New Hampshire - State and Local Parks

Cardigan State Park
Off Route 118
Orange, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

This park sits on the western slope of Mount Cardigan, offering sweeping scenery. A scenic road leads to the picnic area. Trails offer visitors hiking in warmer weather, and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Gardner Memorial Wayside Area
Route 4A
Wilmot, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373

This park offers visitors a picnic area and walking trails along a babbling brook and the ruined foundation of a 19th century mill.

Mount Sunapee State Park
Off Route 103
Newbury, NH  03255  
Phone: 603-763-5561

The 4,085-acre lake at the park is ideal for family and group outings and for fishing, boating, swimming, and picnicking. The beach has a store, a playground, and a bathhouse. Rentals of canoes and kayaks. A boat launch is available. Open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early September; then weekends only until late September 24. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Pillsbury State Park
Route 31
Washington, NH
Phone: 603-863-2860

This wooded park offers canoeing on May Pond, fishing areas in both the pond and nearby streams, hiking trails into nearby mountains, and a picnic area. Wintertime activities available include snowmobile trails and cross-country skiing. There is a public campsite available. Pets are allowed.

Rollins State Park
Off Route 103
Warner, NH
Phone: 603-456-3808

Take the scenic drive up the southern side of Mount Kearsarge. There are picnic sites and another half mile hiking trail to get to the very top and enjoy the view.

Saint - Gaudens National Historic Site
139 Saint Gaudens Road
Cornish, NH  03745  
Phone: 603-675-2175

Open: Daily late May- late October, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

This site was once the home of one of the country’s greatest sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. The estate has a house, studio, and gardens. Fee charged.

Wadleigh State Park
Route 114
Sutton, NH  03260  
Phone: 603-927-4724

Swimming on Kezar Lake. Tall pine groves shade the picnic sites adjacent to the beach. Amenities include a bathhouse, picnic tables, and playing fields. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Winslow State Park
Route 11
Wilmot, NH
Phone: 603-526-6168

Park along the northwest slope of Mount Kearsarge features hiking and walking trails, scenic views, a scenic drive to the picnic area. The summit is reached via a one mile hiking trail. Pets are allowed.

Ellacoya State Park
Route 11 / Scenic Drive
Gilford, NH  03246  
Phone: 603-293-7821

Located in Gilford on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake. Offers a 600-foot long sandy beach, with views across the lake to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. Facilities include a bathhouse, showers and a changing area for swimmers. A store offers refreshments and souvenirs. Boat launch for small boats near the beach. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, and then full-time from late June 24 through Labor Day. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. Admission fee.

Wellington State Park
Off Route 3A
Bristol, NH  03222  
Phone: 603-744-2197

Set on Newfound Lake, this park offers a beach, swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing and a scenic walking trail. The beach is a half mile long, and there are picnic areas available.

Wentworth State Park
Route 109
Wolfeboro, NH  03894  
Phone: 603-569-3699

Wentworth State Park spans 50 acres and is located on the shore of scenic Wentworth Lake. Popular activities in the park include swimming, picnicking, hiking and fishing. Amenities include picnic tables, a boat launch, restrooms. Admission fee.

White Lake State Park
Route 16
Tamworth, NH  03886  
Phone: 603-323-7350

A popular park for campers, this park features three public campsites with room for 200 tents. Visitors will enjoy the beach on White Lake, swimming, boating and canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobile trails. Of particular interest is a forest of NH pines spread over 72 acres, a National Natural Landmark.

Bear Brook State Park
Off Route 28
Allenstown, NH  03275  
Phone: 603-485-9874

This park is set on 9,600 acres, amid lakes, hills and forest. Visitors will find hiking trails, play areas, archery ranges, a nature center, and museums dedicated to camping, snowmobiling and the Civilian Conservation Corps. There are hunting areas, fishing in streams and ponds, mountain biking trails, nature programs, boating, a beach and canoeing. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and dog-sledding. A public campsite is available.

Clough State Park
Off Route 13
Weare, NH  03281  
Phone: 603-529-7112

Visitors to this park will enjoy a 900 foot beach, swimming, boating and canoeing. There are fishing areas, picnic spots, walking trails, and cross-country and snowmobile trails in the winter.

Pawtuckaway State Park
128 Mountain Road
Nottingham, NH  03290  
Phone: 603-895-3031

This park features a beach, changing facilities, swimming, boating, canoeing, hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking, and a picnic area. In the winter, snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are open. A public campground is also available. Trails include the hike to the Tower, which is on the summit of South Mountain.

Fox State Forest
309 Center Road
Hillsborough, NH
Phone: 603-464-3453

This forest features over 20 miles of trails for hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Greenfield State Park
Route 136
Greenfield, NH  03047  
Phone: 603-547-3497

A 401 acre park on Otter Lake offering a beach, swimming, picnic areas, canoeing, fishing, and hiking trails. Wintertime activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. A public campground is available.

