Tamworth Town Guide: Where to Eat, Stay and Explore

Tamworth is the kind of New Hampshire town that people drive through on Route 16 on the way to North Conway, and then wish they had stopped. It has a mountain that is one of the most photographed in the world, a state park with a rare pine forest, the oldest professional summer theater in the country, and a museum farm that still raises its own beef. This guide covers things to do in Tamworth NH, plus places to stay and a few local stops worth the detour.

Late summer is a lovely time to visit. The lake water is at its warmest, the theater season is in full swing, and the evenings start to cool off in a way that makes a campfire feel just right.

Tamworth at a glance

Tamworth is a town in Carroll County, on the southern edge of the White Mountains. The 2020 census counted 2,812 residents. The town includes several villages, among them Chocorua, South Tamworth, Wonalancet and Whittier, along with Tamworth village itself.

Because the town is spread out across several villages, it pays to plan by area. Route 16 passes White Lake State Park and Chocorua, while the theater and the museum farm are in Tamworth village.

Outdoor highlights

Mount Chocorua and Chocorua Lake

Mount Chocorua is the signature view of the area. Wikipedia lists its elevation at 3,480 feet and notes that its bare, rocky summit cone makes it one of the most photographed mountains in the world. The view from Chocorua Lake, where the peak often reflects in the water, was chosen to represent the White Mountain National Forest on the New Hampshire quarter issued by the U.S. Mint in 2013.

You do not have to climb the mountain to enjoy it. Many visitors simply pull off near Chocorua Lake for photos, especially early in the morning or near sunset. Hikers who do want the summit should research routes and conditions carefully before setting out, since the rocky top is exposed.

White Lake State Park

White Lake State Park is a 902.7-acre public recreation area in Tamworth. Its standout feature is a 72-acre stand of pitch pine trees that was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1980. The park offers swimming, hiking, non-motorized boating, picnicking, trout fishing and seasonal camping.

For families, White Lake is often the anchor of a Tamworth trip. Spend the morning on the beach, then drive a few minutes for lunch or a museum visit.

Arts and history

The Barnstormers Theatre

The Barnstormers Theatre on Main Street in Tamworth village is a true piece of American theater history. According to Wikipedia, it is the oldest ongoing professional summer theater in the United States. It was founded in 1931 by Francis Cleveland, son of President Grover Cleveland, together with his wife Alice and their friend Ed Goodnow. Francis Cleveland served as artistic director until his death in 1995.

Seeing a show here is one of the best ways to spend a summer evening in the area. Check the theater's own site for the current season and tickets.

Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm

The Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm is a rural life museum and historic farmstead in Tamworth village. It tells the story of two country doctors, Dr. Edwin Remick and his son, Dr. Edwin "Doc" Crafts Remick, alongside the farm's agricultural history.

The museum center offers self-guided exhibits on the Remick farmstead, a country doctor's medical practice, and tourism in Tamworth. The Captain Enoch Remick House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Outside, the Binsack Trail is a short walk with views of the farmstead and Mount Chocorua, with interpretive kiosks along the way.

The farm also sells its own farm-raised beef, and it is part of the NH Barn Trail, a statewide initiative of the University of New Hampshire Extension that opened in 2026. It makes a good stop for families and history fans alike.

ArtWorks Chocorua

ArtWorks Chocorua is a creative arts center with a gallery on Route 16 in Chocorua. It offers workshops and art nights, making it a good stop for anyone interested in the local arts scene. Check its website for current programs.

Food and drink

Whippletree Winery

Whippletree Winery is a small New Hampshire winery on Turkey Street in Tamworth. The winery offers tastings and a wine club, and it notes that no reservations are needed for a visit. It also sells its wines online and through local retailers.

Getting there is part of the fun. The winery's directions say that from Ossipee you follow Route 16 north and turn onto Maple Road, and from Conway you follow Route 16 south and turn onto Chocorua Road (NH-113). Check the winery's site for current tasting days before you go.

Tamworth is a small town, so many visitors pair a winery visit with a meal in nearby Conway or Ossipee. Plan ahead if you want a sit-down dinner before a show.

Where to stay

Foothills Family Campground

Foothills Family Campground is a family- and veteran-owned RV park on Route 16 in Tamworth, just north of White Lake State Park. It describes 22 acres of wooded land with tall pine trees for shade, and campsites with picnic tables and fire rings for RVs, tents and van campers.

The amenities list is long for a small campground. It includes an in-ground swimming pool and a spring-fed fishing pond stocked annually with trout for catch-and-release fishing, with no license required. Kayaks and a paddle boat are available for guests, and there is a dog park, a playground and disc golf. It is a strong pick for families who want to stay near White Lake.

The Preserve at Chocorua

The Preserve at Chocorua is a wedding and event estate on Philbrick Neighborhood Road. It describes itself as "a magical White Mountain estate where time stands still." The property includes a barn and the Sailcloth Pavilion for events, plus accommodations in a farmhouse, cottages and a carriage house.

It is primarily a venue, so it is best suited to couples planning a wedding or groups planning a retreat. If you are thinking about a mountain wedding, it is worth a look.

Planning your visit

Here is a simple way to structure a Tamworth day:

1. Morning: Stop at Chocorua Lake for photos of the mountain, then head to White Lake State Park for a swim.

2. Midday: Drive to Tamworth village and walk the Binsack Trail at the Remick museum.

3. Afternoon: Browse ArtWorks Chocorua or visit Whippletree Winery.

4. Evening: Catch a performance at the Barnstormers Theatre.

A few tips:

• Bring a map or download one. Cell coverage can be patchy in rural parts of town.
• Check seasonal schedules. Many of Tamworth's attractions are seasonal, so confirm current dates on each business's site.
• Pair Tamworth with Conway. North Conway is a short drive up Route 16 if you want more restaurants and shopping.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Tamworth, New Hampshire?

Tamworth is in Carroll County, on the southern edge of the White Mountains, along Route 16 south of Conway.

What is Tamworth known for?

Mount Chocorua, White Lake State Park, the Barnstormers Theatre and the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm are among its best-known attractions.

Is the Barnstormers really the oldest summer theater?

Wikipedia describes it as the oldest ongoing professional summer theater in the United States, founded in 1931.

Can you camp in Tamworth?

Yes. White Lake State Park offers seasonal camping, and Foothills Family Campground is a private campground on Route 16.

Sources

• Tamworth, New Hampshire, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamworth,_New_Hampshire
• Mount Chocorua, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Chocorua
• White Lake State Park, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Lake_State_Park
• Barnstormers Theatre, Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barnstormers_Theatre
• Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm official site and about page: https://www.remickmuseum.org/about
• ArtWorks Chocorua official site: https://chocoruaartworks.wordpress.com/
• Whippletree Winery official site: https://www.whippletreewinery.com/
• Foothills Family Campground official site and amenities page: https://www.thefoothills.com/amenities
• The Preserve at Chocorua official site: https://www.reservethepreserve.com/