New Hampshire is a dream for paddling, canoeing, and kayaking
Featured Listings
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.
196 Shawtown Road
Freedom, NH 03836
Phone: 603-539-2069
Fax: 603-539-5681
Classic New England lakeside charm
Located between the Lakes Region and White Mountains of New Hampshire, family-friendly Danforth Bay offers over 300 tent, RV and extended-stay campsites, many nestled along the shores of Danforth Bay of Ossipee Lake.
Spread on over 180 forested acres, the resort features rolling hills, expansive beaches, secluded knolls and meandering brooks and is now open year round. Pet-friendly Danforth Bay offers clean, modern facilities, two heated swimming pools, a kiddie pool, two sandy beaches, numerous court games, an extensive recreation program, free WiFi, plus unique theme weekends. The resort is truly big-rig friendly with wide roads, 24 pull-through sites, 20/30/50 amp service and new deluxe, duel-septic sites with level, 45’x12’ concrete pads.
Danforth also offers guests the opportunity to stay in one of ten camping cabins -- three rustic cabins which sit on the shore of Danforth Bay and seven deluxe four-season cabins conveniently located near the pools and facilities.
1251 Eaton Road (Route 153)
East Madison, NH 03849
Phone: 603-367-8896
Toll-Free: 800-FREE-SKI
Celebrating 100 years of lodging and recreation!
196 Shawtown Road
Freedom, NH 03836
Phone: 603-539-2069
Fax: 603-539-5681
Classic New England lakeside charm
Located between the Lakes Region and White Mountains of New Hampshire, family-friendly Danforth Bay offers over 300 tent, RV and extended-stay campsites, many nestled along the shores of Danforth Bay of Ossipee Lake.
Spread on over 180 forested acres, the resort features rolling hills, expansive beaches, secluded knolls and meandering brooks and is now open year round. Pet-friendly Danforth Bay offers clean, modern facilities, two heated swimming pools, a kiddie pool, two sandy beaches, numerous court games, an extensive recreation program, free WiFi, plus unique theme weekends. The resort is truly big-rig friendly with wide roads, 24 pull-through sites, 20/30/50 amp service and new deluxe, duel-septic sites with level, 45’x12’ concrete pads.
Danforth also offers guests the opportunity to stay in one of ten camping cabins -- three rustic cabins which sit on the shore of Danforth Bay and seven deluxe four-season cabins conveniently located near the pools and facilities.
Route 16 at Pinkham Notch
Gorham, NH 03581
Phone: 603-466-3988
Fax: 603-466-5225
Outdoor Fun That's Just Right for The Entire Family
At the Great Glen Trails in Pinkham Notch, New Hampshire, we offer adventures in all shapes and sizes - Your adventure is up to you. During the spring and summer you can set out on a hike, run, or bike ride on any of our scenic trails through New Hampshire's White Mountains. Or join us for a guided bird watching tour or a paddling trip on the Androscoggin River. In winter, the cross country skiing and snowshoeing is absolutely glorious. Our trail system of easy and rolling terrain allows skiers of all abilities to find the right level of activity, challenge, and fun. The trails are groomed with both double tracks and a skating lane and run through the forests at the base of Mt. Washington. And the SnowCoach makes everything accessible to all, with or without skis. It's the natural vacation plan for you and your family.
1251 Eaton Road (Route 153)
East Madison, NH 03849
Phone: 603-367-8896
Toll-Free: 800-FREE-SKI
Celebrating 100 years of lodging and recreation!
Informational Listings Courtesy of VisitNewEngland.com
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.
Androscoggin Wayside Park
Route 16
Errol, NH
Phone: 603-538-6707
Androscoggin Wayside Park is located along the Androscoggin River and lies within the Thirteen Mile Woods. It is a scenic spot for picnicking and fishing, and a favorite for canoeing. No restrooms are available and all items (including trash) must be carried out with you when you leave. Pets allowed. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Coleman State Park
Route 26 to Diamond Pond Road
Stewartstown, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965
Coleman State Park lies on the shore of Little Diamond Pond in Stewartstown, 12 miles east of Colebrook. There is excellent trout fishing in Little Diamond Pond and nearby streams. A boat launch is located within the park; small boats are permitted, but speed is restricted. Boats are available for rent. Pets allowed. The park is also a good base for fall hunting. Other activities include hiking, canoeing, snowmobiling, and cross country skiing. Open in winter.
