How much does camping cost at Ellacoya State Park?

Camping fees at Ellacoya State Park range from $30-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ellacoya State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Ellacoya State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ellacoya State Park before I book?

Yes! Ellacoya State Park has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ellacoya State Park?

Ellacoya State Park is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ellacoya State Park?

Yes, Ellacoya State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Ellacoya State Park?

Fire policies at Ellacoya State Park: No fire rings or campfires allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Ellacoya State Park?

Pets are not allowed at Ellacoya State Park. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ellacoya State Park?

Ellacoya State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ellacoya State Park?

Popular activities at Ellacoya State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ellacoya State Park

3.86

56 reviews

Route 11, Gilford, New Hampshire, 03246, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds New Hampshire

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

522 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Full HookupsShowers

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

522 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

Full HookupsShowers

Book on NH State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Ellacoya State Park

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Maximum of two vehicles per campsite. NH State Employees receive a 50% discount upon verification.

Standard Site Fee$30.00

Hookup Site Fee$30.00

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Reserve America

Provider

6032937821nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Ellacoya State Park

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Campground Map

Route 11, Gilford, New Hampshire, 03246, United States

Ellacoya State Park

Route 11, Gilford, New Hampshire, 03246, United States

Nearby places

Gilford: 0 miles

Laconia: Approximately 8 miles (~15 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Greater than 1 mile: ATM, vehicle maintenance. Within 10 miles: Fuel, hospital, restaurants.

Weather at Ellacoya State Park

Current alert: Beach advisories occur unpredictably during summer months; closures of park facilities noted.

Best Time to Camp at Ellacoya State Park

Summer brings daytime highs of 75-85°F and nights in the 50s-60s, with lake temps warm enough for swimming. This is peak season for water activities and the busiest time for reservations, especially July-August weekends. The park remains open into shoulder seasons when temperatures cool and crowds thin. Winter drops to around 28°F with frost conditions. Summer delivers the most reliable weather and fullest lake access.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season with warm lake temps, lifeguards and abundant water activities; very busy reservations.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day; reservations close post-Columbus Day.

About Ellacoya State Park

Ellacoya State Park sits on Lake Winnipesaukee's southwest shore with a 600-foot sandy beach and full RV hookups. The park has RV sites only (no tent camping), clean facilities, and views of the Sandwich and Ossipee mountain ranges. Sites run $30-35/night and require hookups. Reviewers praise the beach and lake access but note strict rules and aging bathhouses.

Ellacoya State Park is exclusively for RV camping, with full hook-up capabilities. Tents are not allowed and all RVs must connect to water, sewer, and electric services.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs of 75-85°F and nights in the 50s-60s, with lake temps warm enough for swimming. This is peak season for water activities and the busiest time for reservations, especially July-August weekends. The park remains open into shoulder seasons when temperatures cool and crowds thin. Winter drops to around 28°F with frost conditions. Summer delivers the most reliable weather and fullest lake access.

Natural Features and SceneryLocated on the southwest shore of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire's largest lake, with a 600-foot sandy beach and views across the lake to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains.[2][3][4]

Geological RegionPositioned in New Hampshire's captivating Central Region, Ellacoya State Park claims one of the most coveted spots along Lake Winnipesaukee's southwest shore. This geological treasure sits at the intersection of ancient mountain ranges and glacial waters, where millions of years of natural forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The park's sandy beach – a rarity in this granite-dominated region – offers a gentle gateway to the lake's refreshing depths. From this prime vantage point, the Sandwich and Ossipee mountain ranges unfold in panoramic splendor, their weathered peaks telling the story of New Hampshire's dramatic geological past. This unique positioning creates a microclimate that moderates temperatures and provides shelter from prevailing winds, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the greater Lakes Region.

Scenic ViewsLake Winnipesaukee waterfront views across to Sandwich and Ossipee mountains.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations available. The campground is exclusively for RV users with full hook-up capabilities.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 8 AM (9 AM on weekends).

