General Use: We ask that visitors to Bearcamp Pond comply with local parking ordinances as well as state guidelines for boat conveyance and travel. The beach is open to both Tamworth and Sandwich residents. Parking stickers must be affixed to cars in the parking lot and beach launch areas. Please be mindful of noise levels. The pond’s water surface reflects and amplifies sound, carrying it much farther than visitors may realize.
2. Shore line Protection: We ask that visitors follow state recommendations regarding landscaping and beachfronts on or near the shoreline. These include restrictions on the use of soaps or phosphorus containing detergents. For more information please visit: https://www.des.nh.gov/land/waterfront-development/protected-shoreland
3. Protecting our loons: There have been loons on Bearcamp Pond since the early 1980’s, usually with a pair of chicks. It is imperative that we all respect the loons and their habitat. Please obey signs posted at the entrance of their nesting area prohibiting boaters from entering. Enjoy the loons from a distance. Occasionally, they will pop out of the water near you. Simply enjoy them quietly until they move on. One of the greatest dangers to the loons is the use of lead sinkers. Loons sometimes swallow small pebbles as part of their digestive process, and they confuse fishing sinkers with pebbles. Use of lead sinkers is now illegal in NH. Please Use lead-free fishing tackle only.
4. Boats: Bearcamp Pond is small and relatively shallow, making it very sensitive to pollutant and invasive material. Tires & wheels and other parts of trailers, and the bottom of boats can introduce unwanted invasive plants and animals such as Eurasian milfoil and Asian Clam into the pond that can cause severe damage to the Pond’s health. If you bring boats, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, etc., that have been in other waters be sure to wash the watercraft and all trailer parts thoroughly, inspect them, and remove all plant and animal material before putting them into Bearcamp Pond. There is a 10 MPH speed limit on the pond so motorboats are discouraged. Boat Self Inspection Brochure
5. Fireworks: Please refrain from setting off fireworks near the shoreline. They frighten wildlife, and the residue pollutes the water with toxins. Some of these chemicals dispersed by fireworks are known carcinogens. Click here for information.