Ellacoya State Park
New Hampshire

Ellacoya State Park

Available Activities
  • Swimming
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling
  • canoeing
  • Beach
Verified by America’s State Parks Editorial Team – Updated February 2026

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 InfoDetails
🏖️ Beach Length600 feet
💧 LakeWinnipesaukee (NH’s largest!)
SeasonLate May – Mid-October (staffed)

Park Information

InfoDetails
💵 Adults$5 (12+)
👧 Children$2 (6-11), free (under 5)
🚣 BoatsCanoe/kayak ramp
🐕 PetsNot allowed on beach

⚠️ Day-Use Only: No camping at Ellacoya. Nearby camping at Gunstock Mountain or Jigger Johnson.

FAQ

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.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: February 20, 2026

Park Location