The 10 Best State Parks in New Hampshire!

Those living in New Hampshire are blessed with an abundance of natural wonders—the ocean, mountains and countless lakes and streams. Several state parks in the Granite State feature these wonders, affording visitors the opportunity to experience them firsthand. Check out the following New Hampshire state parks. You’ll be glad you did.

Hampton Beach State Park, Hampton, NH

Swimming, boating, playing in the sun and surf and more await visitors at Hampton Beach State Park. The park has been a popular tourist spot for many decades. There are bathhouses, lifeguards during the daytime hours, a boardwalk adjacent to the state park, and live entertainment on many summer evenings.

Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH

Featuring close to 200 campsites for visitors, Pawtuckaway State Park is also a favorite day trip destination for New Hampshire residents and guests. The beautiful sand beach is perfect for swimming, lounging and more, and the calm waters encourage kayakers to put their vessels in the water. Rentals are available. There are lots of hiking trails as well. 

Odiorne Point State Park, Rye, NH

With its stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean and its on site Seacoast Science Center, there’s something for everyone at Odiorne State Park. Bring your bicycle and ride (or walk) the extensive network of trails that wind through the woods and past the rocky shoreline. Entering the water at Odiorne isn’t advised.

Wadleigh State Park, Sutton, NH

Located on Kezar Lake, Wadleigh State Park lures swimmers each year as the weather turns warm. Bring a picnic and spend the day. A bathhouse and playing fields make it perfect for a family outing.

Rye Harbor State Park, Rye, NH

Saltwater fishing is the activity of choice at Rye Harbor State Park. Views of the Atlantic Ocean are brilliant, and picnic tables allow for relaxation when not casting a line. The breeze at this spot is always comforting, especially on the warmest summer days. Rest rooms are available.

Kingston State Park, Kingston, NH

Featuring a clear pond for swimming, as well as bathhouses for changing, Kingston State Park is a fun day trip to visitors and locals. Picnic tables and rest rooms are added conveniences. Its proximity to Canobie Lake Park makes it fun stopover after a hot day of amusements.

Silver Lake State Park, Hollis, NH

Silver Lake State Park is a relaxing spot that’s perfect for families. Featuring a 1,000-foot beach, visitors can spend the day swimming, boating and picnicking. Get there early on the weekends, as only so many are allowed admission at once. It’s well worth rising early, however. This is a sweet New Hampshire spot.

Winslow State Park, Wilmot, NH

For outstanding views of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, visit Winslow State Park. Located on the northwest slop of Mount Kearsage, the picnic area is actually a 1,820-foot plateau. A one-mile trail takes visitors to the summit of Mount Kearsage. 

Bear Brook State Park, Allenstown, NH

10,000 acres comprise Bear Brook State Park—the largest developed state park in the Granite State. There are two archery ranges, 40 miles of trails for hikers, cyclists and equestrians, a 101-site campground and a campground beach. There is a day area for those not camping, too. Your pets may join you for the day or overnight, but must be on leashes at all times.

Clough State Park, Weare, NH

Located on Everett Lake, Clough State Park affords visitors the opportunity to swim in its crystal clear water. Its sandy beach and picnic area make it a perfect family environment. There are no flush toilets, but portable toilets are on site. Boat rentals are available.

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298 US Route 4, Boscawen, NH
Hannah Duston Memorial was erected in 1874 and is the first publically-funded statue in New Hampshire. Located on a small island at the confluence ... Read More
131 North Road, Franklin, NH
The Daniel Webster Birthplace is associated with the birth and early childhood years of Daniel Webster, one of our country's most respected orators... Read More
43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH
Ahern State Park spans 128 acres, with 3,500 feet of shoreline on Lake Winnisquam. The park was transferred to the state in November, 1994 as Gover... Read More
Od Turnpike Road, Concord, NH
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17 Endicott St, Laconia, NH
Endicott Rock may be the oldest public monument in New England. The name of John Endicott, Governor of Massachusetts Bay, and the initials of Edwar... Read More
266 Scenic Road, Gilford, NH
Ellacoya State Park is located in Gilford on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake. The 600-foot long sandy beach... Read More
119 West Joppa Rd, Warner, NH
The Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail is a long term vision to build a scenic, family-friendly bike and walking trail to connect the communit... Read More
475 Kearsarge Mountain Road, Wilmot, NH
Winslow State Park, is located on the northwest slope of Mt. Kearsarge in Wilmot, New Hampshire. The picnic area is on an 1,820-foot plateau with o... Read More
1066 Kearsarge Mountain Rd, Warner, NH
Rollins State Park, located in Warner, is situated on the south slope of Mt. Kearsarge. A 3-1/2 mile long scenic auto road rises from the park entr... Read More
DW Highway, Manchester, NH
Amenities:  Baseball diamond. Playground. Soccer field. Running track. Picnic shelter. There are two playgrounds - one for toddlers/pre-school age... Read More
455 Clough Park Road, Weare, NH
Clough State Park is located on the shore of Everett Lake, a 150-acre lake formed by a dam on the Piscataquog River. The park has a 900-foot sandy ... Read More
61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, NH
Bear Brook State Park, with over 10,000 acres, is the largest developed state park in New Hampshire. Located in the southeast region of the state, ... Read More
614 West Shore Road, Bristol, NH
Wellington State Park boasts the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire State Park system. Hiking trails and picnic areas along the... Read More
Bagley Field, Warner, NH
The Concord – Lake Sunapee Rail Trail is a long term vision to build a scenic, family-friendly bike and walking trail to connect the communit... Read More
78 Wadleigh State Park, Sutton, NH
Wadleigh State Park offers swimming on beautiful Kezar Lake. Tall pine trees shade the picnic sites located adjacent to the beach, making it an ide... Read More
North River Road, Manchester, NH
Historic Stark Park is named in honor of New Hampshire's own hero, General John Stark. General Stark was born in Derry, NH, in 1728. He was kidnapp... Read More
755 First NH Turnpike, Northwood, NH
Northwood Meadows State Park spans 674.5 acres in a wilderness setting. This wooded park has a vast wetlands area and is excellent for nature walks... Read More
400 Bridge Street, Manchester, NH
As a part of AARP's 60th Anniversary, AARP launched an ambitious effort in 2019 to create 53 fitness parks – one each in all 50 states, the D... Read More
Between Concord and Amherst, Pine and Chestnut streets, Manchester, NH
Victory Park is dedicated to all the Manchester veterans and current military personnel who have answered the country's call to arms. There is one ... Read More
251 Sculptured Rocks Rd, Groton, NH
Sculptured Rocks Natural Area, which spans 272 acres, is a unique example of nature's powerful yet delicate artistry. The Cockermouth River carved ... Read More
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