New Hampshire has 93 state parks – seriously. For such a small state, that’s not shabby at all. Some of them, like Franconia Notch, we’ve probably all been to. Others are just as lovely but somewhat under-appreciated, and they could definitely use more love. That’s lucky for us, though, because under-appreciated parks mean fewer crowds and more nature all to ourselves! Check them out:
- Odiorne Point State Park, Rye
Stephen Ritchie/Flickr Most people visiting the seacoast enjoy the buzz of Hampton or posh Portsmouth. Between those two locations is the stunning Odiorne Point State Park. Explore the rock pools, see the remains of an old military bunker and enjoy the views from the bluffs overlooking the Atlantic. /a> Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
- Ahern State Park, Laconia
The_Park_Explorer/TripAdvisor Ahern State Park is on the shores of Lake Winnisquam. While most crowds heard to the nearby Lake Winnipesaukee, Ahern State Park provides the perfect opportunity for swimming, fishing, and lots of other fun stuff. Ahern State Park, 43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
- Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, Chesterfield
New Hampshire State Park/Facebook Chesterfield Gorge is a small state park property, covering just 13 acres, but it is beautiful. The gorge is small but charming and the surrounding woods are gorgeous. It’s some of the best hiking in New Hampshire, too. Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, 1823 NH-9, Chesterfield, NH 03443, USA
- Greenfield State Park, Greenfield
megiet/TripAdvisor This park in the southwest corner of the state has lots to offer. In addition to beautiful scenery, there are boat rentals available and plenty of campsites. Greenfield State Park, 973 Forest Rd, Greenfield, NH 03047, USA
- Lake Tarleton State Park, Piermont
New Hampshire State Parks/Facebook This park is nestled near the White Mountains and has beautiful views. Unlike many parks in the mountains, it’s not too busy to enjoy some peace and quiet! It’s one of many parks around our state that just don’t get the love they deserve. Lake Tarleton State Park, 885 Lake Tarleton Rd, Piermont, NH 03779, USA
- Rhododendron State Park, Fitzwilliam
Troy Mclure/TripAdvisor Rhododendron State Park is named for the flowers that blossom here in extraordinary numbers. In mid-July, you can see an amazing 16 acres of rhododendrons in bloom. Rhododendron State Park, Rhododendron Rd, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447, USA
- Week’s State Park, Lancaster
Bob836/TripAdvisor This former estate of Congressman and Senator John Wingate Weeks was donated to the state park system in 1941. The amazing views from the estate extend in every direction, and tours are also available of the historic home on the property. Read more about this hidden gem on the NH State Parks website. Week’s State Park Road, Week’s State Park Rd, Lancaster, NH 03584, USA
- Moose Brook State Park, Gorham
Travellife15/TripAdvisor This park has a unique feature: Moose Brook flows through shallow pools, making a great swimming area. People who enjoy the many camping sites in the park will love splashing and exploring the surrounding white mountain areas. Moose Brook State Park, 30 Jimtown Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA
- Clough State Park, Weare
Mezasu/TripAdvisor This park is a meeting of man-made and natural beauty, since Everett Lake in the park was formed when the Piscataquog River was dammed. This park is home to one of the best beaches in all of New Hampshire.
Love New Hampshire nature? Check out these 8 New Hampshire State Parks that will knock your socks off!
Stephen Ritchie/Flickr
Most people visiting the seacoast enjoy the buzz of Hampton or posh Portsmouth. Between those two locations is the stunning Odiorne Point State Park. Explore the rock pools, see the remains of an old military bunker and enjoy the views from the bluffs overlooking the Atlantic. /a>
Odiorne Point State Park, 570 Ocean Blvd, Rye, NH 03870, USA
The_Park_Explorer/TripAdvisor
Ahern State Park is on the shores of Lake Winnisquam. While most crowds heard to the nearby Lake Winnipesaukee, Ahern State Park provides the perfect opportunity for swimming, fishing, and lots of other fun stuff.
Ahern State Park, 43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH 03246, USA
New Hampshire State Park/Facebook
Chesterfield Gorge is a small state park property, covering just 13 acres, but it is beautiful. The gorge is small but charming and the surrounding woods are gorgeous. It’s some of the best hiking in New Hampshire, too.
Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, 1823 NH-9, Chesterfield, NH 03443, USA
megiet/TripAdvisor
This park in the southwest corner of the state has lots to offer. In addition to beautiful scenery, there are boat rentals available and plenty of campsites.
Greenfield State Park, 973 Forest Rd, Greenfield, NH 03047, USA
New Hampshire State Parks/Facebook
This park is nestled near the White Mountains and has beautiful views. Unlike many parks in the mountains, it’s not too busy to enjoy some peace and quiet! It’s one of many parks around our state that just don’t get the love they deserve.
Lake Tarleton State Park, 885 Lake Tarleton Rd, Piermont, NH 03779, USA
Troy Mclure/TripAdvisor
Rhododendron State Park is named for the flowers that blossom here in extraordinary numbers. In mid-July, you can see an amazing 16 acres of rhododendrons in bloom.
Rhododendron State Park, Rhododendron Rd, Fitzwilliam, NH 03447, USA
Bob836/TripAdvisor
This former estate of Congressman and Senator John Wingate Weeks was donated to the state park system in 1941. The amazing views from the estate extend in every direction, and tours are also available of the historic home on the property. Read more about this hidden gem on the NH State Parks website.
