Ware's Grove Beach
Swimming hole in Spofford, New Hampshire · Lake
Ware's Grove Beach on Spofford Lake in Chesterfield, New Hampshire is the town’s public paid swim beach open to non-residents — typically about $8 for an adult day visit in season. It is not the residents-only North Shore Beach; swim inside buoy lines and follow lightning closures.
Typical season: Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a
About Ware's Grove Beach
**Ware's Grove Beach** on **Spofford Lake** in Chesterfield is the town’s **public paid swim beach**. open to non-residents (typically about **$8 adult** day visit; residents less). It is **not** North Shore Beach, which is Chesterfield residents only. Season runs Memorial Day, Labor Day, roughly 9 a.m., dusk. Swim inside buoy lines; children under 15 need an adult. Thunder closes the beach for about 30 minutes after the last strike. No pets (service animals excepted), no vessel launching from the sand, no alcohol or glass.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 11 Ware's Grove Beach, Route 9A, Spofford, NH 03462
- Water type
- Lake
- Water body
- Spofford Lake
- Fee
- Paid — about $5 resident adult / $8 non-resident adult (season passes available; confirm Chesterfield NH)
- Nearest town
- Spofford
- State
- New Hampshire
- Coordinates
- 42.90200, -72.44440
- Best season
- Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m.–dusk. Weekdays are quieter than holiday weekends.
- Access difficulty
- Easy — developed beach access at 11 Ware’s Grove Beach / Route 9A, Spofford.
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Dogs allowed
- No
- Camping
- None on the beach — nearby private Spofford Lake lodging only.
- Activities
- Swimming, picnicking (no vessel launching from the beach)
- Facilities
- Snack shack (seasonal), restrooms, playground equipment, shallow sandy entry.
- Listing last updated
- September 30, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitMemorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m., dusk. Weekdays are quieter than holiday weekends.
- AccessEasy. developed beach access at 11 Ware’s Grove Beach / Route 9A, Spofford.
- FacilitiesSnack shack (seasonal), restrooms, playground equipment, shallow sandy entry.
- Camping nearbyNone on the beach. nearby private Spofford Lake lodging only.
Highlights & features
- Public Spofford Lake beach
- Open to non-residents
- Keene NH day trip
- Public paid Spofford Lake beach open to non-residents
- Not the residents-only North Shore Beach
- Memorial Day–Labor Day town beach with lightning protocol
How to get there
11 Ware's Grove Beach / Route 9A, Spofford, NH 03462.
1. From Keene, follow Route 9 toward Chesterfield / Spofford Lake and Route 9A to Ware's Grove.
2. Pay the day fee at the entrance when staffed; park only in designated beach lots.
3. Enter through the beach gate — stay inside buoy lines once swimming.
4. Do not confuse the drive with North Shore (residents only).
Snack shack and restrooms are seasonal when open.
Plan your visit
Weekdays beat holiday weekends. Bring cash for day fees, towels, and shade. No kayak launch from this beach. use other Spofford access if you need boats. Pair with a Keene meal rather than packing glass or alcohol onto the sand.
Access & fees
Public paid beach; non-residents welcome. North Shore is a different, residents-only site. Lightning closures enforced. No pets, no vessel launching.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ware's Grove the same as North Shore Beach?
No. North Shore is Chesterfield residents only. Ware’s Grove is the public paid beach.
Can you launch kayaks from Ware's Grove?
No — vessel launching from the beach is prohibited.
Are pets allowed at Ware's Grove Beach?
No (service animals excepted).
What if there is thunder at Ware's Grove?
The beach closes and typically stays closed for 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning.
What happens if there is thunder?
The beach closes and typically stays closed for 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning.
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