Featuring over 10,000 acres of waterways, numerous recreational activities, and two parks, there are so many great experiences to be had on your RV adventure to Hopkinton-Everett Lake. Located in southeastern New Hampshire near the capital Concord, Hopkinton-Everett Lake has a long history, first as a town, and later as a flood control area. The area where Everett Lake now is used to be the small town of East Weare. However, during the 1930s, the US government used the power of eminent domain to buy the land to construct it. As a result of this, 60 families were forced to move, and the town was dismantled and burned. Construction on the lakes started in 1959 and was completed a few years later.
Along with providing effective flood control to the surrounding areas, Hopkinton-Everett Lake is an awesome area to check out for those who love to get out in the great outdoors. There are so many different areas to explore that you would have to spend weeks here to see it all, with some of the highlights including fishing, swimming, hiking, and canoeing. During the winter months, it is a haven for snowmobiling thanks to the 30 miles of trails designated for use.
While there are no RV friendly camping options within the Hopkinton-Everett Lake there are multiple private campgrounds located only a short drive away. Hopkinton-Everett Lake is open all year round.
Depending on where you would like to go to within the huge area that encompasses Hopkinton-Everett Lake, it should be quite easy to navigate. The lakes are very close to the Franklin Pierce Highway and the I-89, so there is little chance that you will get lost trying to find it. If you need to pick up any supplies before your day out, there are plenty of towns close by, including Hopkinton, Henniker, and Dunbarton. The closest city to Hopkinton-Everett Lake is Concord, which is only 13 miles to the east.
There are no roads that go all the way around Hopkinton-Everett Lake. However, you will be able to access the lake from both sides; you will just have to take local roads. They should all be in good condition as the U.S Corps of Engineers maintain them, and due to the area being relatively flat, you should have no issues navigating your RV to whatever area that you please. During the wintertime, expect significant snowfall that may delay your trip or even make it impossible to use the roads. It is a great idea to call ahead of time to confirm the roads are plowed.
There are plenty of parking lots for you to use during your visit to Hopkinton-Everett Lake.
Located only a mile from Elk Brook Park, the private RV resort will be a great choice for RV goers looking to stay as close to the lakes as possible. The RV resort is surrounded by beautiful pines and is on the banks of a lovely pond.
There are over 70 RV sites for you to choose from, including some that have easy access to the pond. All of the sites have electrical hookups and there is a picnic table and fire pit so you will be able to have a little luxury during your stay. If you are looking for activities to keep you occupied during your stay you will be entertained for hours thanks to the tennis court, basketball hoop, swimming beach, volley court, and game room. Other amenities in the park include laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, WiFi, and a dump station. Pets are also allowed and you can get cell phone reception on all of the major networks.
Reservations are encouraged at the RV resort as it is a very popular place for campers of all ages. The campground is open from May until the end of October.
Another great option for visitors to Hopkinton-Everett Lake is to stay at the private campground located on Kaiser Pond. Around four and a half miles from Hopkinton-Everett Lake, the campground is known for being quiet and is home to a mixture of permanent RVs and seasonal travelers.
There are more than 40 sites within the campground that are available for seasonal visitors, and all of them have electric hookups for your convenience. Some of the other amenities include showers, restrooms, mini-golf, two sandy beaches, a playground, shuffleboard, volleyball court, and a recreational hall. Pets are also allowed, and you can get cell phone reception on some of the major networks.
Reservations are recommended, and during the summertime, a three-night stay is required if you are staying over the holiday weekends. The campground is open all year for you to enjoy.
Having some fun in the sun is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer days at Hopkinton-Everett Lake, and you can do so by spending some time at the swimming area at Elm Brook Park or Clough State Park. The sandy beaches are well maintained, and they are large enough for you to stretch out and sunbathe on. If you do plan on swimming at the beach, know that there are no lifeguards around at either of them, so remember to swim to your abilities.
Boating is popular on both the Hopkinton and Everett lakes thanks to the many boat ramps that allow you launch all types of watercraft. All of the boat ramps are available for you to use for free and out on the water, there will be plenty of room for you to explore.
Canoeing is one of the most popular ways to explore the lake, especially in and around the Contoocook River. Remember to bring your own watercraft if you want to get out on the water as there are no guarantees that rentals will be available.
The two recreation areas at Hopkinton-Everett Lake have some great facilities that are perfect to make use of during a picnic. At Elm Brook, there are over 100 picnic sites that you can use on a first-come, first-served basis. If you have a larger group, there four picnic shelters that have grills and tables that can be reserved online. At Clough State Park, you can find the picnic area right near the sandy beach.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Hopkinton-Everett Lake.
If you are a keen angler, you must pack your rod and reel when planning your visit to Hopkinton-Everett Lake. Fishing is permitted from boats and the banks around the lakes, and you can also find a disability accessible fishing dock for you to use.
Some of the popular fish species at Hopkinton-Everett Lake include smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Once the weather starts to turn you can also have a try at ice fishing, but make sure you check the ice depth levels before walking out onto the lakes.
Hikers will be happy to know that there are many trails located in the Hopkinton-Everett Lake area that are open for you to explore. Most of the trails are suitable for multi-use, so expect to see bike riders and people waking pets when out for your hikes.
If you want to get some water views on your adventures, stick to the west side in Elm Brook Park as the trails follow the Contoocook River system.
For those interested in hunting during your visit to Hopkinton-Everett Lake, be aware that hunting can be done in certain parts of the area. However, it is not allowed at the two recreation areas. The hunting season at Hopkinton-Everett Lake is the same as the state-regulated season, and some of the animals that you are permitted to target are pheasant, deer, and small game. If you plan on bringing a tree stand to hunt in, they must be attended at all times and can only be used during the day.
