Catamount Pond

Catamount Pond is the swimming pond in Bear Brook State Park's day-use area, on Deerfield Road in Allenstown. It has a beach, the Bathhouse Pavilion with restrooms underneath, picnic tables and boat rentals. Entry is the park's day-use fee, $4 for adults and $2 for children 6 to 11. Dogs are not allowed in the beach area. In 2026 the beach was staffed daily from May 22 and went unstaffed on September 7.

Catamount Pond vs. Beaver Pond

Bear Brook has two swimming spots, and they are about five miles apart. Catamount Pond is the one for day visitors, right by the park entrance on Deerfield Road. Beaver Pond has a beach inside the campground at the far end of the park. If you are coming for an afternoon swim, head to Catamount.

When the Beach Is Staffed

NH State Parks publishes staffing dates each year. In 2026 the beach was staffed on weekends only from May 2, every day from May 22, and went unstaffed on September 7. Outside those dates the park stays open for recreation unless posted, but there is no one at the gate and the restrooms may be closed.

Parking is limited on nice weekends and holidays, so NH State Parks sells a separate beach pass up to 30 days ahead. How day passes work.

The Bathhouse Pavilion

The Bathhouse Pavilion stands at the swimming area. The public restrooms are below it and are shared with beach visitors. A ramp gives full access to people with disabilities. The pavilion has a large group grill, lights and outlets, and can be rented for groups of up to 100.

Down the road from the day-use area is the bigger Shelter Pavilion, a Civilian Conservation Corps building with old stonework and large wooden beams. It holds up to 400, sits next to a softball field and is a short walk from the beach.

Boating on Catamount Pond

NH State Parks rents boats at Catamount Pond as well as at Beaver Pond. Call the park for the boat types and hours, which the state does not publish for Bear Brook.

Water Quality

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services posts beach advisories when bacteria or cyanobacteria levels are high. Check its Healthy Swimming map before you go, especially after heavy rain. NH State Parks links to it from the park page.

Trails From the Beach

The official trail map shows the One Mile Trail starting beside Catamount Pond. It is a former fire road and the main spine of the trail system. South of the pond, the Catamount Trail climbs Catamount Hill to what NH State Parks calls one of the best open lookouts in the park. It is steep and rocky, so it is a real hike, not a stroll in flip-flops. More on hiking.

Beach Rules

• No pets in the beach day-use area or at the pavilions.
• Carry in, carry out. Take your trash home.
• Don't feed ducks or other wildlife. They become a health problem in swimming areas.
• Drones may not take off or land in any NH state park.

Good For

• Families who want a short, simple swim near the entrance.
• Group picnics, with a rentable pavilion over the beach.
• Pairing a swim with a hike up Catamount Hill.

Maybe Skip If

• You are bringing a dog. Walk the trails instead.
• You are going after Labor Day expecting staff and open restrooms.