13 Best Lakes in New Hampshire
- Rey Eleuterio
- 3 days ago
- 17 min read
New Hampshire has over a thousand lakes and ponds tucked into its mountains, forests, and quiet little towns. Some are huge and busy with boats all summer. Others are so quiet you can hear a loon call from across the water.
You don't need to be a serious outdoors person to enjoy them either. Most of the best lakes in New Hampshire have public beaches, easy parking, and a snack bar within walking distance. A few are wild enough that you'll want a canoe and a good map.
The trick is picking the right one for what you actually want to do. A weekend of swimming and ice cream looks very different from a paddling trip with no cell service.
Here are 13 worth a spot on your map, with honest takes on which one fits your kind of trip.
Key Takeaways
The best lakes in New Hampshire stretch from the famous Lakes Region in the center of the state all the way up to the wilderness near the Maine border. Lake Winnipesaukee is the biggest and most popular, but Newfound, Squam, and Sunapee often get just as much love for their clear water and quieter shorelines. Most lakes have at least one public beach or state park, and many are an easy day trip from Boston. Pick based on what kind of day you want, a lively beach scene or a quiet paddle.
Lake | Region | Best For |
Lake Winnipesaukee | Lakes Region | Big-lake fun, boating, family resorts |
Squam Lake | Lakes Region | Quiet beauty, loons, classic film scenery |
Newfound Lake | Grafton County | Some of the clearest water in the state |
Lake Sunapee | Western NH | Sailing, lighthouses, mountain views |
Lake Winnisquam | Lakes Region | Laid-back paddling, sandbar hangouts |
Lake Wentworth | Wolfeboro area | Sandy state-park beach near Winni |
Ossipee Lake | Carroll County | Long sandy shores, family cottages |
Chocorua Lake | Tamworth | Postcard mountain reflection views |
Conway Lake | Mt. Washington Valley | Fishing, paddling near North Conway |
Echo Lake (Franconia Notch) | White Mountains | Dramatic mountain backdrop, easy swim |
Lake Umbagog | Far north NH/Maine | Wilderness paddling, wildlife, dark skies |
Pawtuckaway Lake | Southeast NH | Family beach, camping, bouldering nearby |
Lake Massabesic | Near Manchester | Easy hiking and sailing close to the city |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Lake Winnipesaukee, Pawtuckaway Lake, Echo Lake
Best for charm and scenery: Squam Lake, Chocorua Lake, Lake Sunapee
Best for swimming: Newfound Lake, Lake Wentworth, Ossipee Lake
Best for fishing: Conway Lake, Lake Winnisquam, Lake Umbagog
Best for getting away from crowds: Lake Umbagog, Newfound Lake, Conway Lake
Best food and resort scene: Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Sunapee
Wayback Tours was built for travelers who want to save the spots they love. Each lake here is one tap away from your bucket list, so you don't lose track of the ones that catch your eye.
Why New Hampshire's Lakes Stand Out
The lakes here are mostly glacial, which is a fancy way of saying the ice age carved them out and left behind some seriously deep, clean water. A lot of them are spring-fed too, so the water stays cold and clear even in August.
You'll hear locals talk about the Lakes Region like it's a single place, and in a way it is. It's the cluster of big lakes in central New Hampshire, anchored by Winnipesaukee, with Squam, Winnisquam, and a handful of smaller lakes within easy driving distance. It's the heart of most New Hampshire lake vacations, and the Lakes Region NH towns each have their own personality, from Meredith's polished resorts to Wolfeboro's classic small-town vibe.
But the state has great water from the Massachusetts border all the way up to the Canadian one. The lakes in New Hampshire range from busy beach towns to wilderness lakes where moose outnumber boats. With more than a thousand lakes in NH overall, narrowing it down is half the trip planning.
Fun Fact:
New Hampshire is widely known as the Granite State, and that bedrock plays a big role in keeping the lakes so clean. The hard granite watershed doesn't release nutrients into the water the way softer rock does, which is part of why so many NH lakes stay clear year after year.
When to Visit New Hampshire Lakes
Summer is the obvious choice. From late June through August, the water is warm enough to swim, the state parks are open, and the beach towns are buzzing. July and August get crowded on weekends, especially around Winnipesaukee, so weekday visits are gold.
September is honestly the sweet spot for a lot of travelers. The water is still swimmable through early in the month, the lake towns clear out, and by late September you start getting fall color reflecting off the water. It's one of the prettiest times to see any lake in New Hampshire.
Winter has its own thing going on. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, and the Meredith Rotary Ice Fishing Derby on Lake Winnipesaukee draw a different kind of crowd. Spring is mud season, so most people skip it.
If you're planning a bigger trip through the region, the basics of how to plan an East Coast road trip apply here too. Build your route around the lakes you most want to see, then fill in the towns and food stops between them.
