Wellington State Park

Contact

614 West Shore Road, Bristol, NH 03222

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Directions

Call Park Office

Hours and Fees

Open - weekends 5/11, full-time - 5/18
Park Office: 603-744-2197

Day Use Fees:
Adults: 12+yrs: $5.00
Children: 6-11yrs: $2.00
Children under 5yrs: $0.00
NH Residents 65+yrs with valid NH license: $0.00

When park is unstaffed during the season, please deposit payment in Iron Ranger (self-serve paystation). Checks can be made payable to Treasurer, State of NH.
Season Passes are available

Park Operating Schedules

This park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting.

Off season use: During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates may be closed. The off-season poses unique risks inherent when participating in outdoor recreational activities. Recreationists should possess the necessary knowledge, skill, and equipment to ensure their own safety. Users assume all risk while recreating in State Park lands.

Activities and amenities

Check Beach Advisories

About the Park

Wellington State Park boasts the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire State Park system. Hiking trails and picnic areas along the shore afford views of one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the state. The park maintains volleyball and horseshoe courts. The Snack Bar offers a variety of snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, beach and picnic items, and souvenirs. Gas grills are allowed along with wood and/or charcoal fires for cooking.

Within the park, the peninsula nature trail features picnic areas, designated fishing areas, plant identification markers, and spectacular views of Newfound Lake and Cliff and Belle Islands. A well-marked hiking trail leads from the park and provides hikers access to Goose Pond, the Sugarloafs, Bear Mountain, Welton Falls, and Mt. Cardigan. A developed boat launch operated by N.H. Fish & Game adjoins the park, providing boaters free year-round access to Newfound Lake. Boat lanes along the beach allow boater access to the park for the regular admission price. Boat launch is open 24hrs / 7days a week. Kayak rentals are also available at the park store.

If you are looking for alternative beach front State Parks, please consider Ellacoya State Park located in Gilford, or Wadleigh State Park located in North Sutton, both of which are approximately 30 miles from Wellington State Park. Click here for a complete list of NH State Park swimming options.

Day Use Reservations at Wellington State Park

Visitors can make a reservation before arriving at the park as parking is limited (especially on nice weekends and holidays). Walk-in spaces are available for visitors on a first come/first-serve basis. Reservations can be made up to 30 days prior to arrival.

Parks Plate & Season Pass: There are desiganted spaces set aside for plate/pass holders on a first-come/first-serve basis. Reservations are still encouraged in the event a park reaches capacity (requiring a $1 transaction fee).

NH Senior Citizens: To receive a discount at our per person fee locations, enter the number of NH Senior Citizens in the vehicle/occupant information section of the order details page, rather than the number of adults.

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Are pets allowed at Wellington State Park?

Pets are not permitted in the park. See the NH State Parks Pets Policy for more information.

Youth Group Camping

Let NH State Parks set the stage for your group’s next adventure.
Organized youth group camping is offered on both Belle and Cliff Islands. Reservations are required and may be made from mid-May through the summer season by calling our main office at 603-271-3556

Youth group reservations are made by calling Concord Headquarters at 603-271-3556 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
A $25 deposit will be required upon reservation, all additional fees will be collected at the park upon check-in. All Camping policy rules apply to youth group camping. Youth Groups camping at remote sites, Umbagog, or Dry River must pay in full prior to arrival.

For More information, please visit our School & Youth Group Page .

Group Use Reservations

Pavilions

For information on this parks pavilion rental please visit Pavilions & Group Use page.

Youth Group Day Use

Youth and School Groups must call the park directly at least 2 weeks prior to arrival to make reservations before visiting. The Bus Pass Program is available for NH youth organizations that meet the program criteria (for more information and applications, please visit BUS PASS PROGRAM.)

Groups that do not meet the qualification for the Bus Pass Program are eligible to receive a discounted rate. For More information, please visit our School & Youth Group Page .

Keep Your Parks Clean

Through the Carry-In/Carry-Out Program, you can help us keep your parks clean and beautiful by carrying out whatever you carry in. Thank you for your cooperation and remember to recycle.

Access for Persons with Disabilities

Visit our Accessibility page. For more information on specific accessibilty needs or questions, please contact the individual park office directly.

Additional Resources

Park History
Natural History

Drone use is restricted at all NH State Parks. Drone operators are not permitted to take off or land within NH State Park boundaries.