State and Local Parks
New Hampshire's state and local parks offer every outdoor adventure
State & Local Parks - NH Statewide
The variety of activities in New Hampshire's state and local parks is a broad as the state itself. Beautiful and well-maintained parks welcome visitors to the salt-water beaches on the Atlantic and the fresh-water lakes and ponds inland and in the mountains. All imaginable outdoor activities, year-round, are available at the state's parks. Wear the kids out and then tuck them in at a lodging that caters to kids and families.
27 places to visit
Hampton Beach Village District
You’ll appreciate, and engage with, nature at these welcoming seacoast parks
115 Ocean Boulevard Hampton Beach, NH 03843 603-926-8717 Parks in the lively Hampton Beach area want you to enjoy the great outdoors: on land, and on sea. At the mouth of the Hampton River, Hampton Beach State Park has white-sand beaches, tidal pools, an RV campground with 28 sites, a park store and is close to charter boats for fishing and whale-watching. Wallis Sands State Park offers a 700-foot-long sandy beach that is 150 feet wide at high tide. Over at Rye Harbor State Park, there’s a picnic area and public dock with a boat ramp as well as great spots for seaside strolling. Odiorne Point State Park and Seacoast Science Center features interpretive nature programs by the Audubon Society and the University of New Hampshire as well as picnic facilities.
Ellacoya State Park at Lake Winnipesaukee
Lake swimming and fishing; boat ramp; picnicking
266 Scenic Road (Route 11) Gilford, NH 03246 603-293-7821 On the shore of giant Lake Winnipesaukee, this park has a 600-foot long sandy beach that is open for swimming, paddling, and fishing. It has a boat ramp. Great park for a day of water sports and picnicking. Park has an RV campground with 37 sites and hookups. Reservations required. Tents camping is not allowed. Camping fee is $47 per rig with water, electric, and sewer hookups). Pets are not allowed in the campground or in other areas of the park. Park is open and staffed late May to mid-October.
Campground information.
Campground map.
Fees: Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available; see top of page.
Campground information.
Campground map.
Fees: Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available; see top of page.
Odiorne Point State Park
Coastal park for walking, paddling, biking; home to the Seacoast Science Center
570 Ocean Blvd. (Route 1A) Rye, NH 03870 The site of the first European settlement in New Hampshire, founded in 1623. During World War II, it was home to Fort Dearborn, a U.S. Army base. Visitors will enjoy canoeing, walking trails, a bike path and picnic areas. In the winter, cross-country ski trails are available. The park is also home to the Seacoast Science Center , which holds events throughout the year. Hiking map.
Hampton Beach State Park
Ocean swimming, fishing, RV camping on the shore
160 Ocean Blvd (Route 1A) Hampton, NH 03842 603-926-3784 Hampton Beach State Park is one of New Hampshire’s few but excellent beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. Sandy beach provides year-round recreation. Activities include swimming, fishing, picnicking, and recreational vehicle (RV) camping. The beach has two modern bathhouses, at the north end, near the Marine Memorial, and at the south end, near Haverhill Street. Lifeguards are on duty full time from late June through early September. Lifeguard hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
Park map.
The RV park has 28 sites, with hookups. It is open for reservations from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is open for walk-in camping in late April.
Camping information.
Campground map.
Fees: Admission is $15 per passenger vehicle for the parking area at South Beach. Season passes are available; see top of this page.
Park map.
The RV park has 28 sites, with hookups. It is open for reservations from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is open for walk-in camping in late April.
Camping information.
Campground map.
Fees: Admission is $15 per passenger vehicle for the parking area at South Beach. Season passes are available; see top of this page.
Crawford Notch State Park
Mountain vistas, waterfalls, rivers, mountain hiking, campground
1464 US Route 302 Harts Location, NH 03812 603-374-2272 This is a place of spectacular mountain views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and fishing locations. It encompasses the Flume Cascades, the Silver Cascades, and the Arethusa Falls. Also in the park is the Willey House, an 18th-century way-station for travelers through the mountains.
The campground in the park has 36 wooded sites, restrooms, showers, flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings, a laundry, and picnic tables. It is accessible to handicapped people. This park is always open for recreation, but during the off season there might not be any staff available, Visitors should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to maintain their own safety.
Hiking map. Campground map. Camping information.
The campground in the park has 36 wooded sites, restrooms, showers, flush toilets, drinking water, fire rings, a laundry, and picnic tables. It is accessible to handicapped people. This park is always open for recreation, but during the off season there might not be any staff available, Visitors should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to maintain their own safety.