The Best Lakes in New Hampshire Worth the Detour
These 13 cover a real range. Some are massive and famous. Some you've probably never heard of. All of them are worth the drive if you pick the right one for your trip.
Lake Winnipesaukee
If New Hampshire has a signature lake, this is it. Lake Winnipesaukee stretches across roughly 72 square miles of central New Hampshire, dotted with hundreds of islands and surrounded by mountains. The shoreline is long enough that no two towns on it feel the same.
Why this one stands out: Winnipesaukee is the lake that does it all. You can ride the M/S Mount Washington out of Weirs Beach, hang out on the boardwalk, eat lobster rolls in Wolfeboro, or rent a boat and find your own quiet cove. The water is clean, the mountain views are real, and the towns around it have been welcoming summer crowds for generations.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Belknap and Carroll counties, central NH (about 2 hours from Boston)
Main towns: Laconia, Weirs Beach, Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Wolfeboro, Alton Bay, Gilford
Where to swim: Ellacoya State Park, Weirs Beach, Wentworth State Park
Plan for: A full weekend at minimum to do it any justice
People often ask where is Lake Winnipesaukee exactly. It sits in the middle of the state, just south of the White Mountains, with I-93 running close to its western side. For most travelers, a classic Lake Winnipesaukee NH trip means basing in one town and spending a couple days bouncing between beaches, restaurants, and the boardwalk.
Plenty of folks looking for Lake Winnipesaukee hotels book in Meredith or Weirs Beach for easy access to restaurants and the boardwalk. For something more upscale, the Lake Winnipesaukee resorts like Mill Falls and Church Landing are right on the water. If you want a kitchen and your own space, Lake Winnipesaukee rentals range from rustic cabins to lakefront homes with private docks. A solid Lake Winnipesaukee New Hampshire visit can fill three days without trying very hard.
There's no shortage of Lake Winnipesaukee things to do either, between the Funspot arcade, narrated cruises, and the scenic railroad that runs along the shore. Some travelers compare the scale and vibe to Lake George in upstate New York, and the comparison holds up. What plenty of guides simply call New Hampshire Lake Winnipesaukee is really a whole region of towns, beaches, and islands wrapped around one massive body of water.
Fun Fact:
The name Winnipesaukee is said to come from a Native American word often translated as "Smile of the Great Spirit." Look at the lake at sunset and the nickname makes a lot of sense.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it, full stop. It's the must-visit lake on this list if you've never been to New Hampshire. Just go on a weekday in June or September if you can.
Save this one to your bucket list so you don't forget where to start
⭐ What is a Bucket List? Save places you want to visit and come back to later. Your Wayback Tours bucket list keeps track of stops you don't want to forget, perfect for planning future trips.
Squam Lake
Just north of Winnipesaukee sits a quieter, smaller cousin that most people know without realizing it. Squam Lake NH is where On Golden Pond was filmed back in 1981. The water is clear, the shoreline is mostly undeveloped, and the loons are loud.
Don't skip this if you like: Quiet water, classic New England scenery, and a slower pace. Squam has about 30 islands and almost no commercial development right on the shore, which keeps it feeling like the lake your grandparents would have visited.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Holderness, Center Harbor, Sandwich, and Ashland
Best activity: The 90-minute guided lake cruise out of the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
Where to stay: Holderness has charming inns including the Manor on Golden Pond
Time needed: A half day to a full weekend
The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness is a great stop with kids. It has trails, live animal exhibits, and the boat tours that cover the On Golden Pond filming locations.
If you like the idea of a peaceful, quiet lake with a story behind it, you might also enjoy reading about the castle setting of Lake Mohonk for a similar feel in another part of the Northeast.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone who wants beauty without the crowds. Best for couples, photographers, and families with older kids who appreciate quiet.
Want to remember this spot for later?
Newfound Lake
About 30 minutes west of Squam, you'll find one of the most pristine lakes in the country. Newfound Lake is spring-fed, deep, and surrounded by forested hills with hardly any development on the water.
Why this one stands out: Newfound is regularly ranked among the cleanest lakes in the US, and the water clarity is the kind you usually only see in mountain lakes out west. It's also one of the clearest lakes in the US by reputation, with visibility that can stretch well past your feet in some spots. The lake is fed by springs, runs deep, and stays cold even in mid-summer.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Grafton County, surrounded by Bristol, Bridgewater, Hebron, and Alexandria
Best beach: Wellington State Park on the west shore (one of the largest freshwater beaches in the NH state park system)
Day-use fees: Standard NH State Park rates
Hike option: Mount Cardigan nearby for great views over the water
Wellington State Park is the move. The beach is huge, the water is clear, and you can spend a whole day there without paying for much beyond admission.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for swimmers and anyone tired of the busy Winnipesaukee scene. It's one of the best swimming lakes in New Hampshire if you don't mind cold water, and most rankings of the best lakes in New Hampshire for swimming put it right at the top.
