🌤 Weather at Bear Brook State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–69 °F | 54–83 °F | 29–74 °F | 13–37 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Concord Municipal Airport, 9 mi away, elevation 346 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Bear Brook State Park is New Hampshire’s largest developed state park at over 10,000 acres! With 40+ miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, a 15-target archery course, 101 campsites, cabins, and a museum complex featuring one of the most intact CCC camps in America, this is an outdoor recreation paradise just 15 miles from Concord.
Trail System
| Trail Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Total Miles | 40+ miles |
| 🚴 Mountain Biking | All skill levels! |
| 🥾 Hiking | Woods, foundations, chimneys |
| ⚡ E-Bikes | Class 1 & 2 allowed (designated trails) |
| 🏛️ History | Old town ruins along trails |
Archery
| Archery Facilities | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Woodland Course | 15 targets |
| 🎯 Practice Range | 4 targets (ADA accessible!) |
| 🏹 Equipment | Bring your own |
Camping & Cabins
| Camping | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Beaver Pond Campground | 101 sites (tents/trailers/RVs) |
| 🏕️ Site Amenities | Picnic table, fire ring, grate |
| 🏠 Cabins | Bear Hill Pond |
| 🚿 Facilities | Store, water, flush toilets, hot showers (fee) |
| 🚮 RV | Dump station |
ℹ️ Seasonal Note
Campground typically closed through April 30. Park open year-round but may be unstaffed off-season (portable toilets provided).
Museum Complex
| Museums | Focus |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ CCC Museum | Richard Diehl collection—one of most complete CCC camps in USA! |
| 🛷 Antique Snowmobile Museum | NH Antique Snowmobile collection |
| ⛪ Old Allenstown Meeting House | Historic building |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Bear Brook SP — 10,000+ acres — the largest developed state park in New Hampshire. The park’s ponds, hardwood forest, and wetlands support moose, black bears, and loons. Features the CCC Museum and family camping museum.
Nearby Attractions
Allenstown — adjacent. Concord — 15 miles north — state capital.
Is Bear Brook really NH’s largest park?
Bear Brook is New Hampshire’s largest DEVELOPED state park at over 10,000 acres. While some undeveloped state lands may be larger by acreage, Bear Brook has the most extensive recreational facilities and trail network.
What’s special about the CCC Museum?
The CCC camp at Bear Brook is noted as one of the most complete and intact CCC camps remaining in the United States. The Richard Diehl CCC Museum, housed in original CCC buildings, documents this Depression-era conservation program. Open Sundays in summer (10 AM – 4 PM).
How are the trails for mountain biking?
Excellent! Over 40 miles of trails wind through scenic woods with options for all skill levels. You’ll find both double and single tracks, with interesting historical features like old stone foundations and chimneys from abandoned towns. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted on designated MTB trails.
Can I use the archery range without my own equipment?
No. You must bring your own archery equipment. The park offers a 15-target woodland course and a 4-target practice range (which is ADA accessible). Equipment is not provided.
Is the park open year-round?
Yes! The park is open year-round for recreation unless specific closures are posted. However, the campground is typically closed through April 30. Off-season, the park may be unstaffed and comfort stations may be closed (portable toilets provided).
🏹 New Hampshire’s Recreation Giant
Explore 40+ miles of trails, 15-target archery course, and a historic CCC museum complex. Visit the official Bear Brook State Park website for camping reservations.
Explore More New Hampshire State Parks
Bear Brook State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in New Hampshire. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in New Hampshire guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Ahern State Park (a short drive away) and Smith’s Ferry Heritage Park (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Bear Brook State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 101 sites — 101 single-family sites for tents, trailers, and RVs at Beaver Pond Campground, each with picnic table, fire ring, and grate. No hook-ups; two cars per site. Sites not reservable (walk-up only): 10A, 19, 47, 48A, 79, 63B, 92. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Bear Hill Pond Cabins: furnished cabins in two sizes (max occupancy 4 or 6), dogs permitted, drop-off area with walk-in access. No electricity in the cabins; the cabin area has one flush toilet, three portable toilets, a bathroom faucet, and an outside spigot for drinking water. A separate hike-in Adirondack-style lean-to (Smith Pond Shelter, built 1937 by the CCC, sleeps up to 6/4 adults with two wide wooden bunks) has two outhouses on site; campers must bring their own drinking water. |
| Pets | Pets are permitted in the Beaver Pond campground only and must be leashed and attended to at all times. Pets and RVs are not permitted in youth group areas. Dogs are also permitted at the Bear Hill Pond cabins. |
| Reservations | Book via ReserveAmerica (1-877-647-2757) or nhstateparks.org, up to 11 months in advance; campground office (603) 485-9869, park manager (603) 485-9874. Youth group camping must be booked by phone through the Concord office (603) 271-3556. |
| Special sites | Dump station on-site for registered campers. Coin-operated showers and camp store at Beaver Pond. Bear Hill Pond Cabins (15 Bear Hill Pond Road) and Smith Pond Shelter are separate lodging options elsewhere in the park's 10,000+ acres. |
| Season notes | Beaver Pond Campground is open for reservable stays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. |
Camping questions about Bear Brook State Park
Can you camp at Bear Brook State Park?
Yes. Bear Brook State Park has 101 campsites. 101 single-family sites for tents, trailers, and RVs at Beaver Pond Campground, each with picnic table, fire ring, and grate. No hook-ups; two cars per site. Sites not reservable (walk-up only): 10A, 19, 47, 48A, 79, 63B, 92.
How do you reserve a campsite at Bear Brook State Park?
Book via ReserveAmerica (1-877-647-2757) or nhstateparks.org, up to 11 months in advance; campground office (603) 485-9869, park manager (603) 485-9874. Youth group camping must be booked by phone through the Concord office (603) 271-3556.
Are there cabins at Bear Brook State Park?
Bear Hill Pond Cabins: furnished cabins in two sizes (max occupancy 4 or 6), dogs permitted, drop-off area with walk-in access. No electricity in the cabins; the cabin area has one flush toilet, three portable toilets, a bathroom faucet, and an outside spigot for drinking water. A separate hike-in Adirondack-style lean-to (Smith Pond Shelter, built 1937 by the CCC, sleeps up to 6/4 adults with two wide wooden bunks) has two outhouses on site; campers must bring their own drinking water.
Are pets allowed at the Bear Brook State Park campground?
Pets are permitted in the Beaver Pond campground only and must be leashed and attended to at all times. Pets and RVs are not permitted in youth group areas. Dogs are also permitted at the Bear Hill Pond cabins.
Source: nhstateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Bear Brook State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Standard or retractable leash not greater than 6 feet required; animals may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited at beaches and designated swim areas seasonally from May 1 through September 30.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted at 13 campgrounds (including Bear Brook, Coleman, Greenfield, Lake Francis, Milan, Mollidgewock, Moose Brook, Pawtuckaway, Pillsbury, Sunapee and Umbagog); cabin/yurt rules vary by park — check before booking.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Monadnock, North Hampton State Beach, Odiorne Point and most of Rhododendron State Park prohibit pets year-round; Crawford Notch, Franconia Notch and Mount Washington allow pets only on hiking trails and designated dog-walk areas.
Are dogs allowed at Bear Brook State Park?
Many NH state parks allow pets year-round, but policies vary by park and some parks prohibit pets entirely. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via nhstateparks.org. More: New Hampshire state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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