Hiking map. Campground map. Camping information.
Franconia Notch State Park
Park in a mountain pass has a lake, bicycling, camping, daytime attractions
Route 93 Franconia, NH 03580 603-823-8800 This magnificent park within a mountain pass has the Lafayette Campground, open mid-May to Columbus Day. The park is popular for hiking. Parking can be difficult; please see the link below for parking for hikers. Hiking map.
Parking for hikers.
See full description of Franconia Notch State Park.
See full description of Franconia Notch State Park.
White Lake State Park
Swimming, trout fishing, camping
94 State Park Road (Route 16) Tamworth, NH 03886 603-323-7350 White Lake State Park is on glacial White Lake. There is a maintained foot path around the lake, good for watching for wildlife, loons, or beavers. Trout fishing is done here. There are rentals of canoes, kayakes, paddleboats, stand-up paddle boards, and rowboats. Additionally, the park has a day-use area and a campground with family campsites and youth group sites. Camping fees are $25 (no hookups); $30 (water view, no hookups); and $50 to $75 for either of two large family sites. Park is open full time from late May to Labor Day, and weekends only from Labor Day to mid-October.
Fees: Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available; see top of page/
Camping information.
Campground map.
Fees: Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available; see top of page/
Camping information.
Campground map.
Umbagog Lake State Park
Rated one of the five top locations in New England for kayaking and paddling
235 East Route 26 Cambridge, NH 03579 603-482-7795 Umbagog Lake State Park offers a beach area for swimming, fishing, and boating. Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rent. A boat launch and fuel sales are available. The Boston Globe called Lake Umbagog the number five top kayak spot in New England.
Livermore Falls Recreation Area
86 Livermore Road Holderness, NH 603-238-9284 This location gives access to the Pemigewassett River for river swimming, paddling, fishing and picnicking. The recreation area is part of the Livermore Falls State Forest. Parking lot is available on Livermore Falls Road off Route 175. There is a canoe and kayak launch site and pit toilets. Pets not allowed in the area. Carry in and carry out all trash.
Season: The Pemi River Access site opens for the season on May 25 and closes September 2, daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dates and times may change without notice.
Fees: $5 per car for parking and drop-off fee. Free for NH residents age 65 and over.
Season: The Pemi River Access site opens for the season on May 25 and closes September 2, daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Dates and times may change without notice.
Fees: $5 per car for parking and drop-off fee. Free for NH residents age 65 and over.
Ahern State Park
43 Great Bay Lane Laconia, NH Ahern State Park has 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam, where the public may swim, canoe, fish, and picnic. The park has numerous trails that are used for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Camping is not permitted at this park. Pets are allowed on park trails, but not on the beach. Trail map.
Mount Sunapee State Park
Year-round outdoor fun with lake and camping; near downhill ski resort
86 Beach Access Road Newbury, NH 03255 603-763-5561 Mount Sunapee State Park has year-round activities for outdoor recreation. It is Mount Sunapee Resort, with winter downhill skiing. The huge lake at Mount Sunapee State Park Beach offers swimming, boating and other water sports. A boat launch is available with some restrictions. Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats are available forrent. The campground offers lean-to and platform sites in a natural setting. Camping costs $23 to $29 per night and the campground operates from late May to mid-October. | Hiking map | Campground map
Wadleigh State Park
Lake swimming, nice picnic grove, playing fields
78 Wadleigh State Park Sutton, NH 03260 603-927-4724 Swimming on beautiful Kezar Lake. Picnic sites near the beach under tall pine trees. Facilities include a bathhouse, picnic tables, and playing fields.
Wellington State Park
Fresh water swimming, hiking, boat launch, picnicking, beautiful lake and island views
614 West Shore Road (Off Route 3A) Bristol, NH 03222 603-744-2197 Wellington State Park has a large swimming beach on Newfound Lake, one of the clearest and deepest lakes in New Hampshire. Next to the park is a boat launch managed by N.H. Fish & Game. This launch allows year-round access to Newfound Lake and access to the park. The park has beautiful views, a snack concession, volleyball and horseshoe courts. Pets are permitted at the boat access area only. Kayak rentals are available at the park store.
Hiking trails are found inside and outside the park. A peninsula nature trail has picnic grove, designated fishing areas, and plant identifications. One hiking trail from the park leads to Goose Pond, the Sugarloafs, Bear Mountain, Welton Falls, and Mount Cardigan. Park is staffed from late May to mid-October.