Don't let this one slip past, add it to your list
Lake Sunapee
Out in the western part of the state, Lake Sunapee runs about nine miles long with three working lighthouses still standing on its rocky islands. It's a sailing lake at heart, with Mount Sunapee rising right off the shore.
The quick pitch: Mountain backdrop, clean water, sailing culture, and a lively summer harbor scene. You can hike Mount Sunapee in the morning, swim in the afternoon, and grab dinner in Sunapee Harbor by sunset.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Sunapee, Newbury, and New London (western NH)
Where to swim: Mount Sunapee State Park Beach (popular, can fill up on weekends)
Don't miss: The Fells historic estate on the lake's east shore
Boat option: The MV Mt. Sunapee II offers narrated cruises out of Sunapee Harbor
Mount Sunapee State Park Beach is the main public access point, but it does sell out on busy summer days, so go early. The whole region around the lake feels a little quieter and more upscale than Winnipesaukee, with art galleries and 19th-century architecture in the surrounding villages.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you want a balance of outdoor stuff and small-town charm. Best for couples and travelers who like a slightly quieter scene.
Save this for the next NH trip you plan
Lake Winnisquam
Tucked between Winnipesaukee and the Merrimack River, Lake Winnisquam is one of those lakes locals love and tourists usually miss. It's the fourth-largest lake in New Hampshire by surface area, with two small islands and good water quality.
What makes this stop different: Winnisquam is calmer than its famous neighbor, which makes it great for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks. The Route 3 bridge sandbar is a classic local hangout in summer, where boats pull up and people wade out in waist-deep water.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Belknap County, near Laconia and Tilton
Easy access: Just off Exit 20 on I-93
Nearby: Ahern State Park for hiking along the eastern shore
Bonus: Tilton outlet shopping is minutes away
It's not the prettiest lake on this list, but it's one of the most practical. You can swim, paddle, eat at a lakeside restaurant, and shop the outlets all in the same day.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a quick weekend or as a calmer base for exploring the Lakes Region. Best for paddlers and families who want easy access without the crowds.
Throw this one on your list before you forget
Lake Wentworth
Just east of Wolfeboro is Lake Wentworth, often overshadowed by Winnipesaukee but well worth a stop in its own right. It covers around 3,000 acres with about 20 miles of shoreline, plus a sandy state-park beach that's earned a loyal following.
Why this one stands out: Wentworth State Park has clean, soft sand and a calm swimming area that's ideal for kids. It's one of those state park beaches that locals quietly love because it doesn't get overrun.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Wolfeboro, just off Route 109
Main access: Wentworth State Park and Albee Beach
Standard NH State Park day-use fees apply
Pets: Not permitted at the beach
The water drains through a short river into Lake Winnipesaukee, so you're basically in Winni territory without the Winni crowds. Wolfeboro itself is one of the prettiest lake towns in the state, with shops, restaurants, and a walkable downtown.
For travelers who like to chain great water stops together, this is also a nice pairing with more lake getaway ideas in the broader Northeast.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families with younger kids. The shallow swim area and easy parking make it one of the best lakes to swim in New Hampshire for a no-stress beach day.
Build your perfect lakes-region itinerary by saving every stop that catches your eye, then organize them into a trip you'll actually take.
Add this one before it slips your mind
Ossipee Lake
A little northeast of Winnipesaukee is Ossipee Lake, known for long sandy shores and a relaxed cottage culture that hasn't changed much in decades. It's one of the larger lakes in the area, with good boating and a nice sandbar that draws weekend crowds.
The quick pitch: Family cottages, sandy beaches, and a quieter pace. You'll see a lot of multi-generational summer rentals here, with grandparents and grandkids swimming on the same beach.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Carroll County, near the towns of Ossipee, Freedom, and Effingham
Public access: Limited compared to other lakes, plan ahead if you don't have a rental
Best for: Renting a cottage for a week, not a quick stop
Nearby: Easy day trips to North Conway and the White Mountains
The lake's character comes from the cottages around it. If you can rent one (or know someone who has one), this is one of the most relaxing New Hampshire lake vacations you can plan.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a longer stay. It's not the easiest day-trip lake because of limited public beach access, but it's a great rental base.
Save this spot for your next big family trip
Chocorua Lake
This one is small, but the view does most of the talking. Chocorua Lake sits at the foot of Mount Chocorua in Tamworth, and the reflection of the rocky peak on the water is one of the most photographed scenes in the state.
