The best camping near Pawtuckaway State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Pawtuckaway State Park adventure.

100% (14 reviews)
100% (14 reviews)

The lake is the star attraction at this popular New Hampshire park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Pawtuckaway State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Pawtuckaway State Park

100%
(131)

Souhegan Shores

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Merrimack, NH
January Update: So the roads to the sites are passable to any type of vehicle. If Southern NH gets a thaw and rain and you have a 2WD vehicle play it safe and please check in with your host to confirm your vehicle won't have difficulty getting back up the slight rise to exit the sites. (back to our regularly scheduled campsite description...) Site-1 is located under the trees adjacent to a 3 acre meadow and Christmas Tree farm. Camp near the bank of the Souhegan River in the shade of white pine, shag bark hickory and blue birch while listening to the river tumble over the ledges upstream. In season, enjoy the swimming hole 100 feet from your campsite. On the other side of the privacy fence is a pasture where two horses graze. If you don't like friendly dogs then you'll be better off on site 2 where we have a better chance of keeping our dog Wilson from dropping in to visit. He loves people too much not to want to greet folks on Site 1. Site-2 is located at the farthest most downstream end of the property and from mid-May to mid-October it is totally private. You'll see nothing from your site except for trees and the river. If you or your dog don't like other dogs, this is the site you want. Still no guarantee Wilson won't visit you, but it's easier to keep Wilson away from this corner of the property. The other side of the river is town conservation land so the only people you're likely to see will be passing by in kayaks or on paddleboards. In the dry season, both sites are a great place to start a float trip and you'll likely have the next 1.5 miles all to yourself since the rapids up stream become unpassable in July and August. If planning a winter trip, just check ahead to ensure your host has finished plowing the access road. If southern NH gets really clobbered with snow, check with your host about the possibility of constructing snow shelters. He's been known to mound up snow with the tractor. You are only two traffic lights away from the Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall should you need something to do during inclement weather.
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$30
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100%
(312)

Hussey Mountain Tree Farm

7 sites · RVs, Tents87 acres · Farmington, NH
ATFS Certified Tree Farm Est. 2004 Camp with your group at our private Tree Farm / Conservation / Recreation Area. Established in 2004, we are an 87 acre ATFS certified Tree Farm located in the Blue Hills Range in the Foothills to NH’s White Mountains. Choose from one of four unique sites / outdoor spaces to best fit your camping needs; book a combination to reserve a section of the mountain, or book all four sites for total privacy or for events. Our Farm spans the northerly side of Hussey Mountain from the base to the summit. Guests are provided with private access to several miles of multi-use nature trails, multiple scenic lookouts, a three acre PYO blueberry maze, and a dock on our private eight acre pond with available boat rentals. At the 2WD shared parking area guests are provided with a outdoor shower with hot and cold water, a portable toilet, garden hose for washing, a power strip for charging devices, and a spigot with potable water for filling containers. Over two decades ago we created our first campsite for the purpose of hosting family and friends. Folks enjoyed camping on the mountain so much they often would choose our farm over traditional campgrounds. Hosting campers became a regular weekend event, and to accommodate more people we created three more sites spread out across the property. In 2020, we came across the Hipcamp app and started offering private reservations to the public. Since, we have been hosting campers on a daily basis and continuously improving our sites / infrastructure / views. We’re excited to see what the next two decades hold; come join us on the mountain! Things to do on the mountain SPRING-FALL include... Hiking on several miles of maintained nature trails marked with clear signage for easy day/night navigation. Relaxing/taking in the scenery from several scenic lookouts located on and around the mountain’s summit; combined they provide a 360-degree view spanning from the NH/ME Seacoast to the White Mountains of NH, to the Green Mountains of VT. Fishing, paddling, swimming, or relaxing on our dock. Bird/wildlife watching, berry picking, stargazing and leaf peeping. This is a place you can easily spend a few days and keep busy! That said, if you’re looking to venture off-mountain and explore we’re in a great area to do that. We’re located only 7 minutes off Exit 14, NH Route 16 N. Places to visit nearby include... Baxter lake (public access) 5 minutes south. Portsmouth 25 minutes south. Lake Winnipesaukee 20 minutes north. Gunstock mountain resort 25 minutes north. NH’s White Mountains 40 minutes north. Conway 1 hour north. Things to do on the mountain in WINTER include... With snow, our unique network of forestry trails and glades are transformed into downhill ski/snowboard runs, snowshoe routes, and snowmobile trails. Site 1 Base Camp becomes ski-in, ski-out and is our only available site during ski season.
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$69
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95%
(55)

Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground

100 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Littleton, MA
Escape the bustle without sacrificing convenience at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Nestled in historic Littleton’s pine forests, our campground offers a peaceful retreat steps away from iconic National Historic Parks and Walden Pond. Choose wooded or open sites for your RV or tent, enjoy modern amenities like our heated pool and rec hall, and let the kids and pups run free in the playground and dog runs. Need a break from cooking? Our camp store has you covered, plus local restaurants deliver! Cozy cabins are also available. Don’t miss out on this unique blend of nature and city access – book your stay today! Relax in the heart of history at Spacious Skies Minute Man. Our campground’s tranquil, wooded setting near legendary Walden Pond and National Historic Parks offers the perfect escape from everyday life. Whether you’re in an RV, tent, or one of our cozy cabins, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable adventure: picnic tables, fire rings, full hookups, plus a heated pool, playground, rec hall, and even dog runs for your furry companions. Need a break from camp cooking? Our well-stocked camp store has essentials, and nearby restaurants offer takeout and delivery options for those lazy campground evenings. Explore the rich history of the region, immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility, or take a quick trip into Boston – the choice is yours! Spacious Skies Minute Man provides a unique blend of outdoor adventure and urban access. Don’t miss your chance to experience the best of both worlds! Our prime location and fantastic amenities mean sites fill up quickly. Book your getaway today and create memories that will last a lifetime at Spacious Skies Minute Man.
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$92
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Campers Welcome to The Wolf Swamp.

14 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Canterbury, NH
The property used to be part of the old Johanson farm, it was a 200 acre dairy farm a hundred years ago. when the State put in the highway (I-93) in 1961 it split the farmland in half. The old stagecoach road which runs through the property from Canterbury Station to Northfield Station is now part of the main trails system. The early Pony Express riders dubbed the swamp on the land "Wolf Swamp", because there were many reports of riders seeing Wolves in the Swamp. The property is very open, although the sites are very spread out and secluded for ultimate privacy. There are several great hiking trails on the property, also used by local mountain bikers and Horseback Riding. Occasionally there will be an ATV or Dirt Bike passing through. We are located in the Heart of the local Trail system. There are several great places to swim and Kayak or Canoe literally around the corner. There are also lots of great local attractions close by, many that have Farm Stores, Shops, Homemade Gifts, Breads, Pies, Cheeses and we even have a few local Breweries. There is something for everyone, just ask and we will point you in the Right Direction.
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$42.75
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(35)

Yurty Expectations Conga Camp Maine

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Parsonsfield, ME
Learn more about this land: Very quiet and relaxing adventure surrounds you.  Miles of trails, local sites hilltop views, warm white sand lakes to swim. Bikes, a few kayaks lots of trails.  Wood heated Yurt , snow shoes, ice cleats ,Wood-fired hot tub YEAR-ROUND But you'll need 4 or more in your group and at least 2 nights Additional Hot tub useage criteria Just some add on extras available on request ahead of your stay. Hot tub use With 2 persons and a 2 night stay -additional fee $115 . Hot tub for 3 people and again 2 night stay additional $85 This property is one large Yurt can easily fit up to 7 adults or more if children or teen group. The last two weekends just prior to Halloween a large regional organization turns an old academy into a 25 room Haunted House..called The Haunting there is a fee and only 5 minutes away. We've been to it a number of times it is great
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$50
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89%
(31)

