Bear Brook State Park

Check Beach Advisories Here

About the Park

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, there is plenty to do and see for everyone.  

Camping, hiking, biking, archery, swimming and fishing are a few of the outdoor activities you can do at the park. Forty miles of trails through the heavily forested park, leading to seldom visited marshes, bogs, summits and ponds, offer a variety of options for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians.

Campers have two options to enjoy this scenic park; the 101 site campground at Beaver Pond and the cabins at Bear Hill Pond. Boat rentals are available at both Beaver and Catamount Ponds.

If archery is your sport, Bear Brook State Park boasts two archery ranges - one 15-target range and a four-target practice range that is universally accessible (bring your own archery equipment).

Bear Brook Trail Map     Bear Brook Trail Information

The Museum Complex at Bear Brook State Park is home to New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum, Old Allenstown Meeting House, and the Richard Diehl Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum. Most of the museums are housed in historic CCC buildings. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Bear Brook Camp is one of the most complete camps remaining intact and in use in the country.  

Equestrian users: See our Equestrian Trail Information webpage for more information about which trails/areas are suitable for horseback riding at Bear Brook State Park.

Camping Information

Beaver Pond Campground - 600 Lower Road, Deerfield
Visitors to Beaver Pond Campground will find a camp store, swimming beach, canoe rentals, coin-operated showers, dump station (for campers only), ice, and firewood are available. This is a pet friendly campground.

Smith Pond Shelter
The Smith Pond shelter is an Adirondack-style, lean-to shelter that was built in 1937 by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The shelter sits atop a hill that overlooks Smith Pond. 

Renters have access to two wide wooden bunks inside the shelter, a stone cook place, two outhouses, and steps that lead them down to the pond. The shelter is well wooded, and has an amazing view of the pond. 

• The nightly site fee pays for 2 adults only and up to 4 dependent children under 18.
• 6 people maximum per site of which only 4 can be adults.
• This site is hike-in only, cars are parked at the trail head entering the site.
• This site is off of the main campground road. Facilities for site are outhouses and are located on site with shelter.
• Campers will need to bring their own drinking water and purchase firewood from the park store.

Youth Group Camping

Are pets allowed at Bear Brook State Park?

Pets must be leashed at all times within the park. Leashed pets are permitted in the campground and on the trails only, not in the beach area. See the NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.
 

Group Use Reservations

Pavilions

For information on this parks pavilion rental please visit Pavilions & Group Use page.

Youth Group Day Use

Youth and School Groups must call the park directly at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to make reservations before visiting. The Bus Pass Program is available for NH youth organizations that meet the program criteria (for more information and applications, please visit BUS PASS PROGRAM.)
 
Groups that do not meet the qualification for the Bus Pass Program are eligible to receive a discounted rate. For More information, please visit our School & Youth Group Page.

Keep Your Parks Clean

Access for Persons with Disabilities

Visit our Accessibility page. For more information on specific accessibilty needs or questions, please contact the individual park office directly.

Management Plan Committee

Additional Resources