Welcome to Dead River Lodge
Clean, comfortable, & affordable lodging in one of Maine’s most unique wilderness playgrounds
Nestled in the heart of the West Forks, Dead River Lodge is your year-round basecamp for outdoor adventure and cozy connection. Whether you're rafting legendary whitewater, snowmobiling from the front door, or stargazing with friends, your retreat starts here.
Rustic Comfort Meets Modern Convenience
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Dead River Lodge offers 11 rooms with 23 beds, ideal for couples, families, and groups of up to 30 guests. Choose from king, queen, and bunk rooms — including a two-bedroom suite. Most rooms offer direct access to the deck.
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Hosting a retreat, reunion, wedding, or large group getaway? Rent the entire lodge for exclusive use any time of year.
- Sleeps up to 30 across flexible room configurations
- Access to all shared spaces and outdoor amenities
- Ideal for building connection, celebrating, or simply spreading out
- Contact us for seasonal availability and group rates -
Some rooms feature private half-baths. Every floor includes shared individual bathrooms with hot showers.
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Fully equipped communal kitchen with extra-large 20 cubic feet commercial refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and coffee maker.
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Spacious lounge with 85” TV and cozy seating. South-facing deck offers all-day sun and peaceful river views. Almost all rooms have direct deck access.
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Fire pits, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and open space to spread out. Perfect for evening cookouts, storytelling, or stargazing under the big Maine sky.
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On-site parking for vehicles, trailers, and snowmobiles- no stress, no hassle.
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Dogs are welcome! Trails, open space, and a relaxed setting make it the perfect stay for your pup.
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Stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi- or unplug with a book or puzzle from our “enjoy while you're here” shelf.
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Located directly on the Forks Area Scenic Trail, ideal for running, biking or hiking with dogs and kids. Also conveniently located to Moxie Falls, Mosquito Mountain, other trails Caratunk (the AT!) to Jackman.
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Dead River Lodge is located on ITS 86 with easy access to ITS 87 and 89. You'll have groomed access from your front door to some of the best snowmobiling in the state.
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15,000 kW of solar on the lodge roof provides all the electricity needed year round for guest comfort. Smaller footprint, bigger playground!
Your Basecamp for Adventure
Explore the Wild Beauty of The Forks, Maine
Dead River Lodge sits directly on the Dead River, just upriver from its meeting point with the Kennebec. From your doorstep, you can launch into every kind of Maine adventure. Set in the heart of The Forks — where rugged forest and flowing rivers define the landscape — our lodge is the perfect basecamp for outdoor exploration in every season.
Raft legendary whitewater. Paddle or float calm stretches of river. Ride hundreds of miles of snowmobile and ATV trails. Cast a line, hike to waterfalls, or simply relax and take in the quiet beauty of the Maine woods.
Adventures Waiting for You:
Whitewater Rafting (Kennebec and Dead Rivers)
River Tubing & Standup Paddle Boarding
ATV & Snowmobile Trails (ITS access)
Hiking & Waterfalls
Fishing & Hunting
Running & Biking
Dark Skies
Whatever adventure calls you — high adrenaline or low-key — Dead River Lodge is your basecamp for making memories in Maine’s wild places
Meet Your Hosts
Monica, Steve & Raven the Lodge Dog
Steve and Monica McCarthy are the heart and soul behind Dead River Lodge. Their story began in 2002, when Steve- then a whitewater rafting guide- worked for Dave and Donna Neddeau at Magic Falls Rafting. The Neddeaus also operated the Dead River Lodge during rafting season, and it was there that the seeds of a future began to take root.
Fast forward twenty years, and Steve and Monica returned to where it all started, purchasing the Lodge in 2022. Since then, they’ve poured their energy into transforming the space into a cozy, four-season haven for adventurers, families, and nature lovers alike. From energy efficiency upgrades to the addition of fire pits, picnic tables, and outdoor grills, every improvement has been made with guest comfort and connection in mind.
By 2023, the lodge had become a year-round destination for snowmobilers, paddlers, hikers, hunters, and leaf peepers. In 2024 and 2025 more outdoor gathering spaces were added, common room upgrades followed in winter 2025, and continued enhancements are planned for 2026 and beyond.
When you arrive, you might be greeted by Raven- their friendly black Lab who considers herself the unofficial host. She loves meeting new guests- especially the ones who give good ear scratches.
Whether you’re here to unplug, adventure, or gather with your favorite people, Steve and Monica can’t wait to welcome you to Dead River Lodge- the place that feels like home, no matter the season.
Find Us in The West Forks
50 Dead River Rd, West Forks, ME 04985
Get in Touch
Whether you're planning your first visit, returning for another stay, or looking for the perfect space for a retreat or event, we're here to help. Let us help you plan your stay and connect you with local adventures and activities to make the most of your time here.
(207) 716-6780
Info@DeadRiverLodge.com
50 Dead River Road, PO Box 101, West Forks, ME 04985