🌤 Weather at Ellacoya State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21–68 °F | 55–82 °F | 30–73 °F | 12–36 °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 Lakeport 2, 4 mi away, elevation 500 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Ellacoya State Park offers the only state-owned 600-foot sandy beach on Lake Winnipesaukee—New Hampshire’s largest lake! Perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking with mountain views.
600-Foot Sandy Beach
| Beach Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Beach Length | 600 feet |
| 💧 Lake | Winnipesaukee (NH’s largest!) |
| ⏰ Season | Late May – Mid-October (staffed) |
Park Information
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 💵 Adults | $5 (12+) |
| 👧 Children | $2 (6-11), free (under 5) |
| 🚣 Boats | Canoe/kayak ramp |
| 🐕 Pets | Not allowed on beach |
⚠️ Day-Use Only: No camping at Ellacoya. Nearby camping at Gunstock Mountain or Jigger Johnson.
FAQ
Nearby Attractions
Gilford — adjacent — has Gunstock Mountain (skiing, Mountain Coaster, zipline). Weirs Beach — 5 miles north — has the M/S Mount Washington cruise, arcades, and the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad. Laconia — 7 miles north — hosts Motorcycle Week (June). Center Harbor — 10 miles northeast — has Castle in the Clouds (1913 mountaintop estate).
Do I need a reservation?
Highly recommended on weekends and holidays! Reserve up to 30 days in advance. Walk-ins first-come, first-served.
🏖️ NH’s Lake Winnipesaukee Beach
Reserve at NH State Parks.
Location & Getting There
Ellacoya State Park is located in New Hampshire. The park’s coordinates are 43.5139, -71.4089. Check the park’s official website or your state parks app for detailed driving directions and GPS navigation tips.
Quick Facts
- Location: New Hampshire
- Coordinates: 43.5139, -71.4089
- Activities: Hiking, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
- Pets: Allowed on leash in most areas (check local rules)
Things to Do
New Hampshire captures rugged New England with White Mountain peaks, glacial lakes, and Atlantic coastline. Activities include hiking the Appalachian Trail, swimming in mountain lakes, fly fishing, rock climbing granite notches, camping in deep forests, and exploring grand resort-era estates.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (late September to mid-October) is famous for spectacular foliage. Summer is peak for lakes and beaches. Winter brings skiing and ice climbing. Spring brings black flies and muddy trails but excellent waterfall viewing.
Visitor Tips
Day-use admission typically $4-$5 per adult. Advance reservations strongly recommended for Franconia Notch and Monadnock. White Mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable — always carry layers.
Explore More New Hampshire State Parks
Ellacoya 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 Endicott Rock State Historic Site (a short drive away) and Governor Wentworth Historic Site (a short drive away).
⛺ Camping at Ellacoya State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 38 sites — 38-site RV park on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. All campers must hook up to water and electricity (3-way hook-up). Tents or auxiliary shelters are not permitted — RV/camping unit only. Max 3 vehicles per site. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets are not permitted in the campground. |
| Reservations | Book via ReserveAmerica (1-877-647-2757) or nhstateparks.org; park manager (603) 293-7821. Maximum 14 consecutive or accumulated days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. No youth group camping. Ellacoya is excluded from the NH senior-citizen camping discount. |
| Special sites | 800-foot sandy beach, common campfire pit, park store, laundromat, and bathhouse on site. Dump station for registered campers only — no outside use. Boats, trailers, and visitor vehicles must park on the boat launch road. |
| Season notes | Open for reservable stays from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. |
Camping questions about Ellacoya State Park
Can you camp at Ellacoya State Park?
Yes. Ellacoya State Park has 38 campsites. 38-site RV park on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. All campers must hook up to water and electricity (3-way hook-up). Tents or auxiliary shelters are not permitted — RV/camping unit only. Max 3 vehicles per site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Ellacoya State Park?
Book via ReserveAmerica (1-877-647-2757) or nhstateparks.org; park manager (603) 293-7821. Maximum 14 consecutive or accumulated days from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. No youth group camping. Ellacoya is excluded from the NH senior-citizen camping discount.
Are pets allowed at the Ellacoya State Park campground?
Pets are not permitted in the campground.
Source: nhstateparks.org (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ellacoya 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 Ellacoya 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
Park Location
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