New Hampshire locals know Canobie Lake Park for its ultra-catchy jingle and classic rides, but if you’re not a Granite State native, you’re in for a treat. Located in Salem, New Hampshire, Canobie Lake Park has been the go-to New England amusement park for more than 100 years.
The family-friendly destination features more than 85 rides, including roller coasters, carousels, and the locally beloved (and relevant) Boston Tea Party which plunges boatfulls of delighted guests into the water for a splashing good time. There are adrenaline-pumping rides for thrillseekers, whimsical rides for kids, and a waterpark for those humid New Hampshire summer days. Canobie Lake Park also features games, live shows, unique gifts, and carnival-style food including hot dogs, fried dough, ice cream, and caramel apples.
Visiting Canobie Lake Park is more than just an opportunity to experience New Hampshire history and amusement park fun; it’s also a chance for RV travelers to explore the rest of the state. Head to the coast, experience state parks such as Pawtuckaway State Park and Bear Brook State Park, or travel north to White Mountain National Forest, where you’ll find Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the state.
You can also use a trip to Canobie Lake State Park as a jumping-off point to all sorts of New England destinations including Boston, Massachusetts, Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vermont. Canobie Lake Park is open from late spring through the fall, which is the best time of year to experience New Hampshire.
Buy your tickets to Canobie Lake Park online and choose from one-day tickets or season passes. One-day tickets range from $30 to $40. Look for discounts for seniors, children, and military members. In the past, the park has offered discounted admission after 5 p.m. Seasons passes are priced at approximately $140 to $200 per person and are subject to blackout dates.
Canobie Lake Park is located in Salem, New Hampshire, which is just off of I-93 on the Massachusetts border. Driving here is easy in any vehicle, including RVs, but traffic delays are to be expected on holidays and summer weekends. Be aware that GPS directions may bring you to the park entrance rather than to designated parking areas.
Canobie Lake Park offers both free parking and upgraded paid parking. The latter gives you access to a more convenient, reserved parking area and costs $15 to $25 depending on the day of the week and season. If you’re driving an RV to Canobie Lake Park, you cannot reserve pre-paid preferred parking. All RVs, trailers, and other oversized vehicles must park in a separate area that you will be directed to upon arrival.
Public transportation is not widely available in the area surrounding Canobie Lake Park. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you may be able to find bus service that brings you close to Canobie Lake Park, but you will still need to rely on a taxi, rideshare service, or privately arranged shuttle to bring you to the venue.
Unfortunately, there is no RV camping at Canobie Lake Park. You cannot stay overnight in your vehicle in the RV parking area or anywhere else on-site. However, this is a great opportunity to experience nearby New Hampshire campgrounds or to venture further and explore the amazing wilderness sites that make New England so special.
Want to camp in your RV without traveling too far away from Canobie Lake Park? Look for RV campgrounds in nearby towns, including Sanborn Shores Acres in Hampstead (approximately eight miles away) and Hidden Valley RV & Golf Park in Derry (approximately 11 miles away). If you don’t mind a longer drive, experience Lake Winnipesaukee—a New Hampshire treasure—with a stay at Strafford/Lake Winnipesaukee South KOA.
The best way to get around Canobie Lake Park is on foot, but the park does rent strollers, electric scooters, and wheelchairs. While mopeds and recreational scooters aren’t allowed inside, the park is equipped to accommodate visitors with disabilities. Contact Canobie Lake Park if you require special assistance during your trip.
Summer is the most popular time of year to visit Canobie Lake Park. If that’s when you’re visiting, pack lightweight, comfortable clothes for hot, humid days. Bring a change of clothes if you’re riding rides where visitors get soaked (such as the Boston Tea Party) and bring a bathing suit if you’re planning on hitting up the water park. Sandals or sneakers are a good idea, as you’ll be walking and standing in lines during your visit.
Pack camping necessities including firewood, fuel, campground chairs, flashlights, cookware, and a few family games for relaxing at your campsite. Check with your campground of choice about restrictions as well as on-site amenities (such as a pool or nearby lake) and pack accordingly. Don’t sweat it if you forget any essentials; there are a number of stores in the Salem area where you can stock up on supplies.
Bring sunscreen, as you’ll be outside for long periods of time. Also, pack bug spray, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when flies and mosquitos are rampant. Have all necessary medical supplies and prescriptions with you. If bringing these into the park, keep them in a plastic bag so that they are protected from moisture when riding water rides.
Cooking restrictions vary by campground and season, so always check with your campground host about any fire restrictions and fuel restrictions before purchasing wood or fuel. You will find a number of grocery stores near Canobie Lake Park for all of your grocery needs. Canobie Lake Park is on the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, so keep this in mind when deciding where to shop. There’s no sales tax in New Hampshire, but there is a sales tax in Massachusetts.
In addition to the wealth of dining options at Canobie Lake Park, you’ll find plenty to eat in the Salem area. New Hampshire specialties include seafood (especially clam chowder), ice cream produced from local dairies, and pancakes topped with New Hampshire maple syrup. From charming diners to national chains, you will easily find what you’re looking for without driving far. Nearby cities such as Portsmouth and Boston provide even more options within an hour's drive.
Dining options at Canobie Lake Park typically include the kind of food you’d find at a carnival. Think burgers and fries rather than steak and potatoes. You’ll find both sit-down options and concession stands, but expect all of these to be pretty casual. Most vendors accept credit cards, with the exception of mobile food carts. Bring cash to avoid paying an ATM fee. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside.
Security is present at Canobie Lake Park for your safety. Always lock your vehicle and keep your bags with you at all times. If you get separated from your party, head to guest services for assistance. Be aware that in the event of rain or other hazardous weather, some rides may be shut down for your safety.
Canobie Lake Park is open from late spring through fall. During this time, the weather tends to be warm and humid. Expect cooler temperatures (60s and 70s) if visiting in the spring and fall and hot days (80s and 90s) if visiting during the summer. Summer thunderstorms are possible, so bring a rain jacket and be prepared to forgo your favorite ride due to weather closures.
Emergency medical technicians are on-site at Canobie Lake Park. You can also flag down security officers or head to guest services if you are in need of basic medical aid. In the event of a medical emergency, head to nearby hospitals in Windham or Derry, New Hampshire or Methuen, Massachusetts. On-site shops and nearby pharmacies can help you with over-the-counter needs, including items such as band-aids or aspirin.
