Cold River
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2026. Operating season runs mid-May through mid-October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov; some sites are first-come, first-served.
Discovery Trail Emergency Closure
This Order closes the Forest Discover Trail for public health and safety while the trail is repaired. You are prohibited from being on any part of the 1.5 mile Forest Discovery Trail. See Exhibit A - Map below for the location of the trail.
Rattlesnake Fire – Pemigewasset Ranger District
Rattlesnake Fire Final Update: Crews continue fire line rehab in the area. Buffalo Pit and Rattlesnake parking areas, along with Rattlesnake Trail off Buffalo Road, will be reopened by end today (Aug 26).
Town Hall Road Camping and Fire Restrictions
Camping and campfires are restricted along Slippery Brook Road (Forest Road 17) and East Branch Road (Forest Road 38), which together form a 7‑mile road system collectively known as Town Hall Road. Camping within ¼ mile of these roads is only allowed at designated campsites marked with a tent…
About
Cold River Campground occupies a quiet corner of White Mountain National Forest at the southern end of Evans Notch. The 14 sites are arranged in a single loop through a pleasant mixed hardwood and pine forest. Despite its small size, the campground provides a solid base for exploring the surrounding backcountry, including the Caribou-Speckled Mountain Wilderness. Evans Brook flows nearby, and the 23-acre Basin Pond lies within easy reach for trout fishing and canoeing. The 4.5-mile Basin Trail departs from neighboring Basin Campground, and numerous other hiking and mountain biking routes are accessible by short drives. Wildlife sightings are common, including moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, and nearly 200 bird species. The campground offers vault toilets, potable water from a hand pump, and a picnic pavilion. Groceries, fuel, and other conveniences are available in Fryeburg, Gilead, and Stow, Maine.
Directions
From Fryeburg, Maine, take Route 113 north approximately 15 miles. The campground is at the southern end of Evans Notch.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 40ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (603) 447-2166 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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