Spacious Skies French Pond Campground

124 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Henniker, NH
Escape to Spacious Skies French Pond Campground, a family-friendly oasis in the heart of New Hampshire’s natural beauty. Whether you crave the cozy comfort of a spacious RV site or the thrill of tent camping under the stars, you’ll find your perfect adventure here. Swim, fish, and boat in the pristine waters of French Pond, relax by our saltwater pool, and let the kids roam free on ATV trails. With a historic pavilion and nostalgic rec hall, there’s something for everyone at Spacious Skies. Discover why lake camping is the ultimate getaway – click below to explore! Nestled amidst the vibrant forests of southern New Hampshire, Spacious Skies French Pond Campground is your ticket to unforgettable family getaways. Find your home-away-from-home with our range of wooded and open RV sites, all equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, essential hookups, and sewer connections. Spacious tent sites welcome adventurers seeking a classic camping experience. No matter your style, Spacious Skies has the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect with your loved ones. Let the pristine waters of French Pond be your playground! Swim, kayak, canoe, paddleboat, or cast a line for a relaxing day by the lake. Prefer a dip in the pool? Take advantage of our refreshing saltwater pool – we’ll even heat it up for those cooler days. With ATV trails nearby, the excitement extends beyond the campground for thrill-seeking families wanting a little extra action. Spacious Skies French Pond isn’t just about the outdoors – we’ve got something for everyone. Gather in our historic pavilion for lively events or a spontaneous dance party. Our nostalgic rec hall, complete with a vintage player piano, takes you back to the simple joys of classic camp life. From lakeside relaxation to memory-making adventures, you’ll find it all at Spacious Skies. Don’t miss out – book your getaway today!
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$46
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99%
(68)

Waterfront Woodsy Glamping

5 sites · Lodging27 acres · Bennington, NH
Find some info and links to a few of the unique accommodations on our property, in Southern NH, which is 27 acres on the Contoocook River and Powder Mill Pond. Be it swimming, kayaking, boating, sunning, hiking, biking, or fishing; spectacular fall foliage, and bird watching or winter sports like skiing, boarding, ice skating, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing,....take time out to enjoy what nature has to offer to the fullest, right here in your new backyard. Explore nature’s wonderland; starting with 27 acres of woods and waterfront beauty on Powder Mill Pond and the Contoocook River. During the warmer weather, you can hop in one of the kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats, (on-site for a small rental fee), sunbathe on the refreshing 30 ft. lily pad, or simply relax in the swing or hammock looking out over Mount Monadnock. During the winter, cross country ski, ice skate or fish or strap-on a pair of the complimentary snowshoes, ...while year round, enjoy sharing s’mores and stories by the fire pit!
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$160
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(40)

Ponderings at White Pond

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Concord Ma, MA
Once written about by Henry David Thoreau in Walden. He called it one of the "emerald eyes of the world" . A magical place yet so close to Boston.Learn more about this land:This winter we are offering up our cottage with an additional winterized tent for studio or additional guests.  You need to walk about 100 yards down a gravel path to get to our secluded home. It is heated with two pellet stoves. One in the bedroom wing, the other in the livingroom/kitchen.  Skating, ice fishing, and crosscountry skiing right outside your door when the weather is right. Peace and calm when the weather is harsh. The house is fully stocked with cooking. linens, and a bathroom.  During the summer, glamping in our greenhouse-tent for peace and tranquility.  It is under a canopy of trees with a cool pond breeze prevailing. The bed and linens are first rate for a very comfortable stay. There are shelves, potable water and a desk within. It is heated in the cool temps and fan cooled in the warmer days.  There is a canoe and paddleboard available to borrow. The main house is attached by decks, the bathroom is shared with the main house and there is a kitchen for you to use. The 40 acre pond is 65 feet deep. It is a kettle pond which is spring fed with no river inlets to pollute it.  Access is a little tricky with 100 yard hike from the parking area down a steep slope.  The pond is stocked with bass and trout for great fishing. The birds are amazing.  Henry David Thoreau wrote about White Pond in his book, Walden as the "emerald eyes of the world."  This is a place that magic happens.
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$125
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Bakers Island Light Campsite

