Wild River Campground

Star4.35
28 reviews
Wild River Road, Gilead, ME, USA

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

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
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."

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Campground Map

Wild River Road, Gilead, ME, USA

Wild River Campground

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
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Best Time to Camp at Wild River Campground

Spring 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Busiest late spring/early summer; good hiking and swimming but mosquitoes noted in May/June.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn offers "fantastic hiking" and brilliant foliage; highly recommended for fall visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Spring brings rain and heavy mosquitoes in May/early June; more for adventurous campers only.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Access limited; Route 113 gated closed in winter, so campground is effectively unavailable.

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

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.
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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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing 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.
SwimmingSwimming 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 viewingWildlife 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
Water Sports
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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.

Weather at Wild River Campground

Reviews

4.4
28 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility features or issues were highlighted in user reviews.
Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews regarding pet policies or experiences are provided.
Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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