Hampton Beach State Park is located at 8 State Park Road in Hampton, NH and provides year-round recreation with Atlantic ocean facing facilities situated along a sandy beach. There is a booth at the entrance to the park charging admissions as follows:
$15 / passenger vehicle
$30 / RV (entrance only and camping is an additional $70 / night)
65+ is free
Day use reservations are also possible to ensure your entrance into the park, but there is a $1 fee for the reservation. Visitors who do not make a reservation will be admitted on a first come / first serve basis until parking capacity has been reached. This park is always open for recreation unless otherwise posted. During off hours and the off-season the park is typically not staffed, comfort stations are not available and gates may be closed.
Regarding RVs, camping reservations need to be made in advance via either NH State Parks or Reserve America and maximum stays are 14 days. There is also a lottery available in the fall for the following summer to ensure fair access / selection. The RV campground is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples’ Day in October. There is a park store located in the day use area and RVs must hook up to water, sewer and electricity.
Lifeguards are on duty at Hampton Beach / Hampton Beach State Park longer than anywhere else on the NH seacoast from June 1 to the weekend after Labor Day (aka Hampton Beach Seafood Festival).
Pets are not allowed on Hampton Beach State Park from May 1 to September 30, service animals are permitted in accordance with the ADA, but are fine from October 1 to April 30 on a retractable or standard leash no longer than 6’ in length. Horseback riding is also allowed from October 1 to April 30.
Alcohol, firearms and fires are not permitted on Hampton Beach State Park. The sole exception is in the RV campground where alcohol is allowed in your RV.
Hampton Beach State Park’s main draw is its expansive sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles and swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during peak season, ensuring a safe environment for visitors. Anglers can also enjoy both saltwater and freshwater, Hampton River, fishing opportunities. The park is also a great launching point for other water activities such as surfing, kayaking and parasailing.
RV camping is a unique feature of the park with its RV campground with full hookups as the only RV park directly on the coast. The South Beach campground offers 28 sites available from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, making it an ideal spot for extended stays. Unfortunately, only RVs so no pop ups and tents.
In the early 20th century, there was a "bathing censor" who monitored the swimsuits worn by beachgoers to ensure they met the modesty standards of the time. The “north” jetty at the south end of Hampton Beach State Park was extended and raised by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1965 to enable Hampton Harbor (the south jetty is across the channel in Seabrook).
Hampton Beach State Park offers a perfect coastal getaway with its blend of natural beauty, modern amenities and rich history. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, enjoy water activities or experience the vibrant local culture, this state park has something for everyone. With its well-maintained facilities and diverse attractions, Hampton Beach State Park continues to be a cherished destination for visitors from all over the country.