The primitive campground at Coleman State Park offers 24 campsites. Many of the sites can accommodate most camping equipment including self-contained recreational vehicles with a maximum length of 35 feet; hook-ups are not available. Flush toilets, coin-operated showers, along with pit toilets, a playground, and a dump station are available. The campground is open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Self-service/self-pay camping with limited services is available pre-season, weather permitting. Organized youth group camping is welcome. Reservations are required.
Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Connecticut Lakes State Forest
Route 3
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965
Visitors will enjoy fishing, hunting, boating, paddling, and hiking. In the winter, there are cross-country ski trails available. This state forest includes the Deer Mountain Campground operated by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and REcreation. Deer Mountain Campground is just five minutes south of the Canadian border and 13 miles from Lake Francis. It is adjacent to the stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg, referred to as Moose Alley, which makes it a prime location for moose viewing. The 25-site primitive campground includes 22 sites available by reservation only, and three for first-come/first-served campers. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, flat area for a tent, and a parking space. The campground is open for reservable stays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in mid-May, 2009, weather permitting. Information: www.nhdfl.org or www.nhstateparks.org/
Deer Mountain Campground
Route 3
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6965
Located in Connecticut Lakes State Forest, adjacent to the Connecticut River between Second and Third Connecticut lakes, Deer Mountain Campground is five minutes south of the Canadian border and 13 miles from Lake Francis. It is adjacent to the stretch of Route 3 north of Pittsburg referred to as Moose Alley, which makes it a prime location for moose viewing. Available for camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and non-motorized boats. Pets allowed.
The 25-site primitive campground includes 22 sites available by reservation only, and three for first-come/first-served campers. Each site has a fireplace, picnic table, flat area for a tent, and a parking space. The campground is Open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in May, weather permitting. Deer Mountain Campground welcomes organized youth groups. Reservations are required.
Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Jericho Mountain State Park
Off Route 110, Jericho Lake Road
Berlin, NH
Phone: 603-752-6060
Just a few miles northeast of downtown Berlin is one of the newest additions to the state park system. Jericho Mountain State Park provides opportunities for miles of trail riding for ATV, UTV, trail bike, and snowmobile enthusiasts. The park will continue to have more miles added to the trail network over the next several years. Throughout the park, visitors are treated to a number of scenic outlooks. Park guests can also enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, or picnicking at Jericho Lake. Future plans for the park include a campground, group picnic pavilions, and improved beach facilities.
Lake Francis State Park
439 River Road
Pittsburg, NH
Phone: 603-538-6707
Lake Francis is a 2,000-acre lake near the Connecticut Lakes. A boat launch is located in the park and boats are available for rent. The park is popular with canoeists and hunters. The campground has 42 sites, each with a fireplace, picnic table, tent space, and parking. The walk-in sites have tent platforms. The campground has running water, flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and a dump station. All sites are by reservation, but first-come/first-served camping may be available. Open: Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Camping with limited facilities is available starting April 24, and post-season through October. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Milan Hill State Park and Campground
Route 16
Milan, NH
Phone: 603-466-3860
Milan Hill State Park is ten miles north of Berlin, near popular areas for hiking, picnicking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. From the hilltop campground and fire tower, you can get a view of the mountain ranges in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Canada. Animals are welcome but must be leashed and under control. All waste must be cleaned from the trails as required by state park rules. Cost: Day use fee is adults, $4; children age 6 to 11, $2; people under age 5 and over age 65, free. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
The Nansen Ski Club operates a network of more than 7 kilometers of groomed trails for skiing and snowshoeing in Milan Hill State Park, for users of all ages and all abilities. Use of trails is free. This is not a flat skiing experience.
