Pawtuckaway State Park FAQ
Straight answers to the questions people ask most.
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 and NH residents 65 and over with a valid NH license get in free. See Hours & Fees.
Where is Pawtuckaway State Park?
In Nottingham and Deerfield, New Hampshire. The main entrance is 128 Mountain Rd., Nottingham, NH 03290. The fire tower trailhead is reached from Route 107 and Reservation Road, and the boulder field is on the same back side of the park; see Parking & Directions.
Do you need a reservation for Pawtuckaway?
Not to visit, but parking is limited on nice weekends and holidays. A beach or hiking pass can be booked up to 30 days ahead, and campsites 11 months ahead. See Reservations.
Can you bring dogs to Pawtuckaway?
Yes, on a leash, on the hiking trails and in the campground, cabins and pavilions. Dogs are not allowed in the beach day-use area. See Rules.
Can you swim at Pawtuckaway?
Yes, at the 700-foot beach on Pawtuckaway Lake. It often fills on weekend and holiday mornings and then closes to new arrivals. Check the NHDES Healthy Swimming map for advisories first.
How long is the hike to the Pawtuckaway fire tower?
About 0.4 mile from trailhead #6 at the South Mountain lot off Reservation Road, or 2.4 miles on the Mountain Trail from past Mountain Pond. The summit is 908 feet. See Fire Tower.
Where is the Pawtuckaway boulder field?
On the back side of the park, near the South Mountain trailhead off Reservation Road, not at the main beach entrance. Climbers practice on the boulders. See Boulder Field.
Does Pawtuckaway campground have hookups?
No. None of the 192 sites has electric or water hookups, and there is no RV dump station. The 5 cabins have electricity. See Campground.
How much is a campsite at Pawtuckaway?
In 2026 a standard site was $35 a night for two adults and up to four children, plus a booking fee. Waterfront sites and cabins cost more. See Campground.
Can you rent kayaks at Pawtuckaway?
Yes. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards rent for $20 an hour, first come, first served. You need a driver's license. See Boating.
How big is Pawtuckaway Lake?
900 acres, according to the NH Department of Environmental Services, with a deepest point of about 50 feet. See Pawtuckaway Lake.
Is alcohol allowed at Pawtuckaway?
Not at the beach. NH State Parks prohibits alcohol in the Pawtuckaway beach area and the day-use area.
Is Pawtuckaway open in winter?
Yes, for recreation, unless a closure is posted. Off-season it is usually unstaffed, restrooms are closed and gates may be shut. See Hours.
How big is Pawtuckaway State Park?
About 5,500 acres in Nottingham and Deerfield. The highest point is North Mountain, 1011 feet. See About the Park.
Who manages Pawtuckaway?
The New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation (NH State Parks). The park office is (603) 895-3031.
