About Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Located on the New Hampshire and Maine border, Great Bay estuary is a complex embayment and New Hampshire's largest estuarine system. The Great Bay Reserve offers a diversity of land and water area, including upland forest, salt marsh, mudflats, tidal creeks, rocky intertidal, eelgrass beds, channel bottom/subtidal and upland field habitats. The reserve encompasses 10,235 acres, including approximately 7,300 acres of open water and wetlands. The Bay's cultural heritage is equally diverse, from paleo-Indian villages 6,000 years ago to colonial transportation and industrial use and ultimately protection in the face of a proposed oil refinery in 1973.
How to Get There
The reserve is located 10 miles inland from the coast of New Hampshire and the Maine border.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Heading to Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?
No central reservation system listed for Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3086) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?
The reserve is located 10 miles inland from the coast of New Hampshire and the Maine border.
How do I contact Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve?
You can reach the park at phone: 603-868-1095 or email: Kelle.Loughlin@wildlife.nh.gov.
References & Official Resources
