One of New Hampshire's newest state parks, Jericho Mountain State Park is a hidden gem for off-road enthusiasts. The main draw to the park is its extensive trail network for off-road vehicles, and campers are permitted to crank up the ATV and hit the trails right from their campsite. If you're looking for a camping destination that's quiet and peaceful, you'll want to skip Jericho Mountain State Park. ATV adventurers roar through the park all hours of the day, generating their fair share of noise in the process. But, If you plan to spend more time out on the trails than at your campsite, this park is perfect for you. Visitors to Jericho Mountain will find more to do than just ATV riding. Jericho Lake provides relief during the warm summer months and is a lovely backdrop for picnics. Anglers also enjoy the lake as they fish for perch, bass, and pike.
Fall is the prime time to plan your RV trip to Jericho Mountain State Park; the dense forest covering just about every inch of the park bursts into a kaleidoscope of color that makes for postcard-perfect views. The vistas of the Northern White Mountains in the distance aren't too bad on the eyes, either. The evening brings peace and quiet across the park's campground. RVers will find nine primitive style campgrounds without any hookups. Treat the kids in your camping crew to an action-packed, unforgettable camping trip to Jericho State Park!
Located in northern New Hampshire, Jericho Mountain is far from any large cities or busy roads. The state park can be accessed off of Highway 110, which leads southeast into the town of Berlin, where you'll find all the provisions you might need. The roads through Jericho Mountain State Park are gravel and easy to navigate for standard vehicles, RVs, and ATVs. Although the park's major facilities are closed from November to May, visitors are welcome to enjoy the area for recreational use year-round. That being said, the park roads will not be plowed or otherwise maintained in the off-season, so always check the local weather forecast and road conditions before heading out.
Day-use visitors will find two parking areas: one by the Visitor Center and another down by the beach. The main parking lot is paved and gravel, while the beach lot is sandy. A nominal admission fee applies during the peak season from May through November.
With just four tent-only sites and nine RV sites, Jericho Mountain State Park's campground isn't exactly the largest in the area. Two sites provide pull-through accessibility for rigs up to 40 feet long, while the remaining sites are back-in and can accommodate vehicles between 24 and 36 feet long. Don't expect to find many creature comforts here, apart from clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. No hookups of any kind are provided at the campground.
Campers should be aware that any water sourced from the bathrooms or other faucets in the park is not safe to drink. Park authorities advise guests to bring their own water to use when washing dishes or brushing their teeth.
Expect some noise during the day; while ATVs are prohibited from using the campground's through-roads as a makeshift trail, there is an ATV trail just outside the campground, and overnight guests are permitted to ride from their site to the trails.
Reservations for tent and RV campsites at Jericho Mountain State Park are available and required, from May to November. In the off-season, sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that off-season camping is not permitted during inclement weather, and amenities are limited in winter.
The ATV trails are the park's main claim to fame, so much so that they overshadow some of the park's hidden gems. Jericho Falls, a stunning 22-foot waterfall, is one such gem and is accessible via a hiking trail. You won't find much information on the falls in the park's brochures or maps, and considering the sheer number of trails in the park, you'll need to know exactly where to look. Ask one of the park's rangers to help you find these picturesque falls.
When the weather gets cold, and the snow starts falling, the trails at Jericho Mountain State Park become available for snowmobilers. Do note that the park is not staffed during the off-season, so you'll need to pack in all provisions and equipment and ensure you take adequate safety precautions. In other words, this is not the destination for beginners!
Pack your picnic basket and blanket in the Airstream and motor on out to find the perfect spot for a scenic lunch. Or, plan your large group gathering at the park's pavilion. Complete with a grill and limited lighting alongside scenic views of the lake and mountains, the pavilion is a great spot for a family reunion or get-together. The pavilion can be reserved in advance online.
Though most only think ATV when they hear about the trails at Jericho Mountain State Park, hikers also enjoy a network of paths that carve their way through the area. Although some routes are restricted for motorized vehicles only, there are miles of trails available for those who prefer to explore on foot. The Lake Loop Trail begins near the RV campground, and as the name suggests, winds its way around Jericho Lake. You'll find numerous connector trails off of the Lake Loop, and scenic overlooks are scattered throughout the park.
Are you looking for a rough and rugged adventure in nature? Reserve one of Jericho Mountain State Park's lean-to shelters. Campers staying in one of the park's two available Adirondack shelters will need to be prepared for this backcountry camping style. Lean-to camping is not recommended in the winter months or during inclement weather. Before you set out, make sure you've checked weather conditions and packed all the supplies you'll need.
In addition to tent and RV campsites, Jericho Mountain State Park also features five camping cabins situated in a quaint forest setting. The cabins are considered rustic, so plan to bring your own bedding, cookery, and other supplies. One of the cabins is accessible for guests with disabilities.
Cabins come complete with small front porches and chairs where you can kick back and soak up views of the mountains in the distance after a long day of riding the trails. Cooking is prohibited indoors, but a fire ring is provided outside each cabin. Pets are not allowed inside the cabins or in the cabin area.
If all nine of Jericho Mountain State Park's RV campsites are full, or if you are in search of a campground with a few more amenities, there are several alternative options for RV camping in the surrounding area. Crawford Notch State Park and Franconia Notch State Park both sit about an hour to the south of the park. The former offers similar facilities to that of Jericho Mountain, while the latter provides full hookups for RV campers. If you're looking for accommodations closer to Jericho Mountain State Park, White Mountain National Forest is about 30 minutes to the southeast and has hundreds of campgrounds to choose from for RVers, but does not offer hookups of any kind.
Whether you're an avid angler or trying fly fishing for the first time, Jericho Mountain State Park will not disappoint. Pike, bass, bullhead, crappie, and perch are all on the menu at Jericho Lake, and after a spot of fishing, visitors can cook their catch on one of the park's grills. All anglers must have a valid New Hampshire fishing license before casting their lines. Both bait and fly fishing are permitted in Jericho Lake.
Don't forget to pack your bathing suit along in the campervan when you come to Jericho Mountain State Park. Jericho Lake provides relief from the hot summer sun and is the perfect place to cool off after an afternoon of trail riding or hiking. There is a designated swimming beach located within the park's day-use area, and a playground, picnic area, and restrooms are all located near the beach. There are no lifeguards on duty, so an adult should always accompany children. Please note that pets are prohibited at the swimming beach and day-use area.
With more than 75 trails open to ATVs, Jericho Mountain State Park is a popular destination for adrenaline junkies looking to tear down the trails. The park's 2.5-mile 4x4 trail is the perfect place to put a little mud on your Jeep's tires. Note that Jeeps and trucks looking to use this trail must comply with the park's vehicle specifications. Visitors hoping to kick up some dust will need to tow their own ATV behind the rig as the park does not offer rentals. Off-roaders looking for an exceptional off-roading experience will want to visit the park during the annual Jericho ATV Festival in August.
Prefer to be on the water rather than in it? Boating is another popular pass time on Jericho Lake. Motorized boating is not allowed on the lake, but kayakers and canoers can paddle across the serene waters to get a unique perspective of the park. While on the water, you'll enjoy views of the Northern White Mountains in the distance, and if you visit in the fall, the trees put on a magnificent color show. If you didn't bring your own boat along in the motorhome, the park offers canoe and kayak rentals at the beach.
