On the way down, Kees Falls drops into a pool deep enough to swim in. On a hot July afternoon, that swimming hole alone is worth the hike.

Speckled Mountain via the Bickford Brook Trail is another standout. The summit ridge is lined with wild blueberries in late July and August. Bring a container and plan to spend some time up there.

The Baldfaces (North and South) form a loop that is one of the most exposed ridge walks in the White Mountains. Long stretches above treeline with granite slabs and 360-degree views. The loop is about 10 miles and involves serious scrambling on the south face. Not for beginners or bad weather days.

Route 113: The Road You Need to Know

Route 113 is the only paved road through Evans Notch, and it closes in winter. The gates go up sometime in November and do not come down until late April or May, depending on snow. There is no exact date. Check with the Androscoggin Ranger District before planning an early or late season trip.

Even when open, Route 113 is narrow, winding, and has limited shoulders. RVs over 30 feet will have a tough time, especially near the height of land at Evans Notch itself. Drive slowly. Moose are common at dawn and dusk, and hitting one is not a fender bender.

The nearest gas station is in Bethel, about 20 minutes south. The nearest grocery store is also in Bethel. Stock up before you head in because there is nothing along Route 113.

When to Go

Late June through early September is prime time for swimming and hiking. September and early October bring the foliage, cooler nights, and almost no bugs. Route 113 in peak foliage is one of the most scenic drives in New England, and the campgrounds are far less crowded than anything in the Whites proper.

Fishing

The Cold River and Wild River both hold native brook trout. Crocker Pond has brook trout and a few bass. Fishing pressure is light compared to more accessible waters. A Maine freshwater fishing license is required on the Maine side. The New Hampshire side (Basin) requires an NH license.

Fly fishing is productive in the rivers, especially in early morning and evening. The pools below small cascades along the Cold River are worth prospecting with a dry fly through June and July.

Camping Packing List

Getting There

All four Evans Notch campgrounds sit along Route 113 on the Maine-New Hampshire border, roughly 2.5 hours from Portland and 3 hours from Bangor. The gateway is Bethel, Maine, about 20 minutes south of the campgrounds. Bethel has the last gas, groceries, and services before you head up into the notch.

From Bethel, take US Route 2 west toward Gilead. Just before Gilead, turn south on Route 113. Hastings Campground is about 3 miles down Route 113 on the left. Cold River is further south. Crocker Pond is reached from Route 5 south of Bethel via a gravel road. Basin Campground sits across the New Hampshire line but is accessed from the Maine side of Route 113.

From Portland, Route 26 north through Norway and Bethel is the most direct approach (about 2 hours to Bethel). From Bangor, take I-95 south to Newport, then Route 2 west through Skowhegan and Farmington to Bethel.

Route 113 itself is the biggest logistical issue. The road is narrow and winding, and the stretch through the notch is closed each winter, typically from mid-November through late April or early May depending on snow. Always call the Androscoggin Ranger District (603-466-2713) before an early-season or late-season trip to confirm the road is open. There is zero cell service anywhere along Route 113, so download maps and do your shopping in Bethel before heading in.

FAQ