Bus Pass Program

The New Hampshire State Parks Bus Pass Program is designed to assist organizations that service New Hampshire youths and disabled residents in providing recreational opportunities in New Hampshire State Parks.

Bus Passes are available to:

• Community Recreation Programs - Funded in whole or in part by the local Community.
• Non-Profit Youth Programs - Provide the organization's 501c3 Tax Exempt Identification Number.
• State Agency Youth Programs - A state agency.

If an organization does not fall within the above guidelines, it does not qualify for the Bus Pass Program. New Hampshire State Parks does offer a standard Youth Group Rate. This fee is $2.00 per person. As with the Bus Pass Program, extra adults above the ratio range will be required to pay additional adult group use rate for the park they are visiting (1:8 Ratio - Adults to Children). Reservations are required and limited to space availability. The standard Youth Group Rate is offered non-holiday weekdays whenever the park is open.

Please be sure to review all policies prior to purchasing the passes. There have been some minor changes in the policies this year and it is important that you and your staff are aware of all policies and changes.

If you have further questions about the program, please call 603-271-3556.

Bus Pass Program Options and Pricing

• Bus Pass applications are available starting March 1, and may be requested by calling 603-271-3556. Forms must be completed and mailed, with payment, to Jane Carey, Bus Pass Program Coordinator, NH Division of Parks and Recreation, PO Box 1856, Concord, NH  03302-1856.
• The Division of Parks and Recreation will require 7-10 business days for processing from the date the application is received.  
• The bus pass is non-transferable and valid only for use by the town/organization to whom the pass was issued.
• The bus pass is valid for the current year only.
• The bus pass is not valid until signed by the user.  By signing the individual bus pass, you are acknowledging that you have read and agree to all NH State Parks Bus Pass Program policies.
• No refund will be given for any reason including unused passes.
• At least two weeks prior to the date you plan on visiting, you must contact the manager of the park you want to visit. This is to ensure that space is available at that park on that date. If you come to the park with no prior reservation, your group can be denied access to the park. Reservations may be made prior to park openings. We encourage organizations to submit a letter of interest to the appropriate regional manager. Contact information for all regional and park managers is attached. Your reservation is pending confirmation from the park manager once parks open.
• If the bus pass is lost or stolen, another will not be issued.
• Each bus must give the toll collector one bus pass per visit in order to avoid an additional charge.  
• Definition of “bus” is any vehicle capable of transporting 9 passengers or more.
• Each bus pass is valid for use by one bus and one additional standard passenger vehicle.
• The required chaperone ratio range is 1 chaperone for up to 8 children.  Additional chaperones over this range will be required to pay the additional adult group use rate for the park they are visiting (1:8 Ratio - Adults to Children).
• Bus passes are valid from June 20 – September 3, 2012, excluding weekends and holidays. The bus pass is valid for picnicking, Flume, Cannon Mountain Tramway, and swimming when beaches are open. This bus pass is not valid for camping, parking meters or for use at North Hampton Beach and Jenness Beach.
• No exceptions will be made on any policy set forth herein.