Highly regarded for its excellent day-use facilities, Edward MacDowell Lake is a place worth checking out on your RV adventure through New Hampshire. Located in the town of Petersburg in southern New Hampshire, Edward MacDowell Lake was originally built by the U.S Corps of Engineers to help with flood control and prevention throughout the surrounding townships. The lake is named after the famous composer who lived in Peterborough during the summer months from 1896 onwards.
In the present day, Edward MacDowell Lake is still operated and maintained by the U.S Corps of Engineers, and it has become a very popular recreation destination thanks to the many activities available to its visitors. In total, there are 1,194 acres of water and land that you can explore, including a swimming beach to relax at, two picnic shelters, fishing and boating on the lake, horseshoe pits, and hiking trails. If you are looking to learn more about Edward MacDowell Lake, you can also participate in one of the many interpretive programs on offer during the weekend throughout the warmer months. You can also schedule an interpretive program in advance if you are traveling to the lake with a large group.
Edward MacDowell Lake is only open during daylight hours, so there are no RV campgrounds available for visitors renting or bringing their own RV. Despite this, those traveling in RVs that are under 30 feet will be able to stay at the nearby Monadnock State Park. If you are looking for a campground that will suit larger rigs, you can also stay at a private campground located around eight miles to the north.
Driving to and from Edward MacDowell Lake is usually quite easy since it is located on the west side of Peterborough. The most common way to get to the park is to take the US-202 to Peterborough or travel down on the NH-137. If you need to pick up any supplies before your day out you can stop in at Peterborough (around three miles away), Jaffery (around eight miles away), or Wilton (around 16.5 miles away). The closest city to Edward MacDowell Lake is Keene, which is located around 19 miles to the west of the lake.
Edward MacDowell Lake will be easy to access for beginner RV drivers thanks to the roads being kept in great condition by the U.S Corps of Engineers. There should be no obstacles that would make driving difficult since there are no major turns or switchbacks that could cause you some trouble. During the winter months, however, the area does get a lot of snow. If you plan on visiting during this time you may not be able to drive to the lake if heavy snowfall occurs.
There is a large parking area located at the southern tip of the lake that will be a perfect spot for your RV to stay while you enjoy some activities.
Monadnock State Park is home to one of the newest campgrounds within the New Hampshire parks system, and it is our number one choice for visitors wanting to set up camp near Edward MacDowell Lake. Located around 10.5 miles to the southwest of the lake, Monadnock State Park has one campground available that is perfect for RVs up to 30 feet in length.
Spread across two loops, there are 35 campsites for you to choose from that include four sites that have the option of 15 amp electrical hookup. The rest of the sites at the campground are primitive, but they do have a picnic table and fire pit for you to enjoy. Other amenities within the campground include a bathhouse with showers, water collection points, and a playground. Please be aware that there is no dump station available, and pets are not allowed.
Reservations are available for campground and can be made online. The camping season is open from May until October.
If you are looking for a campground that is a little closer to Edward MacDowell Lake, you can check out the private campground that is around eight miles to the north. Known as a family-friendly campground, there are many different site options available to suit your needs.
There are over 50 sites for you to choose from, including some that are partially shaded and some that are out in the open. Electric hookups are abundant, and there are also plenty of fun activities for you to enjoy, including a heated swimming pool, kayaks for rent, recreation hall, and a basketball court. Other amenities within the campground include showers, toilets, water collection points, and a dump station.
If you are planning to stay at this campground, you can reserve a site before you arrive by calling the park or emailing. The peak season is during the summer months.
One of the best things about visiting Edward MacDowell Lake during the summertime is that you can go for a dip in the sandy swimming beach to escape the heat. The beach is located at the southern end of the lake near the playground and is a perfect place to cool off in and get some sunbathing done. The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, so remember to swim to your abilities to avoid getting into trouble.
The large lake is a great boating destination that is suitable for watercraft of all shapes and sizes. There is a boat ramp available for you to use if you have a larger boat, or you can launch canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards from the beach.
If you need a lifejacket there is also a kiosk at the beach area where they are available for rent. You will need to bring your own watercraft to the lake or rent one privately before you arrive as none are available for rent.
If spending spend a summer day with good food and good people sounds like fun to you, it's good to know that the grounds surrounding Edward MacDowell Lake are fantastic for picnics. No matter the size of your group, there are facilities that you can enjoy thanks to the multiple tables, grills, and water collection points scattered throughout the area.
If you have a large group, there are two shelters available to reserve that can accommodate 80-100 people or 35-40 people. They can be booked ahead of time or used on a first-come, first-served basis if they are not being used during your day out.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Edward MacDowell Lake.
Fishing the waters of Edward MacDowell Lake is one of the most popular activities to do at the lake thanks to the large variety of fish species that are swimming below the surface. Since the lake is quite large you will have plenty of room to explore it without having to fish near people.
Both boat and bank fishing are allowed, with boat fishing being the most popular. Some of the species that call the lake home include pickerel, perch, horned pout, and largemouth bass.
Hiking lovers are in for a treat when they visit Edward MacDowell Lake. There are numerous different trails surrounding the lake that can be combined into larger hikes, meaning that you will have many different options to explore the area.
The trails vary in difficulty, with some being suitable for people of all ages and others being quite challenging. The most difficult is the West Ride Trail as it has the longest distance and grade. It will take you through a winding forest where you have the chance to see wildlife such as deer, moose, and foxes.
No matter what time of the year that you visit Edward MacDowell Lake there are many species of wildlife waiting for you to spot. The Corps rangers maintain the lands in and around the lake so that the area is attractive to animals of all shapes and sizes. The lake is a great spot to do some birding and see beavers, otters, and fish, while in the forested areas you may be able to get a glimpse of some muskrat, deer, and moose. Keep your distance from all animals and leave their habitat untouched.