Because this park's beach is very popular in warm weather, the beach will most likely sell out in the morning. Once the beach area reaches capacity more people may not be admitted, for safety reasons.
Fees: Admission is adults, $5; children, $2.
Hiking trails are found inside and outside the park. A peninsula nature trail has picnic grove, designated fishing areas, and plant identifications. One hiking trail from the park leads to Goose Pond, the Sugarloafs, Bear Mountain, Welton Falls, and Mount Cardigan. Park is staffed from late May to mid-October.
Because this park's beach is very popular in warm weather, the beach will most likely sell out in the morning. Once the beach area reaches capacity more people may not be admitted, for safety reasons.
Fees: Admission is adults, $5; children, $2.
Wentworth State Park
Swimming and all water sports
297 Governor Wentworth Hwy (Route 109) Wolfeboro, NH 03894 603-569-3699 Wentworth State Park spans 50 acres and is located on the shore of Wentworth Lake. Popular activities in the park include swimming, picnicking, hiking, fishing, and boating. Amenities include picnic tables, a boat launch, flush toilets, and a group use area. The park is open weekends only from Memorial Day weekend to mid-June and daily through late August.
Bear Brook State Park
Full service park has water sports, camping, archery, horseback riding
61 Deerfield Road Allenstown, NH 03275 603-485-9874 At 10,000 acres, Bear Brook State Park is the largest full-service park in the Granit State. It has 40 miles of trails through forest, hilltops, and marches. Trails are open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Trail map. Trail information.
The park allows swimming, fishing and other water sports on Catamount Pond. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boats on weekends.
The park has a 100-site campground. See Campground map.
The park has two archery ranges; one is operated by the N.H. fish and Game Departments and the other is wheelchair accessible. Users must bring their own archery equipment. A group of museums in the park include the New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum, Old Allenstown Meeting House, and the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.
Fees: Admission is $4 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available.; see top of page.
The park allows swimming, fishing and other water sports on Catamount Pond. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks and paddle boats on weekends.
The park has a 100-site campground. See Campground map.
The park has two archery ranges; one is operated by the N.H. fish and Game Departments and the other is wheelchair accessible. Users must bring their own archery equipment. A group of museums in the park include the New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum, Old Allenstown Meeting House, and the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.
Fees: Admission is $4 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available.; see top of page.
Pawtuckaway State Park
Lake beach with boat launch, canoe & kayak rentals; campground; hiking trails
40 Pawtuckaway Road Nottingham, NH 03290 603-895-3031 Pawtuckaway State Park offers a pleasant swimming beach on Pawtuckaway Lake; lots of hiking trails, to and elevated point with a fire tower, a marsh that houses beavers, deer, and great blue herons, and a glacial boulder field.
Pawtuckaway State Park Campground has wooded 192 sites on Pawtuckaway Lake. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, tent ground, and parking. Amenities include showers, running water, flush toilets, a camp store, boat launch, and boat rentals.
Hiking information.
Hiking map.
Camping information.
Campground map.
Pawtuckaway State Park Campground has wooded 192 sites on Pawtuckaway Lake. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, tent ground, and parking. Amenities include showers, running water, flush toilets, a camp store, boat launch, and boat rentals.
Hiking information.
Hiking map.
Camping information.
Campground map.
Rhododendron State Park
Rhododendron Road at Rockwood Pond Road Fitzwilliam, NH 03447 603-532-8862 Rhododendron State Park encompasses a 16-acre grove of Rhododendron Maximum. A 0.6-mile long wheelchair accessible trail travels around the through the grove. The high period of bloom is mid-July. A wildflower trail is located in the forest near the rhododendron grove. Wildflowers bloom from spring to first frost. The grove is home to lots of song birds. The rhododendron grove is a National Natural Landmark in 1982. - Trail Maps
Greenfield State Park
Lake for water sports, boat rentals, camping, no hookups
973 Forest Road Greenfield, NH 03047 603-547-3497 Greenfield State Park is a 400-acre park with a lake for swimming and boating; walking paths among ponds and bogs; a small store selling food and souvenirs. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent. The park's campground has 179 sites, including 134 sites that must be reserved in advance and 45 sites for first-come/first-served campers. RVs are welcome in sites where they fit. - Campground Map (PDF) - Trail Flyer & Map (PDF)
Hours: Park is open weekends from late May to late June, and daily from late June to mid-October.
Hours: Park is open weekends from late May to late June, and daily from late June to mid-October.
