One of the most notable things about New Hampshire is the plentiful opportunity to explore the great outdoors. There’s certainly no shortage of places to do it. From exploring in our own backyards to visiting the grandest state parks, we love getting outside to enjoy the fresh air. The only problem? The spots that are most popular can get crowded, taking a peaceful experience and turning into something more stressful. This year, instead of checking out the obvious places, consider visiting these parks that are underrated and totally fantastic.
- Ahern State Park, Laconia
daniel sanchez / Google This beauty is perfect for those who love access to the water. Because it’s in Laconia, it’s easy to skip it in favor of some of the other things to do in the area but those who visit won’t be disappointed. The park includes 3,500 feet of shoreline along Lake Winnisquam along with hiking trails and all of the surrounding beauty. You can learn more about it here.
- Northwood Meadows State Park, Northwood
AJ J / Google At just under 675 acres this wilderness park is one of the smaller parks in the state, but that doesn’t mean it’s missing beauty. The wetland setting is rugged, though there’s a pond which is great for fishing or non-motorized boating. Visitors can also enjoy the trails, which are simple to find. You can learn more about it here.
- Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, Chesterfield
Mike Hennessy / Google Proving that great things come in small packages, this state park property is just 13 acres. The gorge is fun to explore, and the surrounding woods are beautiful. Check it out here.
- Mollidgewock State Park, Erroll
New Hampshire State Parks / Facebook Located in the Thirteen Mile Woods Scenic Area, this small state park offers some of the best camping we’ve found. Campers enjoy the scenery and water access. And it’s heaven for kayakers even just for a day trip. You can learn more about it by reading this article.
- Coleman State Park, Stewartstown
Pamela LaPrell / Google You’ll need to head to the north country to enjoy this incredible natural area. The park offers great trout fishing and some of the best ATV trails in the region. In some cases you can ride your ATV right to one of the 25 campsites. Learn more about it on the official website here.
- Lake Tarleton State Park, Piermont
New Hampshire State Parks / Facebook This park might just have it all! It’s located near the White Mountains which means plenty of outdoor access in one of the most notable areas in the state. The park is 48 acres and the lake for which it’s named is 315 acres, which means plenty of spots to take a dip. The best part? It’s far less busy than other parks with similar access to the Whites. You can learn more about it on the official website here.
- Pillsbury State Park, Washington
Matt Hagon / Google Some of the most beautiful campsites you can find in New Hampshire are right here at a state park that certainly doesn’t get all the love it deserves. There are lots of hiking trails here and plenty of sites to see. And as an extra-special element, 11 of the 41 campsites can only be accessed using a boat or on foot. This is perfect for the more intrepid among us! Read more about it in this article.
- Moose Brooke State Park, Gorham
Migdalia Wharton / Google While this state park isn’t particularly hidden, it is one that often falls off the radar. It’s located north of the Presidential Range and offers great trails and camping. Visitors can also enjoy the river located within the park’s boundaries. You can learn more about it on the NH State Parks official website.
- Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site, Cornish
Pomerols / TripAdvisor Perhaps an unexpected choice to include on this list, we think New Hampshire’s only national park property is definitely worth a day trip. It was once the summer home and eventual full-time home of renowned American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Guadens. The grounds are beautiful and the gardens are some of the most amazing you’ll see. Learn more about visiting here.
Have you been to any of these parks? If so, what’s your most important piece of advice when it comes to visiting? Let us know in the comments. And, if there’s anything we’ve missed, share your recommendations!
daniel sanchez / Google
This beauty is perfect for those who love access to the water. Because it’s in Laconia, it’s easy to skip it in favor of some of the other things to do in the area but those who visit won’t be disappointed. The park includes 3,500 feet of shoreline along Lake Winnisquam along with hiking trails and all of the surrounding beauty. You can learn more about it here.
AJ J / Google
At just under 675 acres this wilderness park is one of the smaller parks in the state, but that doesn’t mean it’s missing beauty. The wetland setting is rugged, though there’s a pond which is great for fishing or non-motorized boating. Visitors can also enjoy the trails, which are simple to find. You can learn more about it here.
Mike Hennessy / Google
Proving that great things come in small packages, this state park property is just 13 acres. The gorge is fun to explore, and the surrounding woods are beautiful. Check it out here.
New Hampshire State Parks / Facebook
Located in the Thirteen Mile Woods Scenic Area, this small state park offers some of the best camping we’ve found. Campers enjoy the scenery and water access. And it’s heaven for kayakers even just for a day trip. You can learn more about it by reading this article.
Pamela LaPrell / Google
You’ll need to head to the north country to enjoy this incredible natural area. The park offers great trout fishing and some of the best ATV trails in the region. In some cases you can ride your ATV right to one of the 25 campsites. Learn more about it on the official website here.
This park might just have it all! It’s located near the White Mountains which means plenty of outdoor access in one of the most notable areas in the state. The park is 48 acres and the lake for which it’s named is 315 acres, which means plenty of spots to take a dip. The best part? It’s far less busy than other parks with similar access to the Whites. You can learn more about it on the official website here.
Matt Hagon / Google
Some of the most beautiful campsites you can find in New Hampshire are right here at a state park that certainly doesn’t get all the love it deserves. There are lots of hiking trails here and plenty of sites to see. And as an extra-special element, 11 of the 41 campsites can only be accessed using a boat or on foot. This is perfect for the more intrepid among us! Read more about it in this article.
Migdalia Wharton / Google
While this state park isn’t particularly hidden, it is one that often falls off the radar. It’s located north of the Presidential Range and offers great trails and camping. Visitors can also enjoy the river located within the park’s boundaries. You can learn more about it on the NH State Parks official website.
Pomerols / TripAdvisor
Perhaps an unexpected choice to include on this list, we think New Hampshire’s only national park property is definitely worth a day trip. It was once the summer home and eventual full-time home of renowned American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Guadens. The grounds are beautiful and the gardens are some of the most amazing you’ll see. Learn more about visiting here.
If you love your days outside to include some man-made fun, be sure to visit Chuckster’s in New Hampshire for the most family fun you can cram into one summer day!
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Address: Ahern State Park, 43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH 03246, USAAddress: Northwood Meadows State Park, 755 1st New Hampshire Turnpike, Northwood, NH 03261, USAAddress: Chesterfield Gorge Natural Area, 1823 NH-9, Chesterfield, NH 03443, USAAddress: Mollidgewock State Park, 1437 Berlin Rd, Errol, NH 03579, USAAddress: Coleman State Park, 1166 Diamond Pond Rd, Stewartstown, NH 03576, USAAddress: Lake Tarleton State Park, 885 Lake Tarleton Rd, Piermont, NH 03779, USAAddress: Pillsbury State Park, Washington, NH 03280, USAAddress: Moose Brook State Park, 30 Jimtown Rd, Gorham, NH 03581, USAAddress: Saint-Gaudens National Historical Site, 139 St Gaudens Rd, Cornish, NH 03745, USA
