Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Bear Brook
Overview
Bear Brook State Park serves as a sprawling natural sanctuary, encompassing over 10,000 acres in the heart of Allenstown. As the largest developed state park in New Hampshire, it provides a rugged yet accessible retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in the Granite State’s wilderness. The park’s history and expansive ecosystem make it a premier destination for travelers who value conservation and heritage. This park is managed by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, ensuring high standards of land preservation for all who visit.
Location & Surroundings
Tucked away in the Merrimack Valley, the park is conveniently located yet feels worlds away from the urban bustle of Concord or Manchester. The landscape is defined by its scenic hardwood forests and a network of pristine ponds that reflect the changing seasons beautifully. Its proximity to the Suncook River adds another layer of natural beauty to the already diverse environment of marshes and rolling hills. The terrain offers a variety of elevation changes that appeal to photographers and nature watchers alike.
Amenities & Park Features
The Smith Pond Campground within the park offers a classic camping experience for RVers. While there are no electric or water hookups at individual sites, the park provides a centralized dump station and potable water access for self-contained rigs. Facilities include:
- A dedicated swimming beach at Beaver Pond.
- Seasonal boat rentals and multiple picnic pavilions.
- A unique, designated archery range for visitors.
The park also preserves local history through the Richard Diehl CCC Museum and the New Hampshire Antique Snowmobile Museum, both housed in historic buildings.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for many is the 40-mile trail network, which is widely considered one of the best locations for mountain biking in the region. Anglers will appreciate the designated fly-fishing pond, while families often gather at the scenic lakeside spots for a day of sun. Beyond the park borders, the New Hampshire State House and various botanical gardens in Concord offer a cultural change of pace within a short twenty-minute driving distance.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is a perfect match for self-contained RVers and active families who enjoy being closer to the raw elements of nature. It caters specifically to those who travel with bikes or kayaks and prefer a quiet, wooded setting over a paved commercial resort. If your travel style focuses on nature-driven adventure and rustic charm, Bear Brook State Park is an essential stop on your New Hampshire itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
Heather Adam
Many beautiful trails. Some challenging while others are a nice walk. We did the Mammouthmarch 2025 here and it was amazing. We saw hikers with their dogs and we saw some people with mountain bikes.
Tina Filardo
We’ve stayed at the cabins now, a third time and there have been so many upgrades. There is now a community room available with games and ping pong, and there is actually a small store at Bear Hill! It is a 20 minute drive to get to the campground store to buy wood and ice. Oh and that’s one direction. The Bear Hill camp store was open on the Saturday & Sunday and probably closed during the week. So many great trails. The pond is so beautiful. The cabins are clean! I’m telling the truth. After 4 years abs 3 stays, the cabins have always been clean upon arrival. We keep them clean too.
Olga Andriuc
Today we visited Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire. It is very beautiful there, there are several parking areas, lakes with small beaches, playgrounds, a small store. There are many hiking and biking trails.
Ashley Vinson
This is our 4th year coming here and if you are looking for a great little get away. Bear brook has great hiking, fishing,and their rent boats are fairly priced and plenty for the little ones to do. Has playground, large soccer/badminton field, wood,ice,small accessories in the shop and a helpful staff
Tom Cooke
Another one night visit, so a limited review. Looks very family friendly, lots of playground and activity areas. Site #76, within view of the office/camp store. No hookups, so be prepared. This site is very level and fairly large, nicely nestled in the trees. Would have loved to stay for a couple of nights!