White Lake State Park is a New Hampshire gem nestled in the scenic Tamworth area—a 125-acre glacial lake with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, surrounded by a 72-acre Pitch Pine forest designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. With nearly 200 campsites, a sandy swimming beach, and kettle bog trails, this park offers an authentic New England outdoor experience in the White Mountains foothills.
📢 February 2026 Status
- Camping: CLOSED through May 20, 2026 (seasonal)
- Staffed Season: May – October
- Lifeguards: May not be on duty (staffing shortages)
- Reservations: Book up to 11 months in advance!
White Lake – Glacial Swimming Gem
| Lake Details | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏖️ Size | 125 acres |
| 🧊 Formation | Glacial kettle lake |
| 💧 Water | Crystal-clear |
| 🏊 Beach | Sandy swimming beach |
| Beach Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚿 Bathhouse | Available near beach |
| 🧺 Picnic Areas | Near beach access |
| ⚠️ Lifeguards | May not be on duty (swim at own risk) |
| 📅 Season | Memorial Day – Labor Day |
Pitch Pine Forest – National Natural Landmark
| Landmark Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌲 Size | 72 acres |
| 🏆 Designation | National Natural Landmark (1980) |
| 🌳 Trees | Mature pitch pine + bear oak |
| 📏 Pine Size | Up to 2+ feet diameter! |
| 🥾 Trail | Walking trail through forest + kettle bogs |
Camping – ~200 Sites
| Campground Info | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 168–204 campsites |
| 🚐 RV Length | Up to 38 feet |
| ⚡ Hookups | None available |
| 📅 Season | Late May – October |
| Site Amenities | Included |
|---|---|
| 🪵 Fire Ring | Yes |
| 🧺 Picnic Table | Yes |
| 🚿 Showers | Yes (flush toilets too) |
| 🚐 Dump Station | Yes |
Reservations
| Booking Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Advance Booking | Up to 11 months ahead |
| ⚠️ Peak Season | Book EARLY (fills fast!) |
| ❌ Cancellation Policy | Updated Feb 1, 2024 |
| 🐕 Pets | Not permitted |
Park Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Tamworth, NH (White Mountains foothills) |
| 📅 Staffed | May – October |
| 🏊 Water Quality | Monitored by NH DES |
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
White Lake SP — on White Lake — a pristine glacial kettle lake. The park’s pitch pine bog is a National Natural Landmark. The park’s lake, pine-hemlock forest, and bog support common loons, black bears, and painted turtles.
Nearby Attractions
Tamworth — adjacent. White Mountains — nearby. Ossipee — nearby.
What makes the Pitch Pine forest special?
The 72-acre Pitch Pine forest at White Lake State Park was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. It preserves a mature, undisturbed stand of pitch pine and bear oak trees—an increasingly rare ecosystem. Some pitch pines here grow exceptionally large, exceeding two feet in diameter. A walking trail passes through the forest and nearby kettle bogs.
Are there lifeguards at the beach?
Not always. Due to staffing shortages, lifeguards may not be on duty at White Lake’s swimming beach. All swimming is at your own risk. The NH Department of Environmental Services monitors water quality during the swimming season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and issues advisories if needed.
When does the campground open for 2026?
White Lake State Park’s campground opens around late May 2026 (approximately May 20-21). The camping season runs through October. The park is staffed from May through October, with limited facilities outside these months. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance—book early for summer weekends!
Are RV hookups available at White Lake?
No. White Lake State Park does not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups at campsites. However, RVs up to 38 feet can be accommodated. The campground does provide a dump station, drinking water, flush toilets, and showers. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring.
Are pets allowed at White Lake State Park?
No. Pets are generally not permitted at White Lake State Park. This policy helps protect the pristine glacial lake environment and ensures a peaceful experience for all visitors. Service animals may be exceptions—contact the park directly for accommodations.
🏖️ New Hampshire’s Glacial Lake Retreat
Swim in crystal-clear glacial waters, explore a rare pitch pine National Natural Landmark, and camp among nearly 200 wooded sites. Visit the official White Lake State Park website for reservations and seasonal schedules.
Explore More New Hampshire State Parks
White Lake 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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Heath Pond Bog Natural Area (a short drive away) or Ossipee Lake Natural Area (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at White Lake 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 White Lake 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
Plan your gear for White Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
