Pawtuckaway State Park RV & Campground Guide
New Hampshire
- Home
- State Parks
- New Hampshire
- Pawtuckaway State Park
Featuring mountains, a marsh and a lake, Pawtuckaway State Park has a unique varied terrain to explore. Glacial erratics, and large boulders, were deposited in the area at the end of the Ice Age. The area used to have a lot of brooks that formed ponds by collecting in spouts. Rising water levels over time caused Dolloff Pond and Pawtuckaway Pond to merge and now share the name Pawtuckaway Pond. You can go boating, swimming and fishing at the beautiful Pawtuckaway Lake and trekking through more than 30 miles of the forest.
Spring 24–69 F
Summer 53–83 F
Fall 30–73 F
Winter 13–37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Pawtuckaway State Park
Pawtuckaway State Park Campground has 192 campsites available with each including a parking space, an open campfire ring and a picnic table. Many of the sites provide relaxing views of the lake. Campers have the option of renting canoes and kayaks as well as access to their own boat launch within the campground. Some of the campsites are ADA accessible. Other amenities at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground include bathhouses, a camp store, trash and recycling receptacles and a dump station.
What to Do at
Pawtuckaway State Park
Many of the trails at Pawtuckaway State Park take you to points of interest, such as a fire tower in the mountains and a field where the Ice Age glacial erratics were deposited. At the top of the fire tower, you have a beautiful view of the region, including the lake and mountains in the distance. Because a group of orienteering enthusiasts created a map of the park in 1992, Pawtuckaway State Park attracts orienteerists who enjoy navigating the land and water with a detailed map.
Fishing
Pumpkinseed, pickerel, bass and crappie are some of the top fish to target at Pawtuckaway State Park. You'll find plenty of excellent fishing spots around the lake, as there are many rocky coves that attract fish. Whether you like fishing from the shore or a boat, you can catch fish at Pawtuckaway Lake.
Geocaching
Bear Paw Hill is an easy cache to find if you don't want to venture far off the path to find the cache or if you have young children. The container includes a mix of items that both children and adults would like.
Nature Watching
Head to the marsh for a chance to see beavers, great blue herons and deer. Bring a pair of binoculars to make it easier to see wildlife that may be on the other side of the marsh.
Stargazing
Walking on one of the trails at night is a lovely way to enjoy the starry night sky. You can also stargaze from your campsite. Pawtuckaway State Park is one of the best areas for stargazing in New Hampshire.
Flora and Fauna
The forest at Pawtuckaway State Park consists of oak and hemlock trees. Other flora that you may come across while hiking are blueberries, strawberries, dewberries, wintergreens, sweet fern and cattails. Wildlife in Pawtuckaway State Park that you might spot include turtles, waterfowl and songbirds.
Hiking
South Mountain Lookout Tower Trail is one of the top trails in Pawtuckaway State Park because it takes you to the fire tower. It also has birding opportunities along the five-mile route. North Mountain Loop Trail is another path to take for stellar views of the surrounding area and birding opportunities. Take Boulder Trail to check out the ancient boulders. It's an easy 2.8-mile out-and-back route. Other hiking trails in Pawtuckaway State Park are Round Pond Trail, North Mount Pawtuckaway Trail, Fundy Trail and Middle Mountain Trail.
Boating
Standup paddleboarding is a fun way to explore Pawtuckaway Lake. You can also go kayaking and canoeing.
Swimming
You can swim in Pawtuckaway Lake when the park staff are monitoring the beach. The swimming area is roped off to help separate swimmers from boaters at Pawtuckaway State Park.
Climbing
You're allowed to climb the large glacial erratics at Pawtuckaway State Park through bouldering strategies.
Biking
Enjoy a peaceful bike ride through the forest on one of the bike-friendly trails at Pawtuckaway State Park. Just remember to check that the route you take allows biking.
How to Get to
Pawtuckaway State Park
You can take NH-156 N or NH-156 S, depending on which direction you're coming from to get to Pawtuckaway State Park, located at 128 Mountain Rd, Nottingham, NH, 03290. From the nearby city Fremont, travel on NH-156 N for about 1.4 miles, then turn left onto Mountain Road. Nearly two-and-a-half miles in, you'll reach the state park. The roads leading to the park are well-maintained and can be navigated by RVs. In the winter, however, you should drive more carefully, especially when the roads are slick or covered in snow.
Entering Pawtuckaway State Park
The beach is usually open in May after being closed for the cold season. Although Pawtuckaway State Park allows visitors during the off-season, park staff won't be available, and the comfort station shuts down. The gate is sometimes closed during the off-season as well. Pawtuckaway State Park limits the number of people on the beach, so you'll want to arrive in the morning to secure a spot. The beach is often closed to new visitors by late morning on weekends and holidays. Because of limited available parking at Pawtuckaway State Park compared to the number of visitors, the park accepts parking reservations. You can make a reservation up to 30 days in advance. You need to check in at the park office when you arrive during the main season and when staff is at the park. The main season usually runs from the Friday before Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Pawtuckaway State Park Entry Fee (visitors 12 and older) : $5.0
Pawtuckaway State Park Entry Fee (children from 6 to 11) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Pawtuckaway State Park
Spring through summer is the best time to visit Pawtuckaway State Park because the amenities are open, allowing you the most comfortable stay. The park is gorgeous from the blooming plants in spring to the falling leaves in autumn. Birders will want to visit in May or June for the highest chances of seeing the park's wide range of species.
Bird species in Pawtuckaway State Park include evening grosbeaks, blue-gray gnatcatchers, yellow-throated vireos, dark-eyed juncos and great blue herons. Other wildlife that you can find in the park are beavers, turtles and deer.
Yes, there are RV camping spots in Pawtuckaway State Park. They don't have hookups, but the park has flush restrooms, showers and a dump station. Each campsite has a fire ring and picnic table as well.
You don't have to reserve a camping spot, but it would help ensure that you get a parking spot and convenient access to the park. Pawtuckaway State Park is popular among the locals in addition to visitors, so the parking is sometimes full.
Pets aren't allowed on the beach or in the campground. However, some trails allow pets as long as they're on a leash.