Wentworth State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Wentworth State Park is a 50-acre day-use park in Central New Hampshire. The first royal governor of the area that would become the State of New Hampshire was named John Wentworth, and so was his son. The son is the one for whom the nearby state highway is named. Both Wentworth governors opposed the Stamp Act, and one of the 16 islands in the middle of Lake Wentworth is named Stamp Act Island in his honor.
Spring 44-66 F
Summer 74-82 F
Fall 48-73 F
Winter 12-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Wentworth State Park
There are no camping facilities at all at Wentworth State Park.
What to Do at
Wentworth State Park
Bring a big picnic meal and enjoy some family time on the shores of Lake Wentworth. Take out a canoe or kayak and explore the islands within the lake. Or, take a swim in the seasonally warm water in the swimming area.
Hiking
There are no official trails within the park, but in addition to winding your way around the lake shore, you can follow the old railroad line along the 12-mile Cotton Valley Rail Trail. It's an out-and-back trail that climbs a little more than 350 feet along its length.
Stargazing
Wentworth State Park is Class 3 on the Bortle Scale. The zenith will be pure black, and the light domes on the horizon will be much smaller than those of higher Bortle numbers. Remember that the park has to be open, even if it's unstaffed, to enter at night to stargaze.
Flora and Fauna
Waterfowl are common and include ducks, teals, wigeons, scoters, and buffleheads. During the summer, you might even hear cuckoos calling to whip-poor-wills.
Fishing
The fish species include steelhead, largemouth bass, white perch, chain pickerel, and occasionally northern pike. Remember to secure the right licenses and always to obey catch limits.
Swimming
The beach may, or may not, have lifeguards on duty. The beach is open from Memorial Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day. If lifeguards aren't present, then take all reasonable precautions when swimming, and stay within your ability.
Boating
There's a boat launch at the park, and you can feel free to explore the whole 5 square miles of Lake Wentworth. If you stop by Stamp Act Island, then you must remember that you can only access one beach because the rest of the island is a wildlife preserve that contains a black gum swamp. The boat ramp closes down at 6 p.m., so be sure to be back by that time.
Geocaching
If you hike the nearby Cotton Valley Rail Trail, then you can seek the single geocache that is hidden along the trail.
Climbing
Although there are no routes in Wentworth State Park, there are about three dozen combined vertical climbs and bouldering opportunities just a 14-mile-drive to the south near New Durham. The boulders range from V3 to V9, and the vertical climbs from 5.7 to 5.11d. The vertical climbs are split between sport and traditional walls.
How to Get to
Wentworth State Park
Proceed to Rochester. From there, take Route 16 north to the junction with Route 109. Take Route 109 west-northwest, and it will take you straight to Wentworth State Park. Look for the signs.
Entering Wentworth State Park
The park has a day-use parking lot, and it's much better to enter in your vehicle than on foot or on a bicycle. The operating hours of the park are from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sometimes, the park closes up after 6 p.m., and other times, it's open without on-site staff. All state parks in New Hampshire are accessible.
Wentworth State Park Entry Fee (Adults) : $4.0
Wentworth State Park Entry Fee (Children 6-11) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Wentworth State Park
The period from Memorial Day to National Indigenous Peoples Day is the best time to visit Wentworth State Park. The fishing, swimming, and boating are all at their best, and the weather is mild.
The wildlife consists almost exclusively of birds. You'll sometimes also see squirrels, chipmunks, and other small animals. Occasionally, you'll see a fox or even a bobcat. Large animals, such as bears, are rare, but sightings do happen. If you happen to run into a bear, then remember to practice predator safety measures.
No, there are no campgrounds or other camping spots of any kind in Wentworth State Park.
There are no camping facilities, but you should make reservations for the parking lot during peak times in the summer. The lot fills up very quickly, and people with reservations get first choice of the parking spots. Of the people with reservations, those who have season passes are given preference over day-use visitors to the park. You may make reservations up to 30 days in advance.
No, you may not bring pets to Wentworth State Park, although you may bring them along the Cotton Valley Rail Trail as long as they're on a leash no longer than 6 feet and you clean up after them.