Lake Umbagog State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Lake Umbagog State Park was established in 1998 to preserve the natural beauty of Lake Umbagog while supporting the recreational use of the land and water. The lake covers 7,850 acres and straddles the New Hampshire-Maine border. The state park sits next to the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge on the southern shore of the lake in New Hampshire. The 1,360-acre state park gets its name from an Abenaki phrase meaning “shallow water.”
Spring 27-70 F
Summer 57-84 F
Fall 32-74 F
Winter 17-39 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Lake Umbagog State Park
The campground at Lake Umbagog State Park has 63 sites that accommodate both tents and RVs. These sites have water and electricity hookups. All of these campsites have back-in parking and accommodate 20 to 40-foot vehicles. Fire pits and picnic tables are available at all sites, though firewood may not be brought into the park. Wood is available in a shed near the park store. The campground is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. In the campground, you can access a play area, a visitor center with a viewing deck, a dishwashing station, a dump station, a laundry facility, and pit toilets.
What to Do at
Lake Umbagog State Park
Visitors can take advantage of a fuel station, a well-stocked store, boat rentals, and a boat launch to enjoy the lake fully. Within walking distance of the campground, a large beach area is well-maintained and ideal for a leisurely swim. Kids can enjoy playing on the playground near the campground.
Fishing
As a warm water fishery, Lake Umbagog is a popular spot for shoreline and boat fishing. Northern pike, horned pout, chain pickerel, and smallmouth bass are commonly caught throughout most of the year.
Geocaching
From the base campground at Lake Umbagog State Park, visitors can start a treasure-hunting adventure. The cache is located a few miles beyond the park’s boundaries in the wildlife refuge, and specific instructions are available on the geocaching website.
Nature Watching
The landscape is home to animals like loons, bears, rabbits, moose, bobcats, ospreys, bald eagles, wild turkeys, and coyotes. Some of these and other animals may be spotted on the lake’s islands as well.
Boating
Visitors can use the park’s boat ramp to launch their own motorized or non-motorized boats. A large trailer parking area is located at the front of the park. Kayaks and canoes are also available for rent, making it easy to fish and sight-see on the water.
Stargazing
Lake Umbagog State Park is the only state park with a Bortle 1 classification east of Michigan. This classification is the highest rating possible for observing the night sky and takes into account light pollution and the overall observability of objects in the sky. On a clear night, you might spot the Triangulum galaxy, several planets, the zodiacal band, and others.
Swimming
The designated beach at Lake Umbagog State Park is within walking distance of the base campground. The land is minimally sloped, and this continues into the water. The shallow water is well-suited for a relaxed swim for all ages.
How to Get to
Lake Umbagog State Park
Lake Umbagog State Park is located a few miles east of the small town of Errol in a remote area of the state. To reach the park from Concord, head north on Interstate 93. In St. Johnsbury, turn east on Highway 2. Follow this highway through Lancaster to Gorham. In Gorham, turn north on Highway 16. In Errol, turn right on Highway 26. This road takes you directly to the park’s entrance. You can also reach Lake Umbagog State Park from Lewiston, Maine. In Lewiston, follow Highway 4 north to Highway 219. Follow Highway 219 west to Bethel. In Bethel, turn north on Highway 2, and travel a few miles to Newry. From there, turn left on Highway 26. Highway 26 leads to the park’s entrance.
Entering Lake Umbagog State Park
Lake Umbagog State Park is open year-round, but it is not staffed from October through late spring each year. Comfort stations are not open during this period. Parking is available at the individual campsites as well as in the trailer parking lot near the park’s entrance. Two additional parking lots are available, including one that is close to the beach and one that is behind the visitor center.
Lake Umbagog State Park Entry Fee (ages 12 and older) : $4.0
Lake Umbagog State Park Entry Fee (ages 6 to 11) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Umbagog State Park
While Lake Umbagog State Park is open year-round, camping, swimming, and boating are most enjoyable during the peak season. This season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends.
Wildlife at Lake Umbagog State Park is abundant and includes coyotes, bobcats, rabbits, moose, and bears. Loons, wild turkeys, ospreys, and bald eagles are some of the birds that you may spot during your visit.
The camping sites at the park’s base campground are all suitable for both tents and RVs.
Reservations to camp at Lake Umbagog State Park can be made online and by phone up to 11 months in advance. Sites not reserved in advance are available on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, three sites are only available for drive-up visitors.
Lake Umbagog State Park is pet-friendly. However, pets are not allowed at the day-use beach, and they must be restrained and attended to at all times.