If you are looking for a new park to enjoy your next family RV vacation, check out Mollidgewock State Park. This wooded 46-acre wonderland is located in Errol, New Hampshire, which is in the midwestern section of the state. And you know this park has some awesome beauty to offer since it is in the Thirteen Mile Woods Scenic Area. With the Androscoggin River running through it, you’ll be able to enjoy all the water fun and activities you like right from your campsite. Almost all of the campsites are lakefront, so you can practically fish from your camper door or tent.
Whether you came to enjoy the water or to kick back and enjoy the peace and quiet, you will be happy you made the trip to Mollidgewock State Park. You will be sharing the park with a lot of moose because moose sightings are common in this park. You will be roughing it, though, because there are no utilities or phone service here, which is precisely the whole point of getting away from it all.
The park is open all year long so you can enjoy the winter here as well, but the campground is closed from Columbus Day weekend until Memorial Day weekend. Pets are welcome in the park, but you need to keep them on a leash at all times. So, grab the furbabies and the kids and head to New Hampshire this weekend.
In the midwestern section of New Hampshire, Mollidgewock State Park is on NH-16 about 28 miles from Berlin and three hours from Concord, which is the state capital. You can see the golden-domed State House, built in 1819, and visit the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center while you are there. Just 10 miles southeast of the park, on NH-26, you can find Umbagog Lake State Park, where you can enjoy the beach or rent a rowboat for the day on the 7,850-acre lake.
Your drive to the park will be scenic no matter which way you drive. But if you really want to see some beauty, take the Great North Woods Ride, which includes taking NH-16 to Berlin and then Milan through the Thirteen Mile Woods to the park. Most of NH-16 meanders along Bear Brook and through heavily forested woods. You will need to take it easy and be alert for any wild critters that may be crossing the road here. Also, watch for flash flooding during periods of high water.
The campground can be difficult to maneuver in a large rig or when pulling a trailer, so be prepared to drive very slowly. Keep an eye out for any park visitors who may be wandering around. Most campers leave their rig at the campsite and take an alternate form of transportation around the park.
The Mollidgewock State Park Campground may be on the primitive side, with no electrical or water hookups to offer, but for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life, that can be a good thing. And the location can't be argued with. Kick back and listen to the sound of the flowing water rushing past and feel your stresses and worries simply melting away. Some campsites are so close to the water that you could almost cast a line right from your tent.
The majority of the sites are tent sites, but that doesn't mean you can't do a little car camping in a campervan or tent trailer. Fourteen of the sites can accommodate pop-ups and campers up to 25 feet long. However, be sure to check the site specifics before reserving your spot. Tap water is available from the main building, and there are several pit toilets around the park as well as a modern restroom with running water. Pick your spot carefully, then relax and enjoy the serenity of the Thirteen Mile Woods.
Where there's water, there's fish, and the Androscoggin River provides an excellent habitat for a wide variety of fish species. You can fish from the shore or on a boat, whether you have one of your own or you choose a rental. Trout, bass, northern pike, and yellow perch are all species that can be caught in this river. You will need to obtain a New Hampshire fishing license to fish these waters, but it's most definitely worth the effort.
Mollidgewock State Park is something of a haven for wildlife. Deer and black bear can be spotted in the mixed fir and spruce forest; and ospreys, herons, and even bald eagles are all common visitors. And of course, this being New Hampshire, don't be surprised if you encounter a moose on your trip. Just remember to give these majestic animals plenty of space and remember never to feed the wildlife. The wildlife here is not used to people, so just stand back and enjoy their beauty. Take some pictures to share on your favorite social media site when you get home.
Gather up the family and head to the park in the RV. There are few better ways to spend time with family and friends than by packing a picnic to share in beautiful surroundings. Mollidgewock State Park can certainly provide that. There are many picnic sites and tables set up throughout the park for anyone to use. Or you can just spread a blanket on a grassy spot in the sun and enjoy your food by the river.
With access to the river, you can guarantee that there will be ample opportunities to launch a boat. The river offers a great mix of fast-flowing rapids and placid water areas, so it's suitable for boaters of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. And if you don't have a boat of your own, don't worry. The park provides rental watercraft so that you can still get out on the water. No matter whether you are in your own boat or a rental, make sure everyone wears a life jacket.
Bring the raft or innertubes with you to Mollidgewock State Park. The area of the river near the campground is typically quite calm, but you can enjoy a nice leisurely float trip downstream here. If you want more of a challenge, the nearby town of Errol is home to several companies that offer rafting trips on the river. Don't worry if you've never tried this exhilarating outdoor activity before, because the river has rapids from Class II all the way up to class IV. These vary rapid levels mean that almost anyone can try this sport for themselves.
In calmer stretches of the river, it's possible to wade into the water right from the wooded banks. On a hot day, there is nothing more soothing than the cool water of the river on your skin. Be aware, though, that swimming is done at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards to bail you out. Stay in water depths you're comfortable with and avoid deeper water. Non-swimmers and children should always wear life jackets in the water. The current in the river can be strong at times of high water.