Miller State Park
Route 101
Peterborough, NH
Phone: 603-924-3672

This park is the namesake of General James Miller, who was a hero in the War of 1812. Here visitors will enjoy incredible views, hiking, walking trails, and picnic areas. Climbers can head for the summit of Pack Monadnock Mountain, and a scenic roadway also leads to the top.

Monadnock State Park
Route 124
Jaffrey, NH  03452  
Phone: 603-532-8862

Home to Mount Monadnock, which rises over 3100 feet, this park is among the most popular in New England with hikers and mountain climbers. There are over 40 miles of trails and a spectacular view of New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts at the mountain's summit. Visitors will also enjoy the winter-time cross-country ski trails, and a public camping area is available all year long. The park also has a store.

Pisgah State Park
Off Route 63
Chesterfield, NH
Phone: 603-239-8153

13,500 acres of undeveloped wilderness offers visitors a chance to explore New Hampshire's outdoors. Trails for hiking and mountain biking are available, as well as hunting areas, and fishing areas. Wintertime offers cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails.

Rhododendron State Park
Route 119 West
Fitzwilliam, NH  03447  
Phone: 603-532-8862

Rhododendron State Park is named after the 16-acre grove of Rhododendron Maximum. A 0.6-mile long universally accessible trail encircles the grove allowing visitors to observe the fragrant blossoms in mid-July. A wildflower trail winds through the forest adjacent to the grove.
Hours: Early May to mid-June, weekends only, daylight hours; mid-June to Labor Day, daily, daylight hours.

Shieling State Forest
Old Street Road
Peterborough, NH
Phone: 603-431-6774

This small forest (45 acres) has been dedicated to the advancement of nature and conservation education. There are self-guided nature trails, a learning center, and a demonstration of woodlot management. Events are scheduled there throughout the year.

Hampton Beach State Park
Route 1A
Hampton, NH  03842  
Phone: 603-926-3784

One of several beaches along the Seacoast, this offers areas for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. Visitors enjoy the views of the sand dunes. A RV camp park is open to the public, and lifeguards are on duty.

Jenness State Beach
Route 1A
Rye, NH  03870  
Phone: 603-436-1552

Offers visitors a beach, ocean swimming, changing facilities and lifeguards on duty. The parking is metered.

Kingston State Park
124 Main St.
Kingston, NH  03848  
Phone: 603-642-5471

A freshwater beach, set on 44 acres along Great Pond. Visitors will enjoy the picnic areas, a play area, and -- of course -- swimming.

Odiorne Point State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Phone: 603-436-7406

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. Today, the park offers a look back at the history and a view of the area's nature through panels set throughout the park. In addition, 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.

Rye Harbor State Park
Route 1A
Rye, NH
Phone: 603-964-9008

Visitors to this park will enjoy a scenic walking trail, fishing areas, and picnicking. A marina is also available to the public, with several amenities. There is a fee for parking during the warmer weather season.

Wallis Sands State Beach
Route 1A
Rye, NH  03870  
Phone: 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.

Androscoggin Wayside State Park
Route 16
Errol, NH

This park is particularly popular with canoeists, who enjoy the rapids on the Androscoggin River. There are also fishing areas and places for picnicking.

Bretzfelder Memorial Park
Prospect Street
Bethlehem, NH
Phone: 603-444-6228

This small park is open year-round, offering visitors picnic areas, hiking trails, a pond, and programs about conservation and wildlife in the area.

Coleman State Park
Route 26
Stewartstown, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

This park on Little Diamond Pond offers great trout fishing, picnic areas, and hiking trails. In the winter, trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. There is a campsite open to the public.

Connecticut Lakes State Forest
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

Visitors will enjoy fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails. In the winter, there are cross-country ski trails available. A public campsite is also available.

Crawford Notch State Park
Route 302
Harts Location, NH
Phone: 603-374-2272

This park is a fount of natural beauty: A mountain pass, the Presidential Mountain Range, and waterfalls. The falls are the Flume Cascades, the Silver Cascades, and the Arethusa Falls. There is a visitor's center, hiking trails, a scenic drive, fishing spots, and picnic areas. The park is also the site the Willey House, an 18th century way-station for travelers through the mountains. A campground is available to the public. Pets are permitted in campground area and other designated places only.

Deer Mountain Campground
Route 3
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

Located within the Connecticut Lakes State Forest the campground is a good base for hiking, climbing, fishing, and groups. Camping is primitive with 24 tent sites.

Dixville Notch State Park
Route 26
Dixville, NH
Phone: 603-323-2087

Site of tumbling waterfalls, a gorge and two mountain brooks. The park offers hiking trails, fishing and picnic areas. Pets are allowed. Information: New Hampshire Fish & Game Department at 603-271-3511.

