Bear Brook State Park

4.77

31 reviews

600 Lower Rd., Deerfield, New Hampshire, 03275, United States

Great HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire#2 Family-Friendly Campgrounds New Hampshire#2 Group Camping New Hampshire#3 +10 more

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground has n...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

574 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

The campground has n...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Bear Brook State Park

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The base fee is $35 per night for 2 adults. Additional adults are $10 per night, and additional children are $5 per night. Discounts are available...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve America

Provider

6034859869nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

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What Campers Say

4.77

Top-Rated

Based on 31 reviews

23 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanshowers

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews overall highlight Bear Brook State Park as a versatile and family-friendly campground. Positive themes include clean amenities, friendly staff, a well-stocked camp store, and numerous recreational activities. Some negative reviews cite issues with site privacy and occasional flooding."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

600 Lower Rd., Deerfield, New Hampshire, 03275, United States

Bear Brook State Park

600 Lower Rd., Deerfield, New Hampshire, 03275, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-93: Exit 9N onto Route 3/28 North and follow signs to Bear Brook State Park. From I-95: Route 4 West to Route 28 South and follow signs to Bear Brook State Park. To access the camping areas, visitors will travel approximately four miles from the junction of Deerfield Road and Route 28, turning right onto Podunk Road. Once on Podunk Road, there is a fork in the road, visitors will take a left to reach the main campground or a right to stay on Podunk Road for the cabins at Bear Hill. The main campground at Bear Brook and the Bear Hill cabins are at the terminus of their respective roads.

Road access is reasonably straightforward, paved roads lead up to the park entrance, and the camping sites are accessible via Podunk Road. However, there is limited cell service in the park, and emergency communication may require using the pay phone at the park office.

Nearby places

Concord, NH (approximately 20 miles, ~30 minutes driving)

Manchester, NH (approximately 25 miles, ~40 minutes driving)

Portsmouth, NH (approximately 35 miles, ~50 minutes driving)

Boston, MA (approximately 70 miles, ~1 hour 30 minutes driving).

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel can be found within 10 miles of the campground. Within 10 miles, there are also churches and picnic areas

cash machines and hospitals are farther than 10 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Bear Brook State Park

Experience the full splendor of New England's four distinct seasons at Bear Brook. Winter transforms the park into a snow-dusted wonderland perfect for cold-weather adventures. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and occasional rain showers that fill the air with the scent of renewal. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. Fall paints the landscape in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds as crisp air and comfortable temperatures create perfect camping conditions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews highlight swimming, kayaking and active use of trails and ponds.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall reviews emphasize hiking amid foliage; classic New England leaf-peeping potential.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring 'awakens' the forest; trails reopen and wildlife returns, but fewer reviews noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Park becomes a snow-dusted wonderland, but winter review detail is limited.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground has no specific seasonal closure information, but reservations are available up to 11 months in advance.

About Bear Brook State Park

Discover New Hampshire's crown jewel of outdoor adventure at Bear Brook State Park, where over 10,000 pristine acres await your exploration. As the Granite State's largest developed park, this vast wilderness playground invites you to lose yourself in endless trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking, cool off in crystal-clear swimming areas, cast a line in peaceful fishing spots, test your aim at the archery range, or challenge yourself on scenic fitness courses. Whether you're seeking heart-pumping adventure or tranquil moments in nature, Bear Brook delivers experiences that create lasting memories.

Bear Brook offers a variety of camping options including tent sites, cabins, and group pavilions.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full splendor of New England's four distinct seasons at Bear Brook. Winter transforms the park into a snow-dusted wonderland perfect for cold-weather adventures. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth and occasional rain showers that fill the air with the scent of renewal. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for swimming and lazy afternoons by the water. Fall paints the landscape in brilliant reds, oranges, and golds as crisp air and comfortable temperatures create perfect camping conditions.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of natural wonders where dense forests of oak, maple, pine, and hemlock create a living cathedral overhead. Wander through mysterious marshlands and ancient bogs that whisper stories of the past. Discover hidden ponds that mirror the sky like natural jewels scattered throughout the landscape. Climb to scenic summits that reward your efforts with breathtaking views, and follow meandering trails that lead to secret corners of this magnificent wilderness where every turn reveals a new natural treasure.