Primitive camping area has four yurts and six campsites. Yurts are available for reservation and the campsites are first-come/first-served. The park is open from mid-May through mid-October for camping and picnicking. Camping fees are $23 (no hookups); $300 to $350 for yurts. For reservations, call 877-647-2757).
Mollidgewock State Park
Route 16
Errol, NH
Phone: 603-482-3373
Mollidgewock State Park lies along the shore of the Androscoggin River within Thirteen Mile Woods Scenic Area, approximately 28 miles north of Berlin and three miles south of Errol. The Androscoggin offers great canoeing and kayaking opportunities for both novice and expert paddlers. The area is a favorite of fishing enthusiasts and is popular for watching moose and other wildlife. Pets allowed with some restrictions. Cost: Day use fee is adults, $4; children age 6 to 11, $2; people under age 5 and over age 65, free. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Mollidgewock State Park Campground offers 47 tent sites; 42 of the sites are located at the base camp and 37 of them are by reservation only; 5 sites are for first-come/first-served campers. Check with the campground directly for availability of the 5 remote sites. Water and pit toilets are located in this primitive campground. Wood and ice are offered for sale. The campground is Open from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. First-come/first-served camping with limited facilities is available starting in May, weather permitting.
Nansen Wayside Park
Route 16
Milan, NH
Phone: 603-823-7722, ext. 757
Located near the banks of the Androscoggin River, Nansen Wayside Park is a popular place for picnicking, fishing, and boating. The park spans 14 acres and is the site of the 170-foot steel-framed Nansen Ski Jump, seen towering over the area. Nansen Wayside Park is unstaffed but is open to the public year-round at no charge. There is no winter maintenance. A boat launch is available. Information: www.nhstateparks.org
Umbagog Lake State Park
Route 26
Cambridge, NH
Phone: 603-482-7795
Umbagog Lake State Park offers a beach area for swimming, fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating. Canoe, kayak, and rowboat rentals are offered, as well as transportation for remote site campers. A boat launch and fuel sales are available, as well as a park store. Wildlife viewing includes birds, deer, and moose. Information: www.nhstateparks.org.
Umbagog Lake State Park campground has a camp store, flush and pit toilets, and coin-operated showers. The park has a total of 69 campsites. The lakeside base area has 35 sites. There are hook-ups for water and electricity for RVs, as well as a dump station. There are 34 remote sites in wooded areas and accessible only by boat. Each remote site has a fireplace, picnic table, and a primitive pit toilet. These campsites are carry in/carry out. The park offers transportation to the remote sites for a fee. Open: Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Camping with limited facilities is available pre-season starting in April, and post-season is through October.
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.
Off Route 3A
Bristol, NH 03222
Phone: 603-744-2197
Located on Newfound Lake, this state park has the largest freshwater swimming beach in the state park system. Hiking trails and picnic areas along the shore afford views of one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the state. Two group picnic pavilions are located just off the beach in the picnic areas. Snack bar offers snacks, beach and picnic items, and souvenirs. A developed boat launch adjoins the park, providing boaters free access to Newfound Lake. Boat lanes along the beach allow boater access to the park for the regular admission price. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early October. Admission fee.
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.
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.
128 Mountain Road
Nottingham, NH 03290
Phone: 603-895-3031
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.
Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Accessible from many places
Durham/Dover, NH
Phone: 603-868-1095
Set on 48 miles of coastline, this preserve protects saltmarshes, woodlands, tidal creeks and open fields. It is managed by the NH Fish and Game department. Visitors can enter at Adams Point, and also access the area via the water. Great spot for bird and animal observation.
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.
Bedell Bridge Historic Site
Routes 10 and 25
Haverhill, NH
Phone: 603-547-3373
On this plain was the second longest, 2 span covered bridge in the United States. Built in 1866, the bridge was destroyed by wind in 1979. Visitors to the area will enjoy the history, plus fishing and canoeing.
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.