Echo Lake State Park
Route 302
Conway, NH  03818  
Phone: 603-356-2672

This park sits on pristine Echo Lake, and offers visitors areas for swimming and fishing. In addition, hiking trails and a scenic drive lead to Cathedral Ledge, 700 feet in the air. The ledge offers scenic views and ample opportunities for rock climbing.

Eisenhower Memorial Wayside Park
Route 302
Carroll, NH
Phone: 603-323-2087

This park offers picnic area and walking trails and a great view of Mount Washington.

Forest Lake State Park
Route 116
Dalton, NH  03598  
Phone: 603-837-9150

Visitors to this mountain lake will enjoy the beach, swimming, picnic groves, playground, bathhouse, and wooded areas.

Franconia Notch State Park
Route 93
Franconia, NH  03580  
Phone: 603-823-8800

Perhaps the most interesting of New Hampshire's state parks, Franconia Notch offers some incredible natural experiences. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain climbing up Cannon Mountain and Mount Liberty, fishing, canoeing, boating, and picnicking. Winter activities offered include cross-country ski trails, alpine skiing and snowmobile trails. Trails include a portion of the Appalachian Trail, and lead to spectacular sites. Historic site of The Old Man of the Mountain, a natural phenomenon created by a series of granite ledges jutting from a cliff face 1,200 feet in the air, which collapsed in 2003. The Flume is a 800 foot gorge with high granite walls, which support a variety of mountain flora in the warmer months. The Basin is a glacial pothole over 20 feet wide, formed at the base of a waterfall by the onslaught of the rushing water. Sightseers will enjoy a ride on the park's Aerial Tramway to the top of Cannon Mountain, where the view is spectacular. A public campground is also available.

Jericho Mountain State Park
Off Route 110, Jericho Lake Road
Berlin, NH  03570  
Phone: 603-752-6060

Seventeen miles of ATV trails are now open to the public. Planned development of the 7,200-acre site will make the Jericho Lake area a premier ATV-riding destination as development continues. An extensive trail system will include 150-200 miles of riding opportunities. Existing snowmobile trails that cross the property will also continue to be developed in addition to other amenities. Activities include ATV, moto-x, mountain biking, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, hunting, fishing, boating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling. Plans for future development include bathhouses, a campground, a day-use beach, and a training center for riding and safety education. Open daily, year-round except April and May.

Lake Francis State Park
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965

This 2,000-acre state park offers canoeing, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails. There is a campground open to the public. Open early May to mid-December.

Milan Hill State Park
Off Route 16
Milan, NH
Phone: 603-823-5563

Small park features views of the Presidential Mountains, a picnic area, trails to a fire tower, which are also available for cross-country skiing in the winter. A small tent camp area is open to the public. Pets are allowed.

Moose Brook State Park
Off U.S. Route 2
Gorham, NH
Phone: 603-466-3860

Popular with fisherman because of its numerous ponds and streams, this park also offers hiking trails, mountain climbing in the Crescent Mountain range, mountain bike trails and lake swimming. Cross-country ski trails are open in the winter. There is a public campsite available.

Moose Brook State Park
Jimtown Road (off Route 2)
Gorham, NH  03581  
Phone: 603-466-3850

Located just north of the Presidential Range, the park is ideally located for fishing in the Peabody and Moose rivers. Moose Brook flows through the park, and feeds the swimming area with cool mountain water. Picnicking and swimming against the scenic mountain backdrop.

Mount Washington State Park
Route 302
Sargent's Purchase, NH
Phone: 603-466-3347

Mount Washington is the highest mountain in the Northeast U.S. and this park the opportunity to get to the summit and enjoy the incredibly scenic view. The summit building, along with the historic Tip Top House stand at the top of this 6,288 foot peak. This can be reached by hiking or climbing to the top, taking the scenic, winding road, or the Cog Railway. There are fees charged for both the railway and the drive.

Nansen Wayside Park
Route 16
Milan, NH
Phone: 603-323-2087

On the banks of the Androscoggin River, this park offers picnic area, fishing areas, boating and canoeing. The winter centerpiece is the 170 foot Nansen Ski Jump.

Northern Forest Heritage Park
961 Main Street
Berlin, NH  03570  
Phone: 603-752-7202

Park includes a three-acre site with waterfront; an outdoor amphitheater; a full-size logging camp museum; interactive exhibits; the Brown Co. House Museum; and the Artisans Gift Shop. The Park hosts forest, river and art exhibits, lectures, seminars, concerts, ethnic festivals, Summer Heritage Mill Tours, lumberjack competitions, and special blacksmith demonstrations and events.

Umbagog Lake State Park
Route 26
Cambridge, NH  03579  
Phone: 603-482-7795

Umbagog Lake State Park is one of the newly acquired parks in the state system. The park includes a campground with 35 sites with electrical and water hook-ups, cabins, and 34 remote campsites. The park offers a beach area for swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. Canoe, kayak, rowboat, and motor boat rentals. Boat launch and park store.