Just outside the town of Raymond, New Hampshire in Nottingham is one of the better state parks in New Hampshire’s State Park System. Pawtuckaway State Park has a good sized lake for swimming and boating, great camping, cabins for rent and hiking opportunities.
Being our local park we take advantage of the nice swimming beach on the lake with its associated playground and picnic areas. The beach is shallow and sandy perfect for young family members.
The campground at the park is spectacular. Many of the sites are nicely spaced and provide a secluded camping experience right on the lakeshore. There are canoe and kayak rentals available. and the swimming beach is only a short walking distance from most sites.
There are weeklong (Saturday to Saturday) cabin rentals available as well.
On the west side of the park there is an access road winding through forests and ponds.
Short hikes will bring you to a fire tower and excellent examples of glacial erratics.
Pawtuckaway is a great park for a week of family camping or if in the area it is also great for day use. If you are staying at the campground and want a night out I suggest The Tuckaway Tavern in Raymond as a good spot for a nice meal. They also have a nice butcher shop to pick up meat for the barbeque.
