Evans Notch Visitor Center
There are five simple public campgrounds, with well water and toilets, in the Maine portion of the White Mountain National Forest: Basin Pond, Cold River, Crocker Pond, Hastings and Wild River (sites $18 to $20).
Bethel hotels and hostels
Briar Lea Inn & Restaurant
This 150-year-old Georgian farmhouse has six small, cozy rooms set with antique beds and colorful wallpaper. Breakfasts are good, and there’s an English-style pub onsite.
Chapman Inn
A great place to share notes with fellow travelers, this friendly, central 1865 B&B has 10 country-style rooms as well as hostel-style dorm beds. A gourmet breakfast, billiards, two saunas and free bicycles add to the fun.
Austin’S Holidae House B&B
Highly rated by travelers, this 1902 Victorian inn has seven attractive rooms, each with wood floors, queen-sized beds (brass or four-poster) and elegant décor. It’s well located in the center of town.
Sudbury Inn & Suds Pub
The choice place to stay in downtown Bethel, this historic inn has 17 rooms, a pub with 29 beers on tap, pizza and live weekend entertainment. It also has an excellent dinner restaurant serving Maine-centric fare (mains $18 to $26).
Stony Brook Recreation
With 100 acres of forest along the Androscoggin River, this great camping spot is east of Bethel. Most sites offer lean-tos to provide shelter from wet weather.
White Mountain National Forest
The Maine portion of this national forest has several basic campgrounds near Bethel.
Victoria Inn
Under new, friendly ownership, this looming lavender mansion offers 15 clean, carpeted rooms, most of which are set with period antiques and vintage-style wallpaper.