Week’s State Park Road, Week’s State Park Rd, Lancaster, NH 03584, USA
Travellife15/TripAdvisor
This park has a unique feature: Moose Brook flows through shallow pools, making a great swimming area. People who enjoy the many camping sites in the park will love splashing and exploring the surrounding white mountain areas.
Moose Brook State Park, 30 Jimtown Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USA
Mezasu/TripAdvisor
This park is a meeting of man-made and natural beauty, since Everett Lake in the park was formed when the Piscataquog River was dammed. This park is home to one of the best beaches in all of New Hampshire.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit in New Hampshire February 23, 2022 Tori Jane What are the best parks in New Hampshire for kids? It’s no secret that New Hampshire is one of the best states to raise a family in. It’s excellent in terms of safety and education, and the parks here are awesome, too! There is plenty for kids to do, see, and experience, and lots of opportunities to make new friends. Some of the best parks in New Hampshire for families with children are the Field of Dreams Park, in Salem, which really is as magical as it sounds. It’s beautiful, woodsy, and the playground is huge. Twin Bridge Park is an amazing place for everyone, especially if they’re fans of water and waterfalls. There’s a kids-only area called Kids Kove that the little ones love; the playground and play areas are well-maintained and ridiculously fun. If you have toddlers or smaller children, check out Roby’s Park, in Nashua. It’s got a soft rubber floor and is safe even for very little ones – plus, it’s a great chance for them to meet kids their own age! Your kids will ask to come to any of these parks again and again, so parents: be ready! What are some fun things to do outside in New Hampshire? New Hampshire is an awesome state for folks who love the outdoors. Even though our winters can be brutal, even THAT doesn’t stop us from enjoying our beautiful state. There are 93 awesome state parks all over New Hampshire (we don’t know how they fit them all in here, either), and each one is known for its beauty, history, or other significance. Each park offers great hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, and many are based at or around lakes so they make for great kayaking, boating, or canoeing as well. Hike any one of our more than 1,800 blissful trails, visit various gardens and arboretums scattered all over the state, and check out the mountains while you’re at it. If you love the outdoors, we promise you’re going to love New Hampshire, too, and it’s likely you’ll never want to leave. For some more ideas, check out this awesome road trip to some hidden gems across the state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
State Parks to Visit in New Hampshire
February 23, 2022
Tori Jane
What are the best parks in New Hampshire for kids? It’s no secret that New Hampshire is one of the best states to raise a family in. It’s excellent in terms of safety and education, and the parks here are awesome, too! There is plenty for kids to do, see, and experience, and lots of opportunities to make new friends. Some of the best parks in New Hampshire for families with children are the Field of Dreams Park, in Salem, which really is as magical as it sounds. It’s beautiful, woodsy, and the playground is huge. Twin Bridge Park is an amazing place for everyone, especially if they’re fans of water and waterfalls. There’s a kids-only area called Kids Kove that the little ones love; the playground and play areas are well-maintained and ridiculously fun. If you have toddlers or smaller children, check out Roby’s Park, in Nashua. It’s got a soft rubber floor and is safe even for very little ones – plus, it’s a great chance for them to meet kids their own age! Your kids will ask to come to any of these parks again and again, so parents: be ready! What are some fun things to do outside in New Hampshire? New Hampshire is an awesome state for folks who love the outdoors. Even though our winters can be brutal, even THAT doesn’t stop us from enjoying our beautiful state. There are 93 awesome state parks all over New Hampshire (we don’t know how they fit them all in here, either), and each one is known for its beauty, history, or other significance. Each park offers great hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, and many are based at or around lakes so they make for great kayaking, boating, or canoeing as well. Hike any one of our more than 1,800 blissful trails, visit various gardens and arboretums scattered all over the state, and check out the mountains while you’re at it. If you love the outdoors, we promise you’re going to love New Hampshire, too, and it’s likely you’ll never want to leave. For some more ideas, check out this awesome road trip to some hidden gems across the state.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
It’s no secret that New Hampshire is one of the best states to raise a family in. It’s excellent in terms of safety and education, and the parks here are awesome, too! There is plenty for kids to do, see, and experience, and lots of opportunities to make new friends. Some of the best parks in New Hampshire for families with children are the Field of Dreams Park, in Salem, which really is as magical as it sounds. It’s beautiful, woodsy, and the playground is huge. Twin Bridge Park is an amazing place for everyone, especially if they’re fans of water and waterfalls. There’s a kids-only area called Kids Kove that the little ones love; the playground and play areas are well-maintained and ridiculously fun. If you have toddlers or smaller children, check out Roby’s Park, in Nashua. It’s got a soft rubber floor and is safe even for very little ones – plus, it’s a great chance for them to meet kids their own age! Your kids will ask to come to any of these parks again and again, so parents: be ready!
What are some fun things to do outside in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is an awesome state for folks who love the outdoors. Even though our winters can be brutal, even THAT doesn’t stop us from enjoying our beautiful state. There are 93 awesome state parks all over New Hampshire (we don’t know how they fit them all in here, either), and each one is known for its beauty, history, or other significance. Each park offers great hiking, biking, and camping opportunities, and many are based at or around lakes so they make for great kayaking, boating, or canoeing as well. Hike any one of our more than 1,800 blissful trails, visit various gardens and arboretums scattered all over the state, and check out the mountains while you’re at it. If you love the outdoors, we promise you’re going to love New Hampshire, too, and it’s likely you’ll never want to leave. For some more ideas, check out this awesome road trip to some hidden gems across the state.
