Pawtuckaway State Park Campground in West Nottingham, New Hampshire sits at approximately 480 feet elevation in a glacially shaped landscape. The park encompasses 5,500 acres with a distinctive terrain featuring boulder fields, a fire tower accessible by hiking trails, and several small islands scattered throughout the lake. Winter temperatures drop to the teens while summer ranges between 70-85°F during peak camping months.
What to do
Hiking trails with scenic views: Bear Brook State Park features extensive trail networks that accommodate various skill levels. "The trails were very well marked and really conveniently close by to the campsites," notes a visitor who appreciated the accessibility from their tent site at Bear Brook State Park Campground.
Water activities beyond swimming: Kayaking and canoeing are popular at several campgrounds. "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water," explains a camper at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Winter and off-season exploration: Some campgrounds remain accessible for day use during winter months. "We went in early May, when it was still a bit cold at night (in the low 40s) and not many people were around. The campground, though we had neighbors in every adjoining site, was pretty quiet," reports one camper who visited during the shoulder season.
Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The area offers extensive biking paths through wooded terrain. "We camped here to check out the mountain bike trails in the park and we're not disappointed on either count... The biking trails were a blast. We'll definitely be back again," shares a mountain biking enthusiast.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Many campers seek out water-adjacent campsites. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" mentions a reviewer at Pawtuckaway State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers are frequently cited in positive reviews. "This is one of the cleanest, most meticulously maintained campground we have been to. So quiet and peaceful as well," notes a visitor at Shel-Al Campground.
Variety of camping options: The area offers everything from rustic tent sites to full-service RV spots and glamping in West Nottingham. "We stayed in one of cabins and it served its purpose especially during a passing storm. It was nice to sit in the front porch and watch the storm," shares a camper who stayed at Wakeda Campground.
Proximity to coastal attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby beaches. "The location is great being 10 minutes or so from Hampton beach. Lots of little farms in the area too," notes a visitor appreciating the strategic location.
What you should know
Seasonal restrictions: Dog policies vary by season at some campgrounds. "Tried to plan ahead this year and get a prime site to learn they don't allow dogs anywhere in the campground during summer months. I would of hoped for one loop but NH state parks are anti-dog I guess," warns a visitor at Pawtuckaway.
Site selection matters: Not all sites offer the same level of privacy or amenities. "Campsite has been under renovation for a few years now. Changed owners a few times and now is apparently a KOA. Booked a river campsite but there was no river to be seen," reports a disappointed camper at Flat Rock Bridge Family Resort.
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife includes both pleasant and nuisance species. "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub," recalls a camper who ended up feeding them oats and quartered grapes rather than bread.
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations even during summer. "After a few hours of constant rain I realized the water runoff from the road above and the driveway all ended up flowing right under our tent into the lake. At least I was able to experience a water bed for the first time in my life," shares a camper who experienced unexpected flooding.
Tips for camping with families
Playground and activity options: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated children's recreation areas. "This campground is family friendly and has a lot to offer. Our camping group consisted of children from the ages of 8-17 yrs old. No one was bored," notes a parent who visited Salmon Falls/Lebanon KOA.
Beach and swimming access: Several campgrounds offer swimming options suitable for different ages. "The beach and pool are small and quiet," mentions a camper at Beaver Dam Campground, highlighting its appeal for families seeking less crowded water recreation.
Organized events: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented activities throughout the season. "They had a beach dance which was really fun. We met some really nice people," reports a visitor at Calef Lake Camping Area who enjoyed the organized social events.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours than others. "Quiet hours were actually quiet! Which doesn't happen everywhere," appreciates a parent who valued the enforced quiet time for their family.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional preparation. "Mostly level sites sit under towering pines and vary greatly in size. Many of the sites are separated from their neighbors by large, downed pine trees," notes an RV camper describing the natural barriers between sites.
Hookup reliability: Power and water quality vary between locations. "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites," reports a satisfied RV camper at Wakeda Campground.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. "I noticed that the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner," advises a camper with a small trailer, warning about navigational challenges for larger rigs.
Cell service variations: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. "Cell phone coverage varies from 1-2 bars, not always 4G, on Verizon," notes a camper describing the limited connectivity options for those needing to stay connected during their glamping experience in West Nottingham area campgrounds.
