Bear Brook State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The park began life in 1935 when the Civilian Conservation Corps took the original 6,000 acres, laid out what was to become the park, and built the original structures, of which several remain. The state took over Bear Brook State Park when the CCC disbanded in 1942. Over the years, more land area was added to the park, and today, it spans more than 10,000 acres. Today, too, there is a museum in the park that features the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Spring 43-68 F
Summer 77-82 F
Fall 46-72 F
Winter 8-35F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Bear Brook State Park
Beaver Park Campground has 110 campsites available, 36 of which are RV-specific campsites. Out of those 36, one has 30-amp electrical service. There's a ranger station within Bear Brook State Park, and there are also showers and restrooms when the campground is open. There are vault toilets all year. You have access to a dump station. There is communal potable water throughout the campground. Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table. In season, there is also a small camp store. In season is from Memorial Day through National Indigenous People's Day. The maximum RV length is 38 feet.
Cascade Campground
Located in London, NH, Cascade Campground is a bit of a drive. That said, it’s well-loved by all who visit, making it a worthwhile drive for sure. The staff are fabulous and the restrooms are exceptionally clean.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Propane refills; fire wood; pool; fishing area; beach
Epsom Valley Campground
A bit closer to the state park, you’ll find Epsom Valley campground. This park is also well kept and the service is wonderful. Kids enjoy the mini golf and board game library, and adults enjoy the peace and quiet.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Mini golf; horseshoes; canoe rentals; swimming area; themed weekends; and much more
Lazy River Family Campground
Another relatively close option is Lazy River Family Campground. The rates here are incredibly affordable, and kids will adore the many fun activities that happen in the park.
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Pool; playground; swimming pools; river access; camp store
What to Do at
Bear Brook State Park
Enjoy the Class-3 Bortle skies while stargazing, or cast your line to reel in tonight's dinner. Enjoy a hike through the woods. And, be sure to bring your camera for wildlife photography, especially birding. If you like archery, then there are two on-site ranges for you to enjoy. Remember to bring your own equipment.
Inside Bear Brook State Park
Wondering what you’ll do during your time in Bear Brook State Park? Try these awesome options!
Walking/Hiking/Biking/Horseback Riding — With 40 miles of trails to explore, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding are all fabulous options. Be sure to bring plenty of water and comfortable shoes so you’ll be well prepared to hit the trails.
Swimming — Swimming is one of the best activities found in this park during the summer. Head to the in-park swimming beach for a great day spent splashing and playing in nature.
Archery — This park boasts not one, but two archery ranges. Therefore, if archery is your hobby of choice, you’ll have plenty of places to hone your skills. Just be sure to bring your own equipment.
Museums — Want to learn something new? You can do just that at the Bear Brook State Park museum complex. This complex is home to a number of museums including the New Hampshire Snowmobile Museum, Old Allenstown Meeting House, and the Richard Diehl Civilian Conservation Corps Museum.
Hiking
The 29 hiking trails in Bear Brook State Park wind nearly 40 miles through the woods. None of the trails is exceptionally difficult, but some of them are quite long. The Lynx Trail and the Beaver Pond Loop are both more than 7 miles long, and they both climb more than 600 feet. Your pets have to stay in the campground.
Stargazing
As a Class-3 location, Bear Brook State Park offers great views of the Milky Way, which is much fainter at higher class numbers. The very top of the sky will be pure black, and the gray will limit itself to the a few degrees above the horizon. You may possibly need a filter for the faintest objects, but most of them will be clear and bright.
Flora and Fauna
The bird species include tufted titmouse, brown creeper, and several varieties of nuthatch, wren, and warbler. Hawks and other raptors also patrol the sky. On the ground, you can see moose, deer, and bears. Smaller animals include snowshoe hares, otters, and beavers. Houstonia, pink lady slipper, and bird's-foot trefoil are three of the many species of wildflowers that you'll find in Bear Brook State Park.
Fishing
Chain pickerel, largemouth bass, and brook trout are three of the fish species you can catch in the ponds within Bear Brook State Park. The fishing regulations in New Hampshire change throughout the year, so it's a good idea to check with the applicable department to see what you're allowed to catch, how many of each species you're allowed to catch, and where you can fish before breaking out your rod.
Swimming
There is a clearly marked swimming area, but there are no lifeguards. Exercise caution while swimming, and always remember to stay within your ability.
Boating
There is no boat launch, but you can rent canoes or kayaks for either of the ponds in Bear Brook State Park. The boat rentals are only for campers.
Geocaching
There is a single two-part geocache in Bear Brook State Park. The geocache has a Yogi Bear theme.
How to Get to
Bear Brook State Park
Proceed to Colebrook. From there, take Park Street, otherwise known as Route 145, north-northeast about three miles, and look for the signs for Bear Brook State Park.
Entering Bear Brook State Park
Because the park itself is only three miles or so from the town of Colebrook, it's possible to ride your bikes or even to hike to the park. You can enter in your vehicle, too. There's a parking lot for day use, and the park itself is open 24 hours a day.
Bear Brook State Park Entry Fee (New Hampshire adults) : $4.0
Bear Brook State Park Entry Fee (non-resident adults) : $5.0
Bear Brook State Park Entry Fee (non-resident children) : $3.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Bear Brook State Park
The best time to visit is when the campground is open as that's when most of the activities and amenities are available.
You can spot birds and mammals of all kinds. If you happen to run into a predator like a bear, bobcat, or lynx, then it's best to stay at least 150 feet away from it. Multicolored songbirds fly or sit in trees overhead, too.
Yes, there are campsites designed for RVs at Bear Brook State Park.
Yes, you need reservations, and the first 35 RV campsites are $25 per night. The single site with an electrical hookup is $40 per night.
Pets are welcome. They're only allowed within the bounds of the campground, however, and unless they are in their own tent, crated, or inside your vehicle, they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Remember that you must also clean up after your pets.