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Ellacoya State Park sits on the southwestern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee in Belknap County, New Hampshire, offering one of the few public sandy beaches on the state’s largest lake. At 82 acres, it’s a compact park that punches well above its size — the 600-foot beach faces east across the water toward the Ossipee Mountains, making morning visits particularly striking.

Swimming is the main draw here. The gradual sandy bottom makes it one of the better spots in the Lakes Region for families with young children, and the water is clean and clear through summer. Beyond the beach, the park has a boat launch that provides direct access to Winnipesaukee’s 72 square miles of water, making it a practical staging point for kayaking, canoeing, and motorboating.

The park operates an RV campground with 38 sites that include water and electric hookups — a relative rarity in New Hampshire’s state park system. Sites sit among mature trees with filtered lake views, and several are large enough for full-size rigs. Tent camping is not available here, so backpackers should look elsewhere.

Picnic areas with grills are scattered throughout, and a small bathhouse serves beachgoers. Fishing from shore or by boat yields smallmouth bass, lake trout, and landlocked salmon.

Visit between late June and early September for the warmest water and full amenities. Weekends fill quickly — arrive before 10 AM or plan for weekday visits. The park closes to camping after Columbus Day but remains accessible for day use into fall, when the surrounding hillsides light up with foliage reflected off the lake.

Explore Nearby

• Kancamagus Scenic Byway — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• White Mountain National Forest — National Forest in New Hampshire, Maine
• White Mountain Trail — Scenic Byway in New Hampshire
• Union Village Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Vermont
• Newport Wharf Light — Lighthouse in New Hampshire