Check-out

Check-out by 12 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay duration is 14 consecutive days during Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutPull-in RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, sewer). No separators between sites, and neighbors are visible on either side. The day-use beach area sits separate from the campground. Sites are adequately sized but offer little privacy or shade.

Reservation PlatformsReserve America, NH Parks Reservation office.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations required; no walk-up availability mentioned explicitly.

Cancellation PolicyFull refund minus transaction fee if canceled 10+ days prior to arrival. Partial refund (minus reservation fee and one night's camping fee) for cancellations made 4-9 days prior. No refund for cancellations within 0-3 days of arrival.

AccessibilityThe park includes an accessible bathhouse and changing area near the swimming beach.

Site SizeSites are described as adequately sized but with neighbors visible on either side.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited; reviewers noted no real separators between sites, and some described the lots as lacking shade.

Recommended SitesRV sites are pull-in with fully serviced hookups (30 amp). Sites are level but lack privacy and shade.

Best CampsitesNo specific site recommendations from campers; all 37-38 sites are full hookup RV sites with lakeshore location praised generally.[1][3]

Need help booking Ellacoya State Park?

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ReserveAmerica Guide

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ellacoya State Park offers a variety of amenities. It features a small park store for refreshments and souvenirs, a bathhouse with showers and changing areas near the beach, and full hook-ups for RVs. The park also emphasizes its 600-foot-long sandy beach with stunning views of the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains. Additionally, there are facilities for launching small boats like canoes and kayaks. Reviewers describe the beach as 'well maintained and clean,' with many picnic tables available in sunny and shady areas. However, some reviews highlight issues like the dilapidated condition of the bathhouse showers and limited privacy between RV sites.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ellacoya State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, playing on the playground, and launching small boats. Hiking and biking trails are also accessible, along with opportunities for fishing and wildlife observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBeach advisories may occur due to water quality issues. Seasonal closures of bathrooms after Columbus Day.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

56 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ellacoya State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with positive mentions of the beautiful lake views, clean beach, and family-friendly atmosphere, but criticisms about the condition of facilities and strict rules for campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 56 reviews

What Campers Love

Proximity to 600-foot sandy beach; stunning lake and mountain views; full hookups for RVs; family-friendly with playground and picnic areas.[1][2][4][5]

Based on 56 reviews

Common Concerns

Deteriorating shower facilities, no fire rings, no pets allowed, limited cell service, mandatory RV full hook-ups, and no tent camping allowed.

Based on 56 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews highlight that some RV sites are pull-in, which is unusual. Sites lack shade and privacy.

Based on 56 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve online well in advance for peak season; note 14-day maximum stay limit, especially Memorial Day to Labor Day; no campfires at individual sites, use group pits; be prepared for potential water...

Based on 56 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the clean beach and family-friendly atmosphere, while fall reviews appreciate the stunning foliage. Winter reviews are not available, as the campground closes after Columbus...

Based on 56 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Ellacoya State Park is located on Route 11 in Gilford, NH, and like most NH State Park beaches it is well-maintained and clean." - Jim O'Donnell; "There should be a negative button here. We booked 6...

Based on 56 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is praised for the bathhouse and changing areas near the beach.

Based on 56 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed, and users have acknowledged strict enforcement of this rule.

Based on 56 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

RV campers who want direct lake access with full hookups at $30-35/night. The lifeguarded beach stays clean and surprisingly uncrowded even on holiday weekends, and the views across to the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains are the real draw.

Skip if

Tent campers, pet owners, and anyone who needs a campfire will find this setup too restrictive before they even unpack. The shower facilities have drawn repeated complaints about deterioration and pressure drops. Campers who don't fit the dominant local crowd have reported unwelc

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White Lake State Park sits on 72 acres of Pitch Pine forest surrounding a glacier-carved lake in Tamworth, New Hampshire. The campground offers tent and RV sites at $5-10 per night, with both wooded and waterfront locations. Reviewers praise the clear lake and spacious sites, though some note issues with restroom cleanliness and inconsistent privacy.