Recreation Facilities/Activities
The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. year-around and offers 1,194 acres of land and water for fun, relaxation and enjoyment of nature. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, horseshoe pits, volleyball net, a swimming beach (no lifeguards, swim at your own risk), hiking trails, a boat ramp, and a cartop canoe/kayak launch. Public facilities include restrooms, picnic shelters, and water fountains are ADA accessible and available during park hours June- August. Picnic shelters can be reserved for a fee, (Unreserved shelters are available for use on a first come, first served basis).
You are invited to hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski on trails that wander through woodlands and wetlands surrounding the lake. The many diverse habitats offer exciting opportunities to view wildlife and the scenic beauty of nature. Bring your binoculars and cameras for some spectacular sites and scenery.
The lake attracts many people both recreationists and naturalists to explore the waterways by canoe, kayak or boat. Access to the water is available by using the Richardson Road Boat Launch located on the north end of the reservoir or the cartop canoe/kayak launch near the swim beach. Motorized watercraft is permitted at Edward MacDowell Lake. Staff recommends using electric or low horsepower motors as the lake is shallow and unsuitable for large, motorized watercraft.
The public is welcome to enjoy hunting and fishing in accordance with state and local laws. A wide variety of game species including bear, deer, turkey, raccoon, pheasant, grouse, and waterfowl can be found at Edward MacDowell Lake. Largemouth bass, Eastern Chain pickerel, yellow perch, and Brown Bullhead challenge anglers. Trapping is permitted through the State of New Hampshire's trapping permit lottery system.
NOTE:
We are a carry-in, carry-out facility. Please remember to bring bags for trash and pet waste.
Pets must remain leashed while in the park.
Park grills are for charcoal use only. Burning of wood or other combustible items in park grills is strictly prohibited.
Fees and Reservations
Two picnic shelters are available at Edward MacDowell Lake that may be reserved for a fee:
Lake Overlook, Shelter #2 (SH2)*:
- Weekend / Holiday Reservation Fee: $100/day.
- Weekday Reservation Fee: $50/day.
- Capacity: 80 - 100 people
- ADA Accessible
- Amenities: Cooking grills, water, restroom, horseshoe pits, volleyball court nearby, ample parking
- Beautiful view of reservoir and Skatutakee Mountain Range
*Please note that electricity is no longer available
Dam Overlook, Shelter #1 (SH1):
- Weekend / Holiday Reservation Fee: $60.00
- Weekday Reservation Fee: $30.00
- Capacity: 35 - 40 people
- Amenities: Cooking grills, water, restroom, ample parking
- Views of Dam and Nubanusit Brook
Note: Shelter reservations are made through the National Recreation Reservation Service at 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov.
Interpretive Programs
A special program can be one that the Park Ranger has prepared, such as Water Safety, the Water Cycle, The History of the Corps of Engineers, Flood Control or Junior Project Manager. Rangers can also prepare a program that deals with the Corps of Engineers and it's missions, water resources or natural resources and tailor it to your needs. Our Rangers can set up a program for your group to visit the Dam or you can take advantage of our Rangers coming to your school or group for these programs. Please call or email to schedule a program for your school or group.
Natural Resources
Corps Rangers are responsible for the management of the natural resources at Edward MacDowell Lake. Ecosystem management techniques are applied to promote a healthy forest, enhance wildlife habitat and provide outdoor recreational opportunities for future generations.
Forest management practices include thinning, pruning, selective cutting, and planting of trees to improve timber quality. Pine, birch, poplar, maple, oak, beech, hemlock, and alder are some of the common trees found in this area.
Wildlife management helps to insure food, cover, and nesting habitat for a variety of species. Whitetail deer, moose, beaver, fisher, muskrat, otter, and many other mammals make their homes around the lake. Bird watchers may observe many species including osprey, hawks, owls, great blue herons, woodpeckers, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Updated June 29, 2022