Visiting New Hampshire Parks

My home state offers so many amazing year round  outdoor adventure opportunities in the New Hampshire Parks!  We’ve got some tips to help you save money, plus photos from some of our favorite spots!

Did you know… There are 93 NH State Parks including beaches, campgrounds, historic sites, waysides, natural areas, trails and more. 

What to do in New Hampshire Parks

When it comes to outdoor fun, there’s something for everyone here!  There are a wide variety of activities in the New Hampshire Parks, including:

• Alpine Skiing
• Camping
• Biking
• Digging for Gemstones
• Hiking
• Nordic & Snowshoeing
• OHRVing
• Snowmobiling
• Swimming

NH State Parks Map

Check out the interactive NH State Parks Map to find an awesome park to visit!

NH Seacoast Beaches

There are 5 State Park beaches along the New Hampshire seacoast including:

• Hampton Beach State Park
• North Beach
• North Hampton State Beach
• Jenness State Beach
• Wallis Sands State Park

Personally, Jenness State Beach is my favorite because it is a little smaller than the others.  You’ll need to go early to get a parking spot and stake your claim on the sand though!

NH State Park Beaches

One of our new favorite places is Greenfield State Park.  We discovered it last year and it’s become a new family favorite.  The beach is small but the facilities are fantastic.  There’s a bathing house with bathrooms, a playground and even a little store.

A few other great state park beaches to check out are:

• Bear Brook State Park
• Echo Lake State Park
• Livermore Falls Recreation Area
• Pawtuckaway State Park

Camping in New Hampshire Parks

There are 23 state park campgrounds in NH.  This includes some that have electricity and some that are Pet Friendly Parks.

• Camping Rates
• Camping Policies

For more information on camping, click HERE.

New Hampshire Parks

Discounts New Hampshire Parks

There are a few ways to save money on visiting the NH State Parks.

• Coupon Books – Purchase $30 worth of coupons for $24. The coupons can be used at all of our day-use parks except parking meters and camping. The coupon books do not expire so they can be used from one season to the next.
• NH State Employees (SEA) Discount – Any full-time bargaining unit employee covered under the State Employees Association of New Hampshire Collective Bargaining Agreement is offered half price admission when visiting a New Hampshire State Parks day-use park, as well as Hampton Beach State Park-South, Wallis Sands State Park, the Flume Gorge or the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and half-price camping. Proof of employment is needed, using a Department ID and a recent pay stub.

There is also a NH Senior Citizen discount.

• New Hampshire residents aged 65 and older
  • are admitted free of charge at all day-use parks.
  • receive $5 off nightly camping site fees except at Hampton, Ellacoya and Cannon RV parks.
  • are admitted free of charge Monday through Friday at the Cannon Aerial Tramway and daily at the Flume Gorge.

Purchase a New Hampshire Parks Pass

Please check the New Hampshire State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on passes and promotions, including pricing.

• NH State Parks License Plate
• Individual Season Pass – $60
• NH Resident Family Season Pass – $105
• Non-Resident Family Season Pass – $120
• Individual Youth Season Pass $25
• Seacoast Parking Pass $175

New format for 2023:  passes will be valid for one year from the purchase date and can be renewed each year. 

How to Get Free Admission

Here’s who can enter the parks for free:

• Children ages 5 and under with a paying adult
• NH Military Personnel
• National Park Access Pass Holders

For more information on passes, coupons, and discounts, please check out the Schedule & Fees on their website.

What to Pack for a Day in the New Hampshire Parks

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• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray
• Hats and Sun Glasses
• Water Bottles
• Wet Wipes
• Mini First Aid Kit
• Camera and Batteries
• Plastic Shopping Bag for Trash

For us, I absolutely love this Beach & Boat Tote that holds almost everything we need!

White Mountain National Forest Highlights

We have traveled through the White Mountain National Forest quite a bit over the years.  Here are some of our adventures:

• The Mt. Washington Auto Road, Gorham
• The Flume Gorge, Franconia
• Sabbaday Falls, Conway
• Diana’s Baths, Conway
• Kancamagus Scenic Highway
• Glen Ellis Falls NH
• Rocky Gorge – White Mountain National Forest
• Clarks Trading Post in NH

Road Trip Resources

• Where Kids Eat Free in NH
• Family Road Trip Entertainment
• 5 Essentials for your Family Road Trip

Travel Activities

• DIY Custom Vacation Memory Box
• Travel Toys – Make Your Own LEGO Kit

More Travel Ideas

• Plan Your Family Vacation Without Going Broke
• Top Ten Family Winter Activities in New England

And if you need a break from the road, check out one of the 12 best water parks in New England!