Elm Brook Park Workamper Sites

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For those of us living in New Hampshire, opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors are practically on our doorstep. Whether it's a quick picnic, a refreshing swim, or a leisurely hike, finding the perfect spot for a day of fun is key. In the heart of the state, nestled within the Hopkinton-Everett Lakes flood control project, lies Elm Brook Park in Hopkinton, NH. While not a traditional overnight campground, Elm Brook Park is a premier day-use recreation area, offering a vast array of activities and amenities that make it an essential destination for locals seeking an active and enjoyable day out in nature.

Elm Brook Park is a sprawling day-use recreational area located on Elm Brook Pool, part of the larger Hopkinton-Everett Lakes system. It's operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is designed to offer a wide variety of outdoor opportunities for visitors of all ages. Spanning acres of open lawns, shaded by mature hardwood trees, and featuring a natural wetland, the park provides a beautiful and diverse landscape for recreation.

While often listed as having "workamper sites" in some directories, it's crucial for New Hampshire locals to understand that Elm Brook Park is strictly a day-use facility. There are no overnight camping facilities for tents, RVs, or trailers within the park itself. Instead, it shines as a destination for daytime fun, offering everything from swimming and picnicking to hiking and boating. Its family-friendly atmosphere and well-maintained amenities make it a popular choice for a day trip, providing an accessible escape into nature without the need for an overnight stay.

Elm Brook Park is conveniently located in Hopkinton, NH 03229, USA, just off State Route 127 near Concord. This central New Hampshire location makes it easily accessible from many parts of the state. Visitors can take I-89 to Exit 6 and simply follow the signs to the park, ensuring a straightforward drive.

The park's setting on the shore of Elm Brook Pool, formed by the Hopkinton-Everett Dam, provides a picturesque backdrop for all activities. While it offers a sense of being immersed in nature, its proximity to Concord means that essentials and other conveniences are never too far away. This balance of natural beauty and easy access makes Elm Brook Park an ideal choice for a spontaneous outing or a planned day of adventure for New Hampshire families. It's worth noting that due to its nature as a flood control project, there is a possibility that the park may flood during high-water events, so checking park conditions before your visit is always a good idea, especially after significant rainfall.

Elm Brook Park, as a dedicated day-use area, provides a comprehensive set of services and amenities designed to maximize visitor enjoyment during their daytime stay:

• Picnic Facilities: The park offers over 100 family picnic sites available on a first-come, first-served basis, complete with tables and grills. Additionally, four large group picnic shelters with tables and grills can be reserved for a fee, perfect for larger gatherings.
• Restroom Facilities: Flush toilets are provided, ensuring clean and convenient restroom access for visitors.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available throughout the park.
• Day-Use Fee: A nominal day-use fee is charged per private non-commercial vehicle ($5.00), with a lower fee for walk-in or bike-in visitors ($2.00 per adult). Children under 16 are not charged. Annual passes are also available.
• Boat Ramp: A boat ramp provides easy access to Elm Brook Pool for those wishing to enjoy canoeing, kayaking, or other non-motorized boating activities.
• Accessible Fishing Dock: An accessible fishing dock is available, making fishing enjoyable for everyone. Walleye, brook trout, sunfish, and pickerel are abundant in the lake.
• Park Ranger Presence: Uniformed park rangers are on staff, providing a sense of safety and often offering special programs on nature topics, including a popular Junior Ranger program.
• Interpretive Trail: A 1.5-mile interpretive trail winds through the park, offering views of diverse natural habitats, including wetlands and uplands.
• Reservations for Shelters: Group picnic shelters can be reserved through the National Recreation Reservation Service via phone or online.

Elm Brook Park is packed with features that make it a standout destination for a day of outdoor fun in New Hampshire:

• Beautiful Swimming Area: The park boasts a "great beach" and designated swimming area on Elm Brook Pool, perfect for cooling off on a warm summer day.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A dedicated playground area, horseshoe pits, a basketball court, and a ball field ensure there are plenty of activities for children and adults alike.
• Wildlife Viewing: An elevated wildlife-viewing platform allows visitors to observe the natural wetland and diverse wildlife habitats within the park. The park's natural features include rolling hills, open lawns, mature hardwood trees, and wetlands, providing excellent opportunities for bird-watching and nature photography.
• Extensive Trail System: Beyond the 1.5-mile interpretive trail within the park, a multi-use trail system is located nearby at Hopkinton-Everett Reservoir, offering more extensive options for hiking, biking, and potentially other recreational uses.
• Fishing Opportunities: With an abundance of various fish species in Elm Brook Pool, it's a popular spot for anglers.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Environment: The park is known for its well-kept grounds and facilities, ensuring a pleasant experience for all visitors.
• Managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: This federal management typically ensures a high standard of maintenance and conservation.
• Pet Policy: While generally pet-friendly outside of peak season, it's important to note that pets are NOT allowed in Elm Brook Park from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. This policy ensures a clean and safe environment for all visitors during the busiest times.

As a park managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Elm Brook Park doesn't typically offer commercial "promotions" in the traditional sense. However, there are established fee structures and passes that can provide value to frequent visitors:

• Annual Pass: An annual day-use pass is available for $40.00, providing unlimited access to the park for a full year. This is a significant saving for locals who plan to visit multiple times throughout the season.
• America the Beautiful Passes: Elm Brook Park accepts America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes (Annual Pass, Senior Pass, Access Pass, Military Pass, etc.). These passes can be purchased on-site or online and offer various levels of discounts or free entry depending on the pass type and eligibility.
• Educational Programs: While not a "promotion," the interpretive programs offered by uniformed Park Rangers, including the Junior Ranger program, add significant value to the visitor experience at no additional cost beyond the day-use fee.
• Group Shelter Reservations: While a fee is charged, the ability to reserve large group picnic shelters ensures a dedicated space for events, which can be a valuable service for local community groups or large family gatherings.

For the most up-to-date information on fees, passes, and park policies, locals are encouraged to visit the official Recreation.gov website for Elm Brook Park or contact the Hopkinton-Everett Lakes project office directly.

Planning a fun day out at Elm Brook Park? Here’s how you can get in touch for more information:

Address: Hopkinton, NH 03229, USA

Park Office Phone (Hopkinton-Everett Lakes Project Office): (603) 746-3601

National Recreation Reservation Service (for shelter reservations): 1-877-444-6777 or visit Recreation.gov

For New Hampshire locals, Elm Brook Park in Hopkinton is an indispensable resource for quality outdoor recreation. Its designation as a day-use park, rather than an overnight campground, aligns perfectly with the needs of residents seeking convenient, accessible, and activity-rich escapes without the commitment of a multi-day trip. Whether you're a family looking for a safe beach and playground, an angler seeking a productive fishing spot, a boater wanting to paddle a peaceful lake, or a hiker exploring diverse trails, Elm Brook Park delivers.

The park's central location near Concord, coupled with easy highway access, means that a rejuvenating day in nature is always within reach. The clean facilities, presence of park rangers, and variety of amenities like picnic areas and sports courts ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all ages. While remembering the seasonal pet restrictions and the possibility of flooding is important, these minor considerations are far outweighed by the sheer breadth of opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Elm Brook Park truly embodies the spirit of New Hampshire's outdoors, offering a perfect, easily accessible setting for locals to connect with nature and create cherished memories, all within a single, perfect day.

Elm Brook Park Workamper Sites

Hopkinton, NH 03229, USA