3 sites · Tents10 acres · Beverly, MA
Bakers Island Light Station is located on Bakers Island in Salem Sound, a 60-acre island with a large summer colony. The lighthouse stands at 59 feet tall and continues to guide ships in and out of Salem Harbor with an alternating 20-second white-red light. The 10-acre light station, which includes six historic structures such as two keepers houses, an oil house, and a lantern room (now operating as a gift shop), is located in the northwest quadrant of the island and was formally owned and operated by the US Coast Guard. The rest of the island is in private ownership including the Bakers Island Wharf. The deed to historic Bakers Island Light Station was transferred on August 27, 2014, from the United States government to the Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage). Learn more about this land: Rated #1 Hipcamp site in Massachusetts by Outdoor Magazine in 2020! Enjoy the sights and sounds of off-the-grid coastal living at the Bakers Island Light Station Campsite. Set up your tent on a raised platform and take in the beauty of Salem Sound. Meet the summer lighthouse keepers, stroll through island trails, and unwind...just three miles off the coast of Salem! Getting to camp: PLEASE READ - the only way to get to Bakers Island Light Campsite is by boat. You have three options: 1) Use your own kayaks and paddle out to our beach (this is recommended for advanced kayakers only). 2) Take our landing craft, Naumkeag, out to the island for $70 per person. (Boat departs from Blaney Street dock on Friday at noon and picks you up from the Island on Sunday at noon). FREE overnight parking is available there. 3) Take your own boat, and rent a mooring for $59 a night (you will need your own dinghy to get ashore). Essex Heritage is the non-profit organization that operates and maintains the 10-acre light station at Bakers Island, with the mission of public access and preservation.  IMPORTANT: The $60 per night fee covers 4 people per site. The absolute capacity for each site is 4 people, and you must provide us the name of each guest prior to arrival. TRANSPORTATION: Bakers Island Light Station is a remote island located in Salem Sound. There are a few ways to get there, including taking the Essex Heritage landing craft (additional fee per person) from Salem, renting a mooring at the light station for your own boat, or kayaking. ALL CAMPERS MUST ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION AFTER BOOKING. DETAILS WILL BE SENT FOLLOWING CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING.
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$60
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The best camping near Pawtuckaway State Park guide

Overview

About

Swimming and paddling in the 803-acre Lake Pawtuckaway are the favorite activities of most visitors to Pawtuckaway State Park. But this New Hampshire park’s 5,500 acres offer a variety of opportunities for adventure, from hiking and mountain biking through oak and hemlock forest and a large boulder field, to spotting beavers, great blue herons, turtles, waterfowl and even (with luck) moose in and around the wetland. The 192-site Pawtuckaway Campground is open from mid-May through mid-October and is suitable for tents, trailers, campers and RVs, although there are no hookups.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. As this park can get very busy, booking in advance is recommended, especially on summer weekends and holidays.
  2. Bookings can easily be secured online or by phone, up to 11 months in advance.
  3. The campground has 10 sites that are kept available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When to go

The big attraction at the park is the lake but summer visitors who want to enjoy it should aim to arrive early (especially on weekends and holidays) as the beach area closes as soon as it reaches capacity (often by mid-morning in peak times). Parking reservations for both the hiking and beach area can be made up to 30 days in advance. The park is open-year round but note that facilities may be closed out of season.

Know before you go

  • There is a fee to enter the park. In the off season, when the entrance is unstaffed, use the self-service iron ranger.
  • Canoe and kayak rentals are available from the camp store.
  • Pets are welcome on hiking trails year-round but not in the camping or beach area during the summer season.

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