Otter Brook State Park
New Hampshire

Otter Brook State Park

Keene, New Hampshire
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Picnicking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Ice Fishing
  • Disc Golf
  • Kayaking
  • Paddling
  • Winter Sports

🏆 Official Guide: Otter Brook State Park — A scenic recreation area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Keene/Roxbury, New Hampshire — featuring fishing (brook trout, rainbow trout, bass, perch), a boat ramp (no-wake), hiking trails through forest and wetlands, picnic areas with shelters, disc golf, and winter activities including ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.

Otter Brook State Park is a quiet, nature-focused recreation area built around a flood-control reservoir in the rolling hills of southwestern New Hampshire. While the swimming beach is permanently closed, the park remains a valued destination for anglers (trout-stocked waters), paddlers, hikers, and winter recreationists. The wooded setting and diverse habitats make it an excellent spot for wildlife observation year-round.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationKeene/Roxbury, NH — Route 9
Managed ByU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
AccessWalk-in when gate closed — check status before visiting
Swimming⚠️ Beach permanently closed
FishingState-stocked trout + warmwater species
BoatingBoat ramp — kayaks, canoes, rowboats, motors (no-wake)
⚠️ Important: The swimming beach at Otter Brook is permanently closed. When the entrance gate on Route 9 is closed, the area operates as walk-in only — no restroom facilities, shelter reservations, or vehicle access. Call ahead to check current status before planning your visit.

Activities

ActivityDetails
FishingBrook trout, rainbow trout, chain pickerel, perch, bass
BoatingBoat ramp — kayaks, canoes, motorboats (no-wake)
HikingWoodland + wetland trails — wildlife viewing
PicnickingTables + grills — shelter available (when open)
Disc GolfCourse on-site
Bird WatchingDiverse habitats — forest, wetlands, open fields
Ice FishingWinter — popular on frozen lake
Cross-Country SkiingWinter trails
SnowshoeingWinter access on trails
💡 Pro Tip: The state stocks Otter Brook (upstream and downstream of the lake) with brook and rainbow trout, making this a prime fishing destination for fly anglers. The no-wake policy keeps the lake peaceful for paddlers — kayaking here is serene. In winter, ice fishing for perch and pickerel draws a loyal following. Always call ahead to confirm gate status — when the gate is closed, it’s walk-in only with no facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still swim at Otter Brook?

No — the swimming beach has been permanently closed. The park is best visited for fishing, paddling, hiking, and winter recreation.

What kind of fish can I catch?

The state stocks Otter Brook with brook trout and rainbow trout. The lake also supports chain pickerel, yellow perch, and bass. Ice fishing is popular in winter. A valid New Hampshire fishing license is required.

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: May 16, 2026

Park Location

Keene, New Hampshire