Pawtuckaway State Park

Pawtuckaway State Park covers approximately 5,000 acres in Nottingham, New Hampshire, making it one of the largest state parks in the southern part of the state. Built around a 783-acre lake, the park draws visitors with a combination of a genuine sandy beach, miles of forest trails, and one of the more unusual geological features in New England: a sprawling glacial boulder field that hikers travel specifically to see. Its location less than an hour from Manchester and Portsmouth keeps it busy on summer weekends, but the park is large enough that solitude is easy to find on the water or in the woods.

Pawtuckaway Lake and the Beach

The main beach on Pawtuckaway Lake is the park’s centerpiece through the summer season. The sand is real, though there are no lifeguards on duty and visitors swim at their own risk. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals are available at the beach, and a boat launch provides access for those bringing their own watercraft. The lake allows motorized boats, which means you’ll share the water with pontoon boats and anglers, particularly on weekends. Fishing for largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel is popular throughout the season. The beach area includes picnic facilities, a bathhouse, and a concession stand.

The Boulder Field and Rocky Knob Trails

The glacial erratics scattered through the park’s interior are the feature that sets Pawtuckaway apart. During the last ice age, glaciers deposited enormous boulders across the landscape, and the boulder fields here are among the most dramatic examples in New Hampshire. The South Boulder Field, accessible via trail from the main camping areas, puts you among house-sized rocks draped in moss, with narrow passages running between them. It’s a legitimately strange landscape, and it draws not only hikers but also bouldering enthusiasts who use the rocks for low-level climbing without ropes.

The trail network extends across both sides of the park, with paths leading to the summits of North, Middle, and South mountains. None of these climbs is particularly demanding, with South Mountain topping out around 900 feet, but the ridge trails offer open views over the reservoir and surrounding forest. The tower on South Mountain is no longer staffed but remains a landmark on that route. Total trail mileage in the park exceeds 25 miles, with routes ranging from flat lakeside walks to rockier ridge climbs.

Camping

Pawtuckaway offers one of the more complete camping setups in the New Hampshire state park system. The main campground has 195 sites spread across several loops, with options ranging from tent-only sites to sites that accommodate larger RVs. Five cabins are also available for reservation. Waterfront and island sites on the lake offer a more tucked-away experience while still staying within the park boundary. Facilities include flush toilets and hot showers in the main campground. Reservations are strongly recommended from late June through August and can be made through the New Hampshire state park reservation system.

Pet Policy

Leashed pets are welcome on the trails and in the campground at Pawtuckaway. Leashes must be six feet or shorter at all times. Pets are not permitted on the main swimming beach or in the designated swimming area of the lake. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Black bears are present throughout the park and are most active from spring through late fall. Campers should store food, coolers, and scented items securely in a hard-sided vehicle and follow any food-storage instructions posted by park staff. Do not leave food unattended at a picnic table, and dispose of trash promptly in the designated receptacles. Bear encounters are possible in the campground, so treating food storage as mandatory rather than optional protects both campers and the animals.

Ticks are a significant concern throughout the park, particularly along wooded trails and in brushy areas. Deer ticks capable of transmitting Lyme disease are active from early spring through late fall and can remain active on mild winter days. Wear long pants tucked into socks when hiking, use an effective repellent, and do a thorough full-body check after any time outdoors. Remove any attached ticks promptly and carefully.

Eastern timber rattlesnakes live in the rocky areas of the park, particularly around the boulder fields and rocky outcrops on the mountain trails. They are venomous and should be treated with serious respect, though they are not aggressive and generally avoid confrontation. Watch carefully where you place your hands and feet when scrambling over rocks, and never reach into crevices or under ledges you cannot see clearly. If you encounter one on a trail, give it space and walk around it.

Practical Information

Pawtuckaway State Park is located at 128 Mountain Road in Nottingham, New Hampshire, approximately 15 miles east of Manchester and 20 miles northwest of Portsmouth. From Route 101, take Exit 5 onto Route 156 north and follow signs to the park entrance on Mountain Road.

Day use fees are $5 per person for visitors ages 12 and up. Children ages 6 to 11 are $2, and children under 6 enter free. Camping fees vary depending on site type. Annual passes are available and cover day use fees at most New Hampshire state parks. The beach and staffed areas are fully operational through the summer season. Trails and the boat launch are accessible year-round, though facilities outside the main season are limited. Campground reservations can be made through the New Hampshire state park reservation system.