Neal’s Cove, Pawtuckaway State Park.

pawtuckaway camping nh

For those of us living in New Hampshire, the call of the wild is never far, and Pawtuckaway State Park answers that call with an impressive array of natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Within this expansive park, Neal’s Cove offers a particular charm, serving as a gateway to adventure for anyone eager to embrace the outdoors. If you're someone who thrives on water activities, enjoys a good challenge on the trails, or simply yearns for a stunning natural backdrop to your camping experience, Neal's Cove at Pawtuckaway State Park might just be your next favorite local destination. It's a place where the pristine waters of Pawtuckaway Lake meet a diverse landscape of forests, mountains, and unique geological features, promising an unforgettable escape right here in the Granite State.

Pawtuckaway State Park, encompassing over 5,000 acres, provides an unparalleled setting for recreation. Neal's Cove, specifically, is known for its access to the lake and its tent-only campsites, making it a favored spot for those who enjoy a more traditional camping feel. It’s a place to launch a kayak for the first time, embark on a rewarding hike to a fire tower, or simply bask in the tranquility of a truly stunning natural environment. The combination of water-based fun and challenging terrestrial exploration makes Neal's Cove an ideal spot for adventurers and families alike, all within a reasonable drive for most New Hampshire residents.

Neal’s Cove is located within the expansive Pawtuckaway State Park, which is officially situated in Nottingham, NH 03290, USA. This prime location in southeastern New Hampshire makes it easily accessible from many of the state's more populated areas. For those traveling from Manchester, for instance, the drive is quite manageable, allowing for quick transitions from urban life to natural serenity. The park's well-marked entrances and established road networks ensure a smooth journey to your chosen campsite at Neal's Cove.

Despite its immersive natural setting, Pawtuckaway State Park is not so remote as to be inconvenient. Its proximity to major New Hampshire routes means that visitors can reach the park without navigating overly complex back roads. This accessibility is a significant advantage for local users, enabling them to enjoy a substantial outdoor experience without dedicating an entire day to travel. Once inside the park, clear signage guides you to Neal's Cove, a peninsula that juts into the lake, offering beautiful views and direct water access.

• Tent-Only Campsites: Neal's Cove offers dedicated sites specifically for tent camping, providing a classic outdoor experience.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, perfect for outdoor dining and gathering.
• Fire Pits/Rings: Sites include fire pits or rings, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking. Safe firewood is available for purchase at the campground.
• Drinking Water Access: Potable drinking water is available within the campground area.
• Restrooms: Access to restrooms with flush toilets is provided for visitor convenience.
• Showers: Shower facilities are available within Pawtuckaway State Park, specifically on Big Island and Horse Island, for campers' use. (Note: It's important to verify if Neal's Cove specific loop has showers directly or if they are accessible from other parts of the park).
• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: The park offers canoe and kayak rentals, making it easy for visitors to get out on Pawtuckaway Lake and explore its waters.
• Boat Launch: A public boat launch is available within Pawtuckaway State Park for those bringing their own watercraft.
• Hiking Trails: An extensive network of hiking trails is accessible from the campground, catering to various skill levels and leading to points of interest like the fire tower and boulder fields.
• Camp Store: A camp store is available within the park, offering convenience items and rentals.

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Pawtuckaway State Park is renowned for its diverse and beautiful landscapes, including a large lake, mountains, and unique geological formations like glacial erratic boulder fields.
• Excellent Water Activities: With Pawtuckaway Lake at its doorstep, Neal's Cove is perfect for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The availability of rentals makes it easy for first-timers to try paddling.
• Challenging and Rewarding Hiking: The park boasts a wide array of hiking trails, including the path to the mountaintop fire tower. While some trails, like the fire tower hike, can be demanding with significant climbing, the panoramic views from the top, often accompanied by full cellular service, are a well-deserved reward.
• Diverse Terrain for Exploration: Beyond the lake and mountains, visitors can explore extensive marshes teeming with wildlife (like beavers and great blue herons) and unique boulder fields, which are popular for bouldering.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The combination of water fun and hiking opportunities provides ample entertainment for families, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience for all ages.
• Seasonal Accessibility and Amenities: The campground is open for a significant portion of the year, typically from mid-May through mid-October, with essential amenities like bathhouses available.

As a New Hampshire State Park campground, Neal's Cove at Pawtuckaway State Park operates under state-set fees and policies rather than commercial promotions. The standard nightly base site fee covers two adults and up to four dependent children under 18. Additional adults incur a fee of $10 per night, and additional children are $5 per night. New Hampshire Senior Citizens (65+ with valid NH photo ID) receive a $5 per night discount on campsites. New Hampshire State Employees with valid ID or current paystub are given a 50% discount on campsites (excluding yurts and cabins, which are not at Neal's Cove specifically).

Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, and it is highly recommended to book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays, as the park can get very busy. While there aren't typically "special offers" in the promotional sense, the consistent pricing and discounts for specific New Hampshire residents represent the value provided by the state park system.

For inquiries and reservations at Neal’s Cove, Pawtuckaway State Park, you can use the following information:

Address: Pawtuckaway State Park, Nottingham, NH 03290, USA
Park Office Phone: (603) 895-3031
Reservations Line (ReserveAmerica NH Call Center): 1-877-647-2757 (1-877-NHPARKS)

It's always best to call the park office or the reservation line for the most current information on site availability, park conditions, and specific rules or alerts, especially during peak seasons or inclement weather.

For New Hampshire locals, Neal’s Cove at Pawtuckaway State Park represents an invaluable resource for outdoor recreation and a true escape into nature. Its strategic location in Nottingham means it's an accessible destination for many residents, allowing for quick transitions from daily life to the peace and adventure of a state park. We often seek places where we can truly disconnect and recharge, and Pawtuckaway provides that opportunity without requiring extensive travel time.

What makes Neal's Cove particularly suitable for us is the sheer breadth of activities available. Whether you're a family looking for a safe and engaging environment for your children to explore, an avid hiker seeking a challenging trail with a rewarding view, or someone new to water sports eager to try kayaking on a beautiful lake, this park has something for everyone. The presence of a fire tower, extensive hiking trails, and direct lake access ensures that every visit can be a new adventure. The ability to reserve campsites up to 11 months in advance allows for careful planning of those cherished local getaways. By choosing Neal's Cove, we New Hampshire residents aren't just going camping; we're embracing a full spectrum of outdoor experiences that celebrate the stunning natural heritage of our state, right in our own backyard.

Neal’s Cove, Pawtuckaway State Park.

Nottingham, NH 03290, USA