Pawtuckaway State Park —
Your Complete Guide
5,500 acres on Pawtuckaway Lake in southeastern New Hampshire: a lakeside campground, a family beach, a fire tower and a field of giant boulders.
What is Pawtuckaway State Park?
Pawtuckaway State Park is a 5,500-acre New Hampshire state park in Nottingham and Deerfield, on the shore of Pawtuckaway Lake.It has a 700-foot family beach, a 192-site campground with 5 cabins, boat rentals, and trails to a fire tower on908-foot South Mountain, a large marsh and a field of glacial boulders. Day use costs $5 for adults and $2 for children 6 to 11. The park is run by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation.
The Pawtuckaway Mountains, the low rocky hills that rise over the park, are what is left of an ancient volcanic ring dike. NH State Parks dates it to 130 to 110 million years years ago. The boulders scattered across the back of the park came off those hills when the glaciers melted.
Pawtuckaway State Park at a Glance
What to Do at Pawtuckaway
Most visitors come for the lake. The hiking side of the park, with the tower and the boulders, is a separate drive around to the back of the park.
Campground
192 wooded sites and 5 electric cabins along the lake, many with water views. No hookups.
Campground Guide →
Beach
A 700-foot family beach that often fills on summer weekend mornings. No dogs, no alcohol.
Beach Guide →
Pawtuckaway Lake
About 900 acres of water with islands and coves, by the state's own measurement.
About the Lake →
South Mountain Fire Tower
About 0.4 mile from the trailhead to a state fire lookout on the 908-foot summit.
Fire Tower Hike →
Boulder Field
Giant glacial boulders dropped at the end of the Ice Age. Climbers practice on them.
Boulder Field Guide →
Boating & Kayak Rentals
Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards to rent at the park, plus a public canoe and kayak launch.
Get on the Water →Two Sides of the Park
The main entrance on Mountain Road leads to the beach, the boat rentals, the campground and the park office. The fire tower is reached from the other side: NH Forests and Lands sends hikers up Route 107 from Deerfield or Raymond to Reservation Road and a small lot at the base of South Mountain. NH State Parks' own video tour puts the boulder field on the same back side of the park, just down the road from the South Mountain trailhead.Parking and directions for both sides.
When to Go
Searches for the park peak in summer, and so do the crowds. The beach often fills on weekend and holiday mornings, so arrive early or book a beach pass. In fall the beach goes unstaffed (September 27 in 2026), while the hiking side stays staffed until November 12 that year.Plan your visit.
Carry In, Carry Out
There are no trash cans on the mountains or around the park grounds. Whatever you bring in, you take home, including food scraps. Drones may not take off or land anywhere in a New Hampshire state park. The full rules.
How to Get to Pawtuckaway State Park
On busy summer days the limit is parking, not the drive. Book ahead or come early.
Main Entrance
128 Mountain Rd., Nottingham, NH 03290. The beach, campground, rentals and office are here. Parking guide.
Hiking Side
Route 107 to Reservation Road, then follow the signs to the South Mountain lot, per NH Forests and Lands. Fire tower hike.
Park Office
Phone (603) 895-3031. The office keeps longer hours on Friday and Saturday. Hours and fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get into Pawtuckaway State Park?
$5 for adults 12 and over and $2 for children 6 to 11. Children 5 and under get in free, and so do New Hampshire residents 65 and over with a valid NH license. Camping is priced separately.
Where is Pawtuckaway State Park?
In Nottingham and Deerfield, New Hampshire. The park's address is 128 Mountain Rd., Nottingham, NH 03290, and the office phone is (603) 895-3031.
Do you need a reservation for Pawtuckaway?
Not always, but it helps. Parking is limited on nice weekends and holidays. NH State Parks sells separate beach and hiking passes online up to 30 days ahead; walk-in spaces are first come, first served.
Can you swim at Pawtuckaway?
Yes, at the 700-foot beach on Pawtuckaway Lake. It often reaches capacity on weekend and holiday mornings, and once it does, no more visitors are let in.
Are dogs allowed at Pawtuckaway?
Yes, on a leash, on the hiking trails, in the campground, cabins and pavilions. Dogs are not allowed in the beach day-use area.
Is Pawtuckaway open in winter?
NH State Parks says the park is always open for recreation unless closed or restricted by posting. Off-season it is usually unstaffed, restrooms are closed and gates may be shut.