Wellington State Park
614 West Shore Road
Bristol, NH 03222
Phone: 603-744-2197
Wellington State Park boasts the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire State Park system. Hiking trails and picnic areas along the shore afford views of one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the state. The park maintains volleyball and horseshoe courts. The Snack Bar offers a variety of snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, beach and picnic items, and souvenirs. Gas grills are allowed along with wood and/or charcoal fires for cooking.
Within the park, the peninsula nature trail features picnic areas, designated fishing areas, plant identification markers, and spectacular views of Newfound Lake and Cliff and Belle Islands. A well-marked hiking trail leads from the park and provides hikers access to Goose Pond, the Sugarloafs, Bear Mountain, Welton Falls, and Mt. Cardigan. A developed boat launch operated by N.H. Fish & Game adjoins the park, providing boaters free year-round access to Newfound Lake. Boat lanes along the beach allow boater access to the park for the regular admission price. Boat launch is open 24hrs / 7days a week. Kayak rentals are also available at the park store.
Organized youth group camping is offered on both Belle and Cliff Islands. Reservations are required and may be made from mid-May through the summer season by calling our main office at 603-271-3556
If you are looking for alternative beach front State Parks, please consider Ellacoya State Park located in Gilford, or Wadleigh State Park located in North Sutton, both of which are approximately 30 miles from Wellington State Park. Click here for a complete list of NH State Park swimming options.
Make a Reservation
Book your trip to Wellington Beach: Visitors can make a reservation before arriving at the park as parking is limited (especially on nice weekends and holidays). Walk-in spaces are available for visitors on a first come/first-serve basis. Reservations can be made up to 30 days prior to arrival.
BEACH Reservations
Parks Plate & Season Pass: There are desiganted spaces set aside for plate/pass holders on a first-come/first-serve basis. Reservations are still encouraged in the event a park reaches capacity (requiring a $1 transaction fee).
NH Senior Citizens: To receive a discount at our per person fee locations, enter the number of NH Senior Citizens in the vehicle/occupant information section of the order details page, rather than the number of adults.
Operating Schedule
Dates and times are weather dependent and subject to change without notice. For up to date hours, please call the park directly.
| Fee |
Days/Hours |
Adults: $5
Children (6-11): $2 |
Open daily 5/13/2022 - closed for the season 10/1/2022
|
This park is always open for recreation unless otherwise posted. During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available, day-use fees are not collected and gates may be closed. The off-season poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety. Users assume all risk while recreating in State Park lands.
Fees
Admission is $5 for adults; $2 for children ages 6-11; children ages 5 and under and NH residents age 65 and over are admitted free. Season passes are available. When park is unstaffed during the season, please use Iron Ranger (self-serve paystation).
Are pets allowed at Wellington State Park?
Pets are not permitted in the park. See the NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.
Keep Your Parks Clean
Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program, you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out whatever you carry in. Glass bottles are not permitted in the park. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.
Beach Advisories
For listings of current advisories, please visit the State of New Hampshire, Department of Environmental Services Beach Advisories website page.
Access for Persons with Disabilities
Visit our Accessibility for All webpage at www.nhstateparks.org/news-events/accessibility. For more information on specific accessibilty needs or questions, please contact the individual park office directly.
| Notice: Drone Use is Restricted |
 Drone use is restricted at all NH State Parks. Drone operators are not permittted to take off or land within NH State Park boundaries. |