Bear Brook State Park - Allenstown, NH Ph: 603-485-9874- This huge state park has visitor facilities including a sandy swimming beach with lifeguards, a bathouse and restrooms, canoe rentals, a boat launch, a store and a fishing area all on Catamount Pond. There are also large pavillions and picnic areas in a wooded section of the park. Some parts of the park are handicapped accessible.

Clough State Park - Weare, NH Ph: 603-529-7112 - This park (pronounced CLUFF) sits in hollow at the bottom of the Everett Flood Control Dam project. The pond is generally about 140 acres across, and the beach is 900 feet long, sandy and pleasant. The surrounding area is wooded and offers great picnicking, and you'll never guess you're so close to Manchester or Concord. There is a bathhouse with restrooms, and lifeguards on duty. Fishing is allowed.

Pawtuckaway State Park - Nottingham and Raymond, NH Ph: 603-895-3031 - This very popular park offers a 700 foot sandy beach on Pawtuckaway Lake, with a bathhouse, restrooms and lifeguards on duty. There is a picnic area near the beach, and hiking trails wind throughout the park. Canoe rentals and a boat launch are also available.

Silver Lake State Park - Hollis, NH Ph: 603-465-9392 - This park offers swimming on a 1000 foot sandy beach, with lifeguards and a bathhouse with restrooms. Enjoy picnicking, volleyball and plenty of room to spread out, but proximity to Nashua and Massachusetts guarantees that this park will be full on any summer weekend.