Pro scans every minute· 119K campsites tracked

Hard to Book

Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground

Edward MacDowell Lake, New Hampshire

Sold out? We check Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground for cancellations and email you the moment a site opens.

Cancellation alerts

Sold out for your dates?

ArriveLeave

Free to start. Email alerts included.

As of October 2026, Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground is a campground in New Hampshire with 2 campsites. Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground is located at 42.8938° N, 71.9843° W.

people allowed on 1 of 2 sites: 40
people allowed on the largest site: 100

Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 8 (2 sites)Oct 9 (1 site)Oct 10 (2 sites)

2 sites open on Oct 8 at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 17:20 UTC.

Stay and booking rules

Maximum stay: 14 nights
Military discount available
Reservations close: 8 day(s) prior to arrival

Published by Recreation.gov for Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground, read on September 29, 2026.

Campsites at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground

SH1SH2

Group 2
Accessible 2

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Forest.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, wildlife, photography, horse riding.

All sites at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the EDWARD MACDOWELL loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Access
SH1	Group	40	Accessible
SH2	Group	100	Accessible

About Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground

Overview

Edward MacDowell Lake is situated in a quiet corner of the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire.

This day-use area lies just off State Route 101 on the shores of the picturesque lake named after the famous composer and concert pianist, Edward Alexander MacDowell.

Recreation

Visitors can spend days kayaking and canoeing on the scenic lake, and a boat ramp is provided for easy lake access.

Fishing is also a popular activity. Largemouth bass, pickerel, perch and horned pout are all found in abundance.

Several hiking trails link up around the lake as well, including the West Ridge Trail, which runs along the entire western edge of the lake and up through the surrounding wetlands.

Younger visitors enjoy the park's Junior Ranger Program, which focuses on the surrounding forest, its wildlife and waterways and protecting the environment. Kids ages six through 12 become honorary park rangers upon completion and receive a patch and certificate.

Facilities

This year-round park offers two day-use picnic shelters, perfect for large parties or family functions. Flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and grills are provided. Summer hours 8am-8pm - Off season hours: sunrise to sunset.

A swim beach, playground, horseshoe pits, car top boat launch and volleyball court offer additional recreation opportunities.

Natural Features

The 165-acre lake is surrounded by densely forested rolling hills. Shady pine, birch, poplar, maple, oak, beech, hemlock and alder trees cover the area.

Wildlife is abundant in and around the park. White-tailed deer, moose, beaver, fisher, muskrat, otter and many other mammals make their homes around the lake. Birders may observe many species including osprey, hawks, owls, great blue herons, woodpeckers, waterfowl and songbirds.

Nearby Attractions

Educational programs are offered by park rangers, and the nearby ranger station contains interpretive exhibits.

Rules and notices at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Edward MacDowell Lake is a flood control facility and the park may be flooded during severe storm events.

Day-use only. Camping or or occupancy between 8:00pm - 8:00am is prohibited.

Park grills are for charcoal use only . Please bring your own charcoal as charcoal is not provided. Burning wood or any material that is not charcoal in park grills is prohibited and subject to fines.

Carry in, carry out trash.

Pets are allowed, however, they must remain on leash and not left in a vehicle. Pets are not allowed on swim beach.

There are no life guards; it is a swim at your own risk facility.

Beach advisories may be posted at any time due to water quality issues

No glass permitted on the beach.

No ground fires; Only charcoal fires or self-contained gas grills

Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground?

Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground is rated "Hard to Book" based on historical demand. This campground is popular and often books out weeks in advance. Your best strategy is to monitor cancellations.

How do I find last-minute availability at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground have?

Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities Campground has 2 campsites.

Campgrounds