Wellington State Park
00 review614 West Shore Road , Bristol , New Hampshire, 03222, United States
Wellington State Park
$5.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$18.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Youth group sites require a $25 deposit per reservation. $18.50 goes towards the nightly fee, while $6.50 is for the reservation fee. For every 4 children, 1 adult pays $5 per night, with additional adults charged $10 per night. Discounts are offered for NH Senior Citizens ($5 per night) and NH State Employees (50% discount).
About this campground
Escape to Wellington State Park, where adventure awaits on the pristine waters of Newfound Lake. This unique camping destination caters exclusively to youth groups, offering an unforgettable island camping experience on Belle and Cliff Islands—remote sanctuaries accessible only by boat. Home to New Hampshire's largest freshwater swimming beach within the state park system, Wellington invites young adventurers to dive into crystal-clear waters, explore hidden coves, and create lasting memories under starlit skies.
Wellington State Park offers youth group camping exclusively, which requires tent camping on islands accessible only by boat. Family or individual camping is not permitted.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Wellington into an outdoor paradise, where azure skies mirror the crystalline waters below and gentle breezes carry the scent of pine across the lake. These golden months bring perfect swimming temperatures and trail conditions that beckon hikers to explore. As the season peaks, warm afternoons invite leisurely beach days while cool evenings around the campfire create the perfect backdrop for storytelling and connection.
Natural Features and SceneryNewfound Lake stands as a natural jewel, renowned as one of New Hampshire's clearest and deepest bodies of water. This glacial masterpiece stretches before you in shades of sapphire and emerald, its transparency revealing underwater worlds beneath the surface. Ancient forests embrace the shoreline, where winding trails lead through cathedral-like groves to scenic overlooks. Secluded picnic spots nestle among the trees, offering intimate views of this pristine wilderness where loons call across the water and eagles soar overhead.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of Central New Hampshire, Wellington State Park showcases the region's remarkable freshwater ecosystems. This landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers that carved deep basins and left behind crystalline lakes. Surrounding forests of maple, birch, and pine create a living tapestry that changes with the seasons, while the underlying granite bedrock speaks to the area's geological heritage millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly list accessibility features; however, the general park layout accommodates a range of group activities and visitors.
Sites PrivacyOnly group camping for youth is available; its privacy is not described.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in at park tollbooth
Check-out
All items must be removed by the end of events.
Stay Limit
Balance is recalculated based on number of campers at check-in.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Youth groups allow 4 children per 1 adult chaperone.
Groups
Youth groups (17 years old and younger) with adult chaperones (4:1 ratio) are allowed. Sites are on Belle and Cliff Islands and must be accessed by boat. Fees include $18.50 per night for the site plus $5 per chaperone. Additional chaperones are charged $10 per night.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonPavilion reservations are unavailable July 4 or the day before.
Reservation PlatformsFor youth group reservations, call NH State Parks at 603-271-3556.
Walk-in AvailabilityAdvance reservations are required for access, particularly during busy summer weeks. Walk-ups have limited success due to crowding.
Cancellation PolicyYouth group camping reservations can be canceled. Balance is recalculated at the tollbooth based on actual attendees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Wellington State Park focus heavily on water-based and outdoor options like swimming in Newfound Lake, kayaking, fishing, and hiking. There are also volleyball and horseshoe courts for visitors seeking land-based activities. The park is equipped with a developed boat launch and provides scenic views from various trails.
Hiking
Hiking trails are well-marked, including the peninsula nature trail with plant identification markers. Other trails connect to nearby scenic areas like Goose Pond and Bear Mountain.Fishing
Fishing is allowed in designated areas along the peninsula trail. There are no specific details about the types of fish available.Swimming
The park boasts the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire State Park system. Reviewers frequently mention the clear, clean water and its accessibility as highlights.Boating
Boating is supported, and the park has a developed boat launch that allows year-round access to Newfound Lake. Boat lanes allow boaters to access the park for the regular admission price.Beach activities
Beach activities include swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is noted for being well-maintained with soft sand.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are supported through rentals available at the park store.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Gas grills and wood/charcoal fires are permitted for cooking.
Hazards
General hazardsSome users have reported the occasional presence of motorized boats causing wake disturbances on the lake.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 47%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.8 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Peak season datesSummer months
Trash and recyclingThe park follows a 'carry-in/carry-out' trash policy, requiring visitors to manage their own waste removal. One user review recommends bringing durable garbage bags rather than relying on store-bought options.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on Newfound Lake with developed boat launch facilities and kayak rentals available.
Common complaintsCrowding during peak weekends, especially due to non-NH residents using the park. Bathrooms have been noted to vary in cleanliness. Users have also mentioned issues with the reservation system.
Campground Map
614 West Shore Road , Bristol , New Hampshire, 03222, United States
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Wellington State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's excellent recreational opportunities, including its beach, hiking trails, and kayaking options. However, complaints focus on the reservation system and occasional overcrowding.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes the clean, clear water of the beach, the availability of shade and picnic tables, and the spacious layout. Many reviewers appreciate the park's natural beauty and...
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Common Concerns
Negative aspects include issues with the reservation system, crowded conditions during peak times, and dissatisfaction with trash bag provisions. One user criticized the park for canceling a...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include reserving spots in advance to avoid being turned away during busy weeks, bringing durable garbage bags, and arriving early to secure a good spot on the beach.
Seasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular time, with positive mentions of swimming and kayaking. Crowding is a frequent complaint during weekends and holidays. Post-COVID-19 restrictions limiting the number of...
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Camper Quotes
1. "Beautiful state park beach to come visit during the summer. Just make sure to reserve spots online during busy weeks." - Jason Wesson
2. "We have gone in the past before pandemic time with our...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Youth group camping is available exclusively on Belle and Cliff Islands. Family campsites are not available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not permitted at the campground, as explicitly stated in the guidelines.
Last updated August 10, 2025