Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities
Campground · New Hampshire · 2 bookable sites ·
Managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers
- 2
- Bookable sites
- up to 100
- People per site
- 2
- Accessible sites
- 969 ft
- Elevation
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.The facts
- 2 bookable sites
- 2 sites for day use only
- 2 accessible sites
- Up to 100 people per site
- Loops: EDWARD MACDOWELL
Site types
- 2 Group Shelter Nonelectric
Amenities
- Picnic tables
- Grills
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, campfires allowed, fire pits.
2 campsites at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities
Check-in 8:00 AM · Check-out 8:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH1 | EDWARD MACDOWELL | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Paved | — | 40 | ♿ 🐾 |
| SH2 | EDWARD MACDOWELL | Group Shelter Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 100 | ♿ 🐾 |
Getting there
From Route 101 in Peterborough, take a right onto Union Street for 1/2-mile, then take a left onto Wilder Street and travel all the way to the end of the street.
42.89381, -71.98431 · 42°53'37.7"N 71°59'3.5"W
Typical weather
Typically 83°F in Jul, down to 32°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 35 | 43 | 56 | 68 | 77 | 83 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 47 | 37 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 22 | 34 | 45 | 55 | 60 | 58 | 51 | 38 | 29 | 20 |
| Precip in | 3.3 | 3.4 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 5.1 | 3.8 | 4.3 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities
- Can you reserve a site at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities?
- Yes, Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities have?
- 2 sites.
- Are pets allowed at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities?
- Yes, pets are allowed at Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities.
Camping near Edward MacDowell Lake Day Use Facilities
- Otter Brook Lake Recreation Area 13.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Surry Mountain Lake Beach 18.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Tully Lake Recreation Area (Ma) 20.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Elm Brook Park Rec Area 24.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Townshend Lake Recreation Area 38.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Stoughton Pond Rec Area 42.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Winhall Brook Camping Area 45.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Boott Cotton Mills Museum 38.3 mi · Visitor Center
- Richard Cronin National Salmon Station 42.7 mi · Facility
- North Bridge Visitor Center 43.4 mi · Facility
- The Wayside: Home of Authors 44.7 mi · Visitor Center
- Nashua National Fish Hatchery 45.9 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone 603-924-3431
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
Comments