Geological RegionNestled in southeastern New Hampshire's diverse landscape, Bear Brook State Park showcases the region's remarkable ecological diversity. This natural sanctuary weaves together a rich tapestry of mixed deciduous and coniferous forests, creating a habitat where northern and southern species meet. Ancient geological forces have sculpted a varied terrain of rolling hills, peaceful wetlands, sparkling ponds, and dramatic summits, while miles of trails wind through marshes and bogs that serve as windows into the area's glacial past.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

To prevent overstay, campers are limited to 11 months in advance bookings and must adhere to site-specific rules.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard campsites accommodate up to 6 individuals.

Groups

Group sites include large pavilions accommodating up to 400 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into areas such as Bear Brook Area for tents, Bear Hill for cabins, and Pavilions for group events. Individual sites are numbered for easy identification.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Reserve America Call Center at 1-877-647-2757.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability; reservations are highly recommended.

Cancellation PolicyRefunds are provided based on cancellation windows: Full refund minus transaction fee for cancellations 10+ days prior; reservation fee and one night's cost are deducted for cancellations 4-9 days prior; No refund for cancellations within 0-3 days prior to arrival. Refund requests post-arrival must be submitted within 14 days.

AccessibilityUniversal accessibility is highlighted for certain facilities, including Archery Pond and the archery ranges.

Site SizeCampsites range from standard tent-only sites to pavilions accommodating up to 400 people. Specific mentions include good-sized sites ideal for families.

PrivacySite privacy varies; some sites are secluded with ample tree cover, while others offer less privacy.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites near ponds for scenic views and proximity to water activities. Sites farther from trails offer more privacy.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Bear Brook State Park is a hub of recreational opportunities. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, archery, and wildlife viewing. Canoes and rowboats are available for rent. The park also has an extensive 40-mile trail network that caters to hikers, bikers, and equestrians.

HikingThe park features 40 miles of diverse trails that pass through forests and lead to summits, ponds, bogs, and marshes. Trails are suitable for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.

FishingFishing is available in multiple ponds, and fly-fishing is specifically noted at Archery Pond. A dedicated children’s fishing pond is also available for kids under 12.

SwimmingSwimming is available in designated lake areas, though pets are not allowed on the beaches.

BikingMountain biking trails are available and part of the extensive 40-mile trail network.

BoatingCanoe and rowboat rentals are available at Catamount and Beaver Ponds. Both ponds are accessible for water-based activities.

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with porcupines and other animals often sighted near campsites. Visitors are advised to secure food and trash.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife encounters such as porcupines are common; campers are advised to secure food and dispose of trash properly to avoid attracting animals.

Fire PolicyVisitors are encouraged to purchase safe firewood on-site to prevent the spread of tree diseases. Campfires are permitted in designated areas.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency Police/Fire/Ambulance: Dial 911; Park Office Phone Number: 603-485-9869; Closest medical clinic within 10 miles; Closest hospital is greater than 10 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingA recycling center was closed due to COVID-19 as noted in a past review, leading all trash to be combined into dumpsters.

Water FeaturesThe campground features multiple ponds such as Beaver Pond and Catamount Pond. Several sites are closely located near these water bodies.

Camp HostThe park ranger and staff are noted for being helpful and friendly, organizing events like star walks and animal pelt demonstrations.

Weather at Bear Brook State Park

Reviews

4.8

31 reviews

Top-Rated

Bear Brook State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews overall highlight Bear Brook State Park as a versatile and family-friendly campground. Positive themes include clean amenities, friendly staff, a well-stocked camp store, and numerous recreational activities. Some negative reviews cite issues with site privacy and occasional flooding.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, extensive trail network, well-stocked camp store, coin-operated showers with good privacy, and numerous activities for families.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Site flooding during rain, limited cell service, some sites lack privacy, and occasional visitor rudeness.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, secure food to avoid attracting wildlife, and check cell service compatibility. Opt for more secluded sites if privacy is a priority.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight swimming and kayaking as key activities, while fall reviews emphasize hiking amidst foliage. Winter feedback is limited.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Wonderful campground... wide spots" (K Bacon). "Beautiful big lot in between 2 lakes" (Deanna Calvacca). "Bathrooms are always kept up with very well" (NONYA BUSINESS).

Based on 31 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 95 praised for its spaciousness and proximity to lakes. Other specific sites are noted for privacy or lack thereof, such as noisy sites near trails.

Based on 31 reviews