Monadnock State Park
Hiking on Mount Monadnock; camping; cross country skiing; open year-round
169 Poole Road Jaffrey, NH 03452 603-532-8862 Monadnock State Park is thousands of acres of protected lands around 3,165-foot-tall Mount Monadnock. The park and mountain are famous for their extensive hiking opportunities. Cross-country skiing is done in winter. Note that pets are not allowed in the park. - XC Ski Trail Map (PDF)
Wallis Sands State Park & Beach
Small sandy family beach with lifeguards
1050 Ocean Boulevard (Route 1A) Rye, NH 03870 603-436-9404 Offers a 700-foot beach, fishing areas, and a bathhouse. Lifeguards are on duty. A nice family beach. There is a parking fee. Information: New Hampshire Fish & Game Department at 603-271-3511.
Fees: Parking fee is $15 per passenger vehicle. NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available; see top of page.
Fees: Parking fee is $15 per passenger vehicle. NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available; see top of page.
Mount Washington State Park and Mount Washington Observatory
Park is at the peak of the highest summit on the East Coast; 130-mile views
1598 Mt Washington Auto Road Sargent's Purchase, NH 603-466-3347 Mount Washington State Park is on the summit of the highest peak in the Northeast, with the 750,000-acre White Mountain National Forest spread out below. Views can extend as far as Vermont, New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Quebec, and the Atlantic Ocean. The Mount Washington Observatory is located here. The Sherman Adams Visitor Center has a cafeteria, restrooms, gift shops, and its museum. The park is accessible by the Mount Washington Auto Road (603-466-2222) or the Cog Railway (603-278-5404). Call ahead at 603-466-3347 for the latest summit conditions. The park is unreachable in winter.
Echo Lake State Park
Swimming, picnicking, scenic trails to Cathedral Ledge, rock and ice climbing
68 Echo Lake Road (Route 302) Conway, NH 03818 603-356-2672 Located on Echo Lake, this is a fine park for swimming and picnicking. Walk the scenic trail around the lake for views of Cathedral Ledge, which looms 700 feet above the lake. Also, an auto road and hiking trails of about one mile in length take visitors to the top of Cathedral Ledge, with views of the Saco River Valley and the White Mountains.
Admission: Adults $4, Children 6-11 $2. - Trail Map (PDF)
Admission: Adults $4, Children 6-11 $2. - Trail Map (PDF)
Eisenhower Memorial Wayside Park
Small park along highway is nice for stop-and-picnic
3069 Route 302 Carroll, NH 603-323-2087 This small, 7-acre park was founded to honor the memory of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The park offers picnic area and walking trails and a great view of Mount Washington.
Forest Lake State Park
Long sandy beach welcomes water sports; also mountain biking is done here
397 Forest Lake Road (Route 116) Dalton, NH 03598 603-466-3860 The park has a 200-foot-long sandy beach for swimming, fishing, and boating. Picnicking and mountain biking also are popular at this park. Canoe and kayak users can reach Forest Lake only by carrying boats a few hundred feet from the parking area. There is no boat ramp within the park, but a ramp is available on Newell Lane off Forest Lake Road.
Moose Brook State Park
Jimtown Road (off Route 2) Gorham, NH 03581 603-466-3850 Moose Brook State Park in White Mountains offers a variety of outdoor activities, including walking and mountain biking on a profusion of trails.
Hiking and mountain biking trails.
See full description of Moose Brook State Park
Hiking and mountain biking trails.
See full description of Moose Brook State Park
Lake Francis State Park
Good for fishing, boating, paddling, and camping
439 River Road Pittsburg, NH 03592 603-538-6965 Lake Francis State Park lies on the shores of Lake Francis a 2,000 acre lake near the Connecticut Lakes. Popular for fishing and hunting and boating. The lake has a boat launch and canoes are available for rent.
Lake Francis campground provides 45 sites, including nine sites with hook-ups and nine sites for ATV camping. Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Camping with limited facilities is available starting April 24, and post-season through October.
Camping information.
Campground map.
Lake Francis campground provides 45 sites, including nine sites with hook-ups and nine sites for ATV camping. Open Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Camping with limited facilities is available starting April 24, and post-season through October.
Camping information.
Campground map.
Coleman State Park
1166 Diamond Pond Road Stewartstown, NH 03576 603-237-5382 Coleman State Park is on the shores of Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown. This pond, and nearby streams, offers excellent trout fishing. A boat launch is located within the park; small boats are permitted, but speed is restricted. Rowboats are available for rent. Pets are permitted in the campground areas, but not in the lodges.