Ellacoya State Park
RV Guide

Lake Winnipesaukee makes for an ideal setting to get your feet wet. As New Hampshire’s largest lake, you’re sure to see plenty of other visitors enjoying its waters. Swimming is a favorite pastime for many who frequent the shoreline. It’s a perfect day activity that just about anyone can enjoy.

The lake brings all sorts of visitors, but it’s not just big boaters that get to comb its waters. Lake Winnipesaukee also sees a lot of kayaking and canoeing. The water is so clear and calm, making it an ideal setting for these excursions. There’s nothing quite like paddling along with the Sandwich and Ossipee mountains in view across the lake. Such a serene landscape only amplifies the feeling of openness on the water.

This quaint playground is the perfect spot for any little ones to burn off some energy while the rest of the family soaks up the sun or enjoys a pleasant picnic. Swing, climb, slide, and more! Ellacoya Campground’s playground is sure to keep the kids busy for the afternoon.

The shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee makes for a perfect beach setting. Picnic tables and grills are dotted along the beach, with a small convenience store and bathrooms also available nearby. Getting to the beach is just a brief trek from the campground, as it, too, is situated close to the water. Luckily, this day trip doesn’t require having to pack everything back up in the car to get here. It is a public day-use beach as well, so expect heavier crowds during peak season months with sublime weather. The lake views are worth talking about, as is the overall feel. It’s clean, casual, and a great spot to set up for some beach volleyball, build a sandcastle, or just soak up some of the sun’s rays.

Lake Winnipesaukee is quite a popular location for boating of all types; from paddling to motor boats. The boat ramp is actively utilized, as many of the park’s visitors come to soak up the sun on the water. With such a large lake, how could you not want to get out and enjoy it? Rentals are available at nearby locations.

The lake is such a serene setting, worth capturing in a moment forever. Many who travel here take the time to snap a few photos of their day, and for good reason. The surroundings are awe-inspiring and worth sharing. Add in the beautiful colors of Fall or a crisp Winter’s day, and you have the makings of something out of a storybook.

The quiet and seclusion you can expect to experience at the park during off seasons is a welcome time for native wildlife. It is the perfect opportunity to get a glimpse of the rest of this area’s residents. Several species of mammals and birds still call this park “home” when the ground is blanketed in white. See who you can discover, but remember to always remain at a safe and respectful distance.

Need an excuse to get outside in the heart of winter? Ice fishing is a unique experience where you can embrace the quiet solitude of the off-season and really enjoy the thrill of a good catch. There are several protected coves and bays on Lake Winnipesaukee that freeze over as early as the end of December. The rest of the lake tends to take much longer to obtain a safe ice layer, so fishers should err on the side of caution when choosing a spot.

As the official state sport for New Hampshire, skiing is avidly enjoyed by many. Ellacoya State Park takes great pride in offering some of the best skiing areas in New England. Winter visitors can enjoy this recreation, and much more. Usually, this part of New Hampshire sees a decent amount of snowfall, so you shouldn’t have to worry about being without the white stuff.

This is one of those recreational activities that plays a pretty big part in the winter scene here. The deep woods are so much more fun to explore when atop such a fun and thrilling means of transport. Snowmobiling allows visitors the opportunity to explore areas of the park that would otherwise be untouchable in the colder months. There are only certain areas where snowmobiling is permitted, so it is best to check in with park officials before heading out.