Ellacoya State Park

3.67

43 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

522 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens NH State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

522 ft

Price

$30 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

No Service

Pets

No Pets

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens NH State Parks site

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

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

6032937821nhparks@dncr.nh.gov

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What Campers Say

3.67

Mixed Reviews

Based on 43 reviews

624 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationbeachwell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Ellacoya State Park

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

Driving directionsFrom I-93: Take Exit 20, follow Route 3 east, to Route 11 east, follow signs to Ellacoya State Park From I-95: Take Route 16 west to Route 11 west, follow signs to Ellacoya State Park

Accessible via paved roads. From major highways (I-93 and I-95), follow Routes 3 and 11. Seasonal road conditions not noted.

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.

Best Time to Camp at Ellacoya State Park

Experience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal magic at Ellacoya, where each season paints the landscape in dramatically different hues. Winter arrives with crisp, dry air and temperatures dipping to a brisk 28°F, transforming the lake into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland. Spring awakens the park with gentle warmth and budding greenery, offering ideal conditions for early-season camping. But it's summer that truly steals the show, with gloriously warm days reaching 81°F – perfect for endless hours of swimming, sunbathing, and lakeside adventures. The reliable weather patterns make planning your getaway a breeze, whether you're seeking summer water sports or peaceful off-season solitude.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in NH

Peak season: lifeguarded beach, family activities and positive summer reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Park open into early fall; reviewers praise stunning foliage and scenic views.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Park opens Memorial Day weekend; spring season mostly closed to campers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed after Columbus Day; winter camping not supported.

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

About Ellacoya State Park

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, Ellacoya State Park beckons RV enthusiasts with its crown jewel: a breathtaking 600-foot stretch of sandy beach that rivals any coastal destination. This waterfront paradise seamlessly blends modern convenience with natural beauty, offering full RV hookups alongside meticulously maintained facilities and spotless bathrooms. Whether you're launching your kayak at dawn's first light or diving into crystal-clear waters under the afternoon sun, every moment here feels like a postcard come to life. Shaded picnic areas dot the landscape, providing perfect spots to savor lunch while watching sailboats dance across New Hampshire's largest lake.

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 SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of New England's seasonal magic at Ellacoya, where each season paints the landscape in dramatically different hues. Winter arrives with crisp, dry air and temperatures dipping to a brisk 28°F, transforming the lake into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland. Spring awakens the park with gentle warmth and budding greenery, offering ideal conditions for early-season camping. But it's summer that truly steals the show, with gloriously warm days reaching 81°F – perfect for endless hours of swimming, sunbathing, and lakeside adventures. The reliable weather patterns make planning your getaway a breeze, whether you're seeking summer water sports or peaceful off-season solitude.

Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your breath taken away by the spectacular natural amphitheater that surrounds Ellacoya State Park. Lake Winnipesaukee stretches before you like a vast sapphire mirror, its waters reflecting the ever-changing moods of New Hampshire skies. To the north, the majestic Sandwich and Ossipee mountain ranges rise like ancient sentinels, their peaks creating a dramatic backdrop that transforms from misty morning silhouettes to golden sunset canvases. The interplay between water and mountains creates endless photo opportunities and moments of pure tranquility. Early risers are rewarded with mirror-calm waters perfect for paddling, while evening brings spectacular light shows as the setting sun paints the mountains in shades of purple and rose.

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.

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 layoutRV sites are pull-in with full hookups; day-use area separate from campground.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Firewood available

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.

HikingHiking trails are available in and around the park, described as well-maintained by reviewers.

FishingFishing is permitted but limited in access. One reviewer noted that 'you have to be a registered camper at the RV park to fish at Poor Farm Brook.'

SwimmingThe beach offers a designated swimming area that is well-maintained and includes lifeguards. The sandy beach has been described as 'great for families' and 'never too crowded,' even on long weekends.

BikingMountain biking trails are accessible within a greater-than-one-mile radius from the park.

BoatingThe park provides a boat launch for small boats, such as kayaks and car-top boats.

Wildlife viewingOpportunities for wildlife observation are available, particularly near serene spots like Poor Farm Brook.

Policies & Safety

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

Active AlertsBeach advisories occur unpredictably during summer months; closures of park facilities noted.

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

Weather at Ellacoya State Park

Reviews

3.7

43 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 43 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful place to take the family," "Clean bathrooms," "Great view," "Well-maintained beach and picnic areas," "Relaxing location."

Based on 43 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 43 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations in advance, arrive early to use grills and shaded areas, and ensure your RV is fully equipped to hook up to water, sewer, and electric services.

Based on 43 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 43 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 43 reviews