Hours & Fees
Bear Brook State Park charges a day-use fee of $4 for adults 12 and over and $2 for children 6 to 11. Children 5 and under get in free, and so do New Hampshire residents 65 and older with a valid NH license. The fee covers the beach and the trails. The park is open for recreation all year unless a closure is posted, but it is staffed only in season: in 2026 the hiking areas were staffed daily from May 2 until they went unstaffed on November 1, and the beach from May 22 to September 7.
Fees at a Glance
2026 Season Dates
Here is the 2026 schedule NH State Parks posted for Bear Brook. Dates are set each year, so check the park page before you go.
- Trails on Podunk Road: open March 30.
- Hiking areas: weekends from April 18, every day from May 2, unstaffed from November 1.
- Beach (Catamount Pond): weekends from May 2, every day from May 22, unstaffed from September 7.
- Campground: primitive camping from April 17, full service from May 1, primitive again from October 12, last night October 24.
- Bear Hill cabins: primitive season from October 12, last night October 24.
- CCC Museum: Sundays 2 to 4 pm from June 21 through Labor Day (2026), otherwise by appointment.
Off-Season and Off-Hours
NH State Parks says Bear Brook is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting. Outside staffed hours and seasons, though, the park is typically unstaffed, restrooms are not available and gates may be closed. The state reminds off-season visitors that they assume all risk and should have the skill and gear to look after themselves.
Park Store Hours
- Peak season: Friday and Saturday 8 am to 9 pm; Sunday to Thursday 8 am to 8 pm.
- Primitive camping season: Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 8 pm; Monday to Friday 8 to 10 am and 4 to 8 pm.
Who Pays the Day-Use Fee
Everyone who uses the park pays, including hikers, mountain bikers, anglers and campground visitors. NH State Parks' trail sheet says all trail use requires the day-use fee. Bear Brook charges the standard state park rate; it is not one of the higher-priced high-use parks.
Season Passes and Other Ways In
- Individual season pass: $60 (plus $4.50 shipping). Good for one year at day-use parks that charge per person.
- NH resident family pass: $105, for 2 adults and up to 4 dependents. Non-resident family pass: $120.
- Individual youth pass: $25 for one child 6 to 11, sold by phone at 603-271-3556.
- NH State Parks license plate: free day-use entry for the car and its passengers for a year.
- Coupon books: $30 of day-use coupons for $24. They never expire.
- Passes do not cover camping and do not guarantee a space when the park is full.
Free Entry
- Children 5 and under, every day.
- New Hampshire residents 65 and over, with NH ID.
- NH resident military retirees (20 years of service) and their spouses, with military ID.
- Active-duty military (themselves only) and NH National Guard members, with ID.
- National Parks Access Pass holders and one guest. The America the Beautiful Senior, Annual and Military passes are not accepted.
Booking a day pass online adds a $1 transaction fee, even for pass holders and seniors. See reservations.
Bear Brook State Park Hours & Fees FAQ
How much does it cost to get into Bear Brook State Park?
$4 for adults 12 and over and $2 for children 6 to 11. Children 5 and under and NH residents 65 and over with a valid NH license are free.
What are Bear Brook State Park's hours?
The park is open for recreation year-round unless posted closed. In 2026 the hiking areas were staffed daily from May 2 until they went unstaffed on November 1 and the beach from May 22 to September 7.
Is Bear Brook State Park free?
Not for most adults. It is free for children 5 and under, NH residents 65 and over, NH State Parks plate holders and some military and veterans.
Does a NH State Parks season pass work at Bear Brook?
Yes. Bear Brook is a per-person day-use park, so individual and family season passes cover admission. They do not cover camping.
Do you pay to hike or bike at Bear Brook?
Yes. NH State Parks says all trail use requires the day-use fee.