State and local parks of Seacoast region provide fun for all tastes

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.

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.

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.

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.