Parking & Directions

Bear Brook State Park's day-use area is at 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, NH, the address NH State Parks gives for beach and hiking reservations. The campground is a separate drive, at 600 Lower Road, Deerfield, NH, about five miles away by road. There is no parking fee; the park charges a day-use fee per person instead. Lots fill on nice weekends and holidays, so NH State Parks recommends reserving a beach or hiking pass ahead. Walk-in spaces are first come, first served.

Which Address to Use

Bear Brook covers about 10,000 acres, and different parts of the park have different addresses. Pick the one that matches what you are doing.

• Swimming, picnics and most hikes: 61 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, NH (Catamount Pond and the day-use area).
• Park office: 12 Podunk Road, Allenstown, NH 03275.
• Camping: 600 Lower Road, Deerfield, NH (Beaver Pond Campground).
• Cabins: 15 Bear Hill Pond Road, Deerfield, NH (Bear Hill Pond).
• Pavilions: the Bathhouse Pavilion is at Catamount Pond in the day-use area, and the Shelter Pavilion is down the street from it. NH State Parks lists the park at 157 Deerfield Road, Allenstown, for group rentals.

The Parking Lots

The 2021 official trail map marks these lots:

• Catamount Pond, on Deerfield Road: the main day-use lot, with a tollbooth, restrooms, the beach and the start of the One Mile Trail.
• Podunk Road, by Bear Brook: a second tollbooth with parking near the park office and the Bear Brook trails.
• Archery Field, on Lower Road: parking with an accessible area and a pit toilet, by Archery Pond and the archery range.
• Hayes Field, on Podunk Road: parking and a pit toilet in the middle of the park, near Hayes Marsh.
• Bear Hill Camp: parking for the Bear Hill Pond cabins and nearby trails.
• South end, off Podunk Road near Currier Road: a lot for the Hall Mountain trails.

In winter, the state's older winter map also shows a skiers' lot near the archery range and a snowmobile lot with toilets at the west end of the park, near Route 28. See winter at Bear Brook.

Getting There

Deerfield Road runs across the north end of the park and is the way in for the day-use area. Podunk Road turns south off Deerfield Road and runs down through the park past the trailheads and Hayes Field. Lower Road branches off Podunk Road near Archery Pond and leads to the campground. The cabins are off Podunk Road farther south. NH State Parks' directions link points to the park on Google Maps.

Cell coverage inside the park is limited, so load your directions before you lose signal. The booking site notes a pay phone at the park office and store for emergencies.

When Lots Fill

NH State Parks says parking is limited, especially on nice weekends and holidays. Reservations are optional but the best way to be sure of a space. Season pass and State Parks plate holders have a small number of spaces set aside, first come, first served, but are still encouraged to reserve. New Hampshire seniors can reserve for free, paying only the $1 transaction fee. How day passes work.

Campers, Cabins and the Shelter

• Campsites allow two vehicles. Extra cars need a plan before you arrive. See the campground guide.
• The cabins are walk-in: drive to the drop-off area, unload, then park.
• The Smith Pond Shelter is hike-in only. Campers park at the trailhead and walk in.

Horse Trailers and Large Vehicles

NH State Parks warns riders that many parking areas may not fit large trailers. Call the park office at (603) 485-9869 before hauling a trailer, and ask which lot to use.

Off-Season Parking

Off-season, the park is usually unstaffed and gates may be closed. Park only in open lots, never in front of a gate, and expect restrooms to be closed.