The Bellamy River is a tidal river in southeastern New Hampshire, flowing from Swains Lake in Barrington eastward through Madbury and Dover before emptying into Little Bay, part of the Great Bay estuary. Paddling here is a tidal experience, requiring careful planning around the tide cycle. The best times to paddle are typically one to two hours before high tide to ensure adequate water depth, especially in the upper reaches. Paddlers should consult local tide charts for the Bellamy River Access Wildlife Preserve area to plan trips that work with the current, avoiding strong opposing flows. The river is relatively protected from wind and open water fetch for much of its length, though conditions can change near its confluence with Little Bay.

Key access points include the Cedar Point Launch in Durham, which offers a launch point with parking. Another primary access is via Bellamy Road off Route 4 in Dover, where there is a cartop launch with 24-hour, no-fee parking and seasonal restrooms; this site is managed as part of the Bellamy River Wildlife Management Area. The adjacent Bellamy River Wildlife Sanctuary, with its 400 acres of woodlands and trails, also provides public access to the river. The overall character is one of a quiet, natural exploration through tidal creeks and wetlands, with views of woodlands and the wildlife management area. The river supports diverse wildlife, and paddlers may see various bird species and other animals in the sanctuary and surrounding wetlands. The water is part of the Great Bay estuary system, and its quality is influenced by tidal flows. For a route, paddlers can explore from the Bellamy Road access downstream, with the distance one can travel limited by water depth and tide. The area is used for multiple activities including hunting, fishing, hiking, and cross-country skiing, so paddlers should be aware of other users, particularly during hunting seasons.