Bear Brook FAQ
Quick answers to the questions people ask most about Bear Brook State Park: cost, dogs, swimming, camping, trails and more. Each answer links to the page with the full detail: hours and fees, rules, swimming, camping, cabins, reservations, hiking, mountain biking, archery, fishing, museums and winter. For anything not covered here, call the park office at (603) 485-9869.
Bear Brook State Park FAQ
Is Bear Brook State Park free?
No, for most adults. Day use costs $4 for adults 12 and over and $2 for children 6 to 11. It is free for children 5 and under and NH residents 65 and over with a valid NH license.
Where is Bear Brook State Park?
In Allenstown and Deerfield, New Hampshire, between Concord and Manchester. The day-use area is at 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, NH; the park office is at 12 Podunk Road, Allenstown, NH 03275.
How big is Bear Brook State Park?
About 10,000 acres, the largest developed state park in New Hampshire.
Can you swim at Bear Brook State Park?
Yes. Day visitors swim at Catamount Pond, which in 2026 was staffed daily from May 22 until September 7, when it went unstaffed. The campground has its own beach on Beaver Pond.
Are dogs allowed at Bear Brook State Park?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, on trails, in the campground and in the Bear Hill cabins. Not at the beach day-use area or the pavilions.
How many miles of trails does Bear Brook have?
More than 40 miles, shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders unless posted.
Can you mountain bike at Bear Brook?
Yes. All trails are open to bikes unless posted, from old fire roads to rocky singletrack. Riders pay the day-use fee.
Does Bear Brook have camping?
Yes. Beaver Pond Campground has 101 tent and RV sites ($35 a night for a standard site in 2026) at 600 Lower Road, Deerfield, NH. There are no hookups.
Does Bear Brook have cabins?
Yes. Walk-in cabins on Bear Hill Pond sleep 4 or 6, have no electricity and allow dogs. They were $55 a night in 2026.
How do you reserve at Bear Brook?
Campsites and cabins through ReserveAmerica up to 11 months ahead (1-877-647-2757). Beach and hiking day passes up to 30 days ahead.
Is the Bear Brook archery range free?
Yes, apart from the park's day-use fee. There is a 15-target range and an accessible 4-target practice range. Bring your own equipment.
Can you fish at Bear Brook State Park?
Yes. Archery Pond is a stocked, fly-fishing-only trout pond, there is a pond only for children under 12, and Spruce Pond holds warmwater fish. Anglers 16 and over need a NH license.
When is the CCC museum open?
Sundays 2 to 4 pm from June 21 through Labor Day (2026), otherwise by appointment. Call (603) 485-1031 for an appointment.
Is Bear Brook State Park open in winter?
Yes, for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and mushing, unless posted closed. It is usually unstaffed then, with restrooms closed.
Can I fly a drone at Bear Brook?
No. Drones may not take off or land anywhere in a New Hampshire state park.
