Hampton Beach State Park
🏖️ Trusted Guide to New Hampshire’s Oceanfront Park – Updated 2025
RV Camping on the Atlantic Shore
At the southern tip of New Hampshire’s tiny but treasured coastline, Hampton Beach State Park fills 50 acres of prime oceanfront with the state’s only RV park directly on the Atlantic Ocean. With 28 full-hookup RV sites just steps from the beach, free nightly concerts at the Seashell Amphitheater, and miles of sandy beach stretching along the coast, this park is the epicenter of New Hampshire’s summer beach culture. The adjacent Hampton Beach village adds boardwalk shops, restaurants, and the legendary Casino Ballroom — making this a unique blend of state park serenity and seaside entertainment.
Beach & Water Activities
- Miles of sandy beach: Wide Atlantic beach with lifeguards in summer season
- Swimming: Year-round ocean access — water warmest July through August
- Surfing & Boogie boarding: Consistent Atlantic swells make this popular for water sports
- Fishing: Surf casting from the beach and nearby jetties
RV Camping & Entertainment
- 28 full-hookup RV sites: Water, sewer, electric — self-contained RVs only (no tents/pop-ups)
- Seashell Amphitheater: Free nightly concerts and events throughout summer
- Private pavilion: Available for groups up to 250 guests
- Season: RV campground open May through October
Practical Tips
- From Boston (50 miles): Take I-95 North to Exit 2, then Route 101 East to the beach
- Entry fee: $15 per vehicle (weekdays), $20 (weekends/holidays) in summer
- Book RV sites months ahead — these are the most sought-after oceanfront campsites in New England
- The beach is extremely popular on summer weekends — arrive before 10 AM for parking
- Hampton Beach village (adjacent) has restaurants, arcades, and shops within walking distance
- Combine with Odiorne Point State Park (10 miles north) for tide pools and rocky coast exploration
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to visit New Hampshire state parks?
Day-use admission is typically $4-$5 per adult and $2 for children. Coastal beach parks charge parking fees instead. Some parks like Flume Gorge at Franconia Notch charge separate entry fees for attractions.
Do I need a reservation for Franconia Notch?
Reservations are strongly recommended for the Flume Gorge attraction at Franconia Notch, especially on summer and fall weekends. The gorge trail and parking area can fill to capacity on peak days.
When is peak fall foliage in New Hampshire?
Fall foliage in New Hampshire typically peaks from late September in the White Mountains to mid-October in the southern part of the state. The Kancamagus Highway and Franconia Notch are iconic foliage destinations.
What are the best state parks for hiking in New Hampshire?
Franconia Notch (Flume Gorge and Cannon Mountain), Monadnock (one of the most-climbed mountains in the world), Crawford Notch, and Mount Sunapee offer excellent hiking from moderate to challenging.
Explore More New Hampshire State Parks
Hampton Beach 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.
