The Park offers clean water and ample beach area.

Hampton Beach State Park, New Hampshire: A Complete 2023 Guide

Hampton Beach State Park is located along the Atlantic at the southeastern tip of New Hampshire. This diverse aquatic coastline has white sand beaches, rocky jetties, and views of Hampton Harbor. The State Park offers rentable gathering spaces as well as activities such as RV camping, live music, weekly fireworks, and family movie nights.

Hours and Parking for Hampton Beach State Park

The beach is open from 5 am-1 am daily year round. However, amenities such as bathrooms will close at 8 pm or earlier depending on the season.

How much does it cost to go?

The only cost to go to the park is the parking fee. 

Parking: Locations and Costs

The cheapest option would be to try to find metered parking along Route 1A where spots are paid through “pay and display” kiosks or coin-operated machines. The machines operate 8 am-midnight every day and cost $2 per hour on-season. 

Another more convenient, option is booking a parking spot for $16 at the Hampton Beach South Beach parking lot. I’d recommend making a reservation in the busy summer season as this parking lot will reach capacity quickly. Reservations can be made before arriving and no later than 3 pm the same day. While more expensive than the metered street parking option, you are guaranteed a spot. Download (or screenshot) the parking map here.

  • Note: Day-use parking for Recreational Vehicles (RV) must pay $30 as they require 2 parking spaces.
The Park offers ample parking for $16 at South Beach

Do you need a reservation for Hampton Beach?

No, you do not need a reservation to use the beach. However, I recommend reserving a parking spot for $16 at the Hampton Beach South Beach lot. Otherwise all parking in the South Beach lot will be on a first come first serve basis (the lot reaches capacity quickly on summer weekends), or you will have to search for metered parking. 

Reservations for parking at the South Beach lot can be made at the ReserveAmerica website or can also be made by calling 1-877-647-2757.

Hampton Beach Swimming and Activities

Hampton Beach State Park offers many summer events for all interests and age levels. There is an extensive schedule of weekly events including Wednesday fireworks, Monday movie night, nightly live music (including Thursday country nights and line dancing), and even free yoga classes on select mornings.

In addition, there are several special weekend events such as the Annual Sand Castle Building Contest, Miss Hampton Pageant, talent shows, seafood festivals, and more. For more details please view the full list of updated events. 

Swimming at Hampton Beach

Hampton Beach is known for its clean waters and well-maintained white sand shores. While the water is cold almost year-round, it is safe to swim in. There are stationed lifeguards around the beach that will restrict anyone from swimming out too far.

  • Check daily beach warnings here.
Hampton Beach State Park offers seasonal activities such as sandcastle making contests

What amenities are there at Hampton Beach State Park?

Hampton Beach has multiple bathrooms and showers as well as park stores, and a visitor center. The bathrooms will close around 8 pm. 

Additionally, there are restaurants, bars, and shops along Rt. 1A walkable from Hampton State Park.

Can I bring my dog to Hampton Beach State Park?

No, on-season May 1- September 30 pets are not allowed on the beach or at the RV park. However, you are allowed to bring leashed dogs on the beach off-season October 1 to April 30. 

  • Tip: Horseback riding is permitted on Hampton Beach from October 1 – April 30. Parking is available at the South Beach lot.

RV Camping: Hampton Beach State Park

Hampton Beach State Park has the only New Hampshire RV park directly adjacent to the beach. While the beach park is open all year, the RV park is only open from May 26- October 8. The RV park has 28 spots with full campsite hookups. RVs must be able to hook up to water, electricity, and sewage. No tents or pop-up trailers are allowed as there is no bathroom or shower access in the RV park.  

  • Note: There may be limited or no cell reception at Hampton Beach State Park.

How do I make an RV reservation?

Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance. You can book a spot on the ReserveAmerica site. Reservations will cost $30-50 dollars ($30 for day use only, and $50 for overnight) and will fill up quickly so book well ahead of time to get a coveted RV spot.

  • Tip: NH State Employees are given a 50% discount on campsites including the South Beach RV camping.

RV Camping Lottery System

Since there is considerable demand and small availability of RV camping spots, Hampton Beach State Park has revised a seasonal lottery system to allow for an equal opportunity for all to experience the park. Lotteries for the following summer open in June and close in October. Submit an application once the lottery opens in June, and you will be notified if you’ve gotten a spot for the upcoming summer by November.  

The Park offers stunning views Hampton Harbor

Hampton Beach State Park: Pavilion/Venue Rentals

Hampton Beach State Park has three waterfront group venues that can be rented for a private gathering or party. The venues range from casual to formal and offer a beautiful ocean view. For details on any of the sites below or to arrange a tour, call the Seacoast State Parks office at 603-227-8717 or email at seacoastevents@dred.state.nh.us. 

Casual Cookouts

If you are hoping to host a casual family gathering, birthday party, or group cookout, you may want to rent a pavilion space. Hampton Beach State Park Pavilion, located in the South Beach area, can be reserved for gatherings of up to 250 guests for $1,250. This open-air pavilion is ideal for seafood broils, BBQs or a summer cookout. Please note that alcohol is not allowed at Hampton Beach State Park.

Weddings/Special Occasions

Hampton Beach State Park can host more formal events such as business retreats or weddings at the Seashell Oceanfront Pavilion. This pavilion would be a perfect wedding reception location after a beachside ceremony as it can hold up to 100 guests. There are also conference rooms that can accommodate corporate groups from 20 to 160 people and are fully equipped with projectors, sound systems, podiums etc. 

Banquets/Smaller Gatherings

South Pavilion Oceanside at Hampton Beach offers a banquet space for up to 49 guests that would be ideal for a private party, baby shower, or reunion.  

See stunning views of sand dunes and seagrass

Wrap-Up: Is Hampton Beach State Park worth it?

Yes, Hampton Beach State Park is absolutely worth it! It is rated as one of the beaches with the cleanest water in the U.S. and stretches for over 1.5 miles. The Park has many free family-friendly events such as weekly fireworks, movies, and live music. While it is a popular summer weekend spot, there is plenty of space to spread out to avoid crowds. Explore the local shops, and restaurants just minutes from the beach.