Wadleigh State Park
00 review78 Wadleigh State Park, Sutton, New Hampshire, 03260, United States
Wadleigh State Park
$100.00 - $400.00 / 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$400.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Flat fees for group rentals: $100 for 1-25 guests, $200 for 26-50 guests, $300 for 51-75 guests, $400 for 76-100 guests.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine shores of Kezar Lake, Wadleigh State Park beckons families seeking an authentic New Hampshire outdoor experience. Towering pine trees create a natural canopy over scenic picnic areas, while the crystal-clear waters of the lake invite swimmers to cool off on warm summer days. The park thoughtfully balances rustic charm with modern conveniences, featuring a fully accessible boathouse pavilion and well-maintained bathhouse facilities. Sprawling playing fields provide space for afternoon games, while shaded picnic tables offer the perfect spot for lakeside meals. The park maintains its natural beauty through a carry-in/carry-out policy, ensuring this treasured destination remains pristine for generations to come. While furry friends must stay home and glass containers aren't permitted, visitors can responsibly enjoy adult beverages while soaking in the serene lakeside atmosphere.
Wadleigh State Park caters primarily to day-use visitors with its picnic sites and pavilion. Camping accommodations like tent sites, RV sites, or cabins are not part of the park.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this site awaits further documentation, Wadleigh State Park stands as a testament to New Hampshire's commitment to preserving natural spaces for public enjoyment and recreation.
Weather and SeasonsWadleigh State Park transforms with New Hampshire's dynamic seasons, offering distinct experiences throughout the year. Late spring through early summer (weeks 19-21) unveils the park at its finest, with gentle breezes, crystal-clear skies, and temperatures that hover in that perfect sweet spot for outdoor adventures. These golden weeks draw families to the lake's refreshing waters and sun-dappled picnic groves. Spring's arrival can be dramatic, with week 16 occasionally bringing powerful storms that showcase nature's raw beauty. As autumn fades to winter, week 50 often blankets the park in snow, creating a hushed wonderland that appeals to those seeking solitude and winter's stark beauty. Each season paints the park in new colors, from spring's vibrant greens to autumn's fiery displays.
ElevationThe park's gentle terrain makes it accessible to visitors of all ages and abilities, creating an inviting landscape where families can explore without the challenges of steep climbs or dramatic elevation changes.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic pine trees stand as sentinels throughout Wadleigh State Park, their evergreen boughs creating a living cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. These towering giants provide welcome relief from summer's heat, casting cool shadows across picnic areas and walking paths. The park's crown jewel, Kezar Lake, stretches before visitors with its remarkably clean, cool waters that remain refreshingly crisp even during the height of summer. The lake's pristine beaches invite barefoot strolls along the shoreline, where gentle waves lap against sand kept meticulously clean through the park's conservation efforts. This harmonious blend of forest and waterfront creates a natural amphitheater where the sounds of rustling pine needles mix with the gentle splash of lake waters.
Geological RegionCentral Region
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe Boathouse Pavilion is handicap accessible, making it inclusive for visitors with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeThe size of the individual picnic areas is not described, but the Boathouse Pavilion can accommodate up to 100 guests.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy considerations for picnic sites or the pavilion are not explicitly discussed.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe Boathouse Pavilion is recommended for its accessibility and proximity to Kezar Lake. Swing sets and ball fields are nearby.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum capacity per site: 75 guests (The Boathouse).
Groups
The Boathouse Pavilion accommodates groups of up to 100 people, with tiered pricing depending on group size.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle pavilion (The Boathouse) with picnic tables, swing sets, and ball fields.
Open and Closed Seasonnull
Reservation PlatformsContact via email wadleighstatepark@dncr.nh.gov or phone 603-927-4724 (May-October).
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation PolicyCancellations may be made 30 days prior to the event date for a refund minus the deposit. Penalty fees increase closer to the event date; no refund given for cancellations less than 14 days prior.
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
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Wadleigh State Park is centered around outdoor family recreation, with activities like swimming, picnicking, and playing on the old-fashioned playground. Kezar Lake provides a serene setting for water-based recreation.
Swimming
Swimming is highlighted as a key activity, with Kezar Lake offering clean and cool water suitable for families. One user noted the prevalence of mussels in the swimming area: 'There are so many bivalves in the swimming area that you have to step over them to get to the deeper water.' Despite this, the water quality is praised as 'clean and cool.'Beach activities
The beach area features clean conditions and is shaded by tall pine trees, enhancing the experience for sunbathing or general relaxation.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the source materials.Water Sports
Water-based recreation is limited to swimming, as no other water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"There are so many bivalves in the swimming area that you have to step over them to get to the deeper water." (User Review)
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThe park follows a carry-in/carry-out trash policy to minimize waste left behind by visitors.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Kezar Lake, offering swimming and clean beach access.
Common complaints"There are no amenities. No snack bar. A very old school playground for the kids." (User Review)
Hostnull
Campground Map
78 Wadleigh State Park, Sutton, New Hampshire, 03260, United States
Driving directions-
"Even on weekends it's relatively quiet, because it's off the beaten track. Yet only 30 minutes up 89 from Concord." (User Review)Nearby places
Concord: ~30 miles (~30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
"PS check out the general store near the entrance road to the park. A gem." (User Review)
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Wadleigh State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Wadleigh State Park highlight its appeal as a quiet, family-friendly destination for swimming and picnicking. However, limited amenities and the rustic condition of the playground are noted as downsides.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects from reviews include the 'clean and cool' water of Kezar Lake, the 'clean beaches,' and the 'relatively quiet' atmosphere even on weekends. One user noted it is 'rustic New Hampshire...
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Common Concerns
Complaints focus on the lack of amenities such as a snack bar and modern playground facilities. One review humorously referred to the swimming area as 'Mussel Pond' due to the prevalence of bivalves.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
A user recommended checking out the general store near the park's entrance as a hidden gem worth visiting.
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest the park retains a quiet atmosphere even during peak summer weekends, making it a good choice for low-stress summer outings.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The water is clean and cool, the beaches clean, the sounds quiet and the price is dirt-cheap.' 2. 'If you're looking for a family-friendly, low-stress swimming area, you can't beat it.' 3. 'We...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific feedback on the Boathouse Pavilion is not provided, but general reviews appreciate the overall setting.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is specifically noted for the Boathouse Pavilion, which is described as handicap accessible.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed, and no user reviews specifically address this policy.
Last updated August 10, 2025