Don't skip this if you like: Photography, easy stops, or fall foliage. The view here was even chosen to represent the White Mountain National Forest on the New Hampshire quarter in 2013.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Tamworth, right off Route 16
Quick access: You can pull right off the highway for the classic view
No motorized boats allowed: Keeps it quiet
Time needed: 15 minutes to several hours
There's a small public area where you can park, walk down to the water, and take it in. Most people stop for photos and move on, but you can also canoe or just sit on the rocks and watch the loons.
Fun Fact:
Mount Chocorua is widely considered one of the most photographed mountains in the world, and the view from Chocorua Lake is the angle most postcards use. The rocky summit and its reflection on the calm water make for a photo that almost takes itself.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it as a stop, not a destination. Roll through on your way to North Conway or the White Mountains and you'll get one of the best views in New England.
Don't forget this one, save it for your fall trip
Conway Lake
Just south of North Conway sits a quiet, 1,300-acre lake that doesn't get nearly the attention of its neighbors. Conway Lake is tucked between the towns of Conway and Eaton, with the White Mountains rising in the background.
Why this one stands out: Conway Lake is one of the best fishing lakes in New Hampshire for largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus rainbow trout, brown trout, and pickerel. The shoreline is mostly undeveloped, and the wildlife is impressive: loons, herons, eagles, and the occasional moose.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Carroll County, just south of Conway
Size: Around 1,300 acres with 19+ miles of shoreline
Access: Public beach at the north end of the lake in Conway
Best for: Fishing, paddling, and a quiet swim away from the touristy parts of Mt. Washington Valley
The proximity to North Conway is the bonus. You can spend a morning on the lake and an afternoon hiking, outlet shopping, or riding the Conway Scenic Railroad.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anglers and quiet-lake fans. Best for folks who want White Mountains scenery without the crowds at Echo Lake.
Save this one to your bucket list before North Conway fills up
Echo Lake at Franconia Notch
Up in the White Mountains, right inside Franconia Notch State Park, is a small lake with one of the most dramatic backdrops in the state. Echo Lake at Franconia Notch sits at about 1,930 feet of elevation with views of Mount Lafayette and Cannon Mountain.
The quick pitch: Mountain swimming. The water is cold, the views are unreal, and you can rent a kayak or paddle boat right at the beach.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Franconia Notch State Park, off I-93 (Exit 34C)
Day-use beach fee plus boat rental costs if you want a kayak or pedal boat
Bring: A wetsuit if you plan to swim long. The water is cold even in August.
Pair it with: The Artists Bluff hike right across the road for one of the best mountain views in NH
Heads up: there are two Echo Lakes in New Hampshire. This is the Franconia Notch one. The other Echo Lake (in Conway) is smaller, warmer, and better for little kids.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for the views alone. Pair it with a hike up Artists Bluff and you've got one of the better half-days in the state.
Want to remember this view? Save it now
Lake Umbagog
Way up north, on the New Hampshire and Maine border, sits a wilderness lake that feels closer to Canada than Boston. Lake Umbagog covers around 7,800 acres and is surrounded by the Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge.
What makes this stop different: This is the wild one. You'll see bald eagles, moose, and loons. The sky here is dark enough that Umbagog Lake State Park has been recognized for its exceptional stargazing, classified at the highest possible level for night-sky quality.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Errol, NH (Coös County), with parts in Maine
Access: Umbagog Lake State Park on the south shore (Route 26)
Camping: Both lakeside sites and remote wilderness sites accessible only by boat
Best for: Paddlers, anglers, campers, and astronomy fans
The remote campsites are the special part. There are wilderness sites scattered around the lake that you can only reach by canoe or kayak, with the park offering boat transport for a fee. If you want a true unplugged trip, this is the place.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for the right person. Skip it if you want easy day-trip access or beach amenities. Best for paddlers, photographers, and people who want quiet.
Fun Fact:
The name Umbagog is said to come from an Abenaki word meaning "shallow water," which is fitting for a lake with an average depth of only about 10 feet despite its sprawling size.
Save this one for the trip you've been putting off
Ready to start mapping out your New Hampshire lake trip? Save every spot you love right now and turn your scattered ideas into a real itinerary.
Pawtuckaway Lake
Back down south, just under an hour from Boston, sits an 800-acre lake tucked inside one of the most underrated state parks in the region. Pawtuckaway Lake is the heart of Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham, NH.
Why this one stands out: It's the all-in-one. A long sandy beach, 192 campsites along the shore, hiking trails, a fire tower with sweeping views, and one of the best bouldering areas in New England right next door. You can swim in the morning, hike in the afternoon, and roast marshmallows at your campsite that night.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Nottingham, NH (off Route 101, Exit 5)
Beach: 600-foot family beach with boat and kayak rentals
Camping: 192 campsites, reservations strongly recommended for summer weekends
Extras: Massive glacial boulders make this a top bouldering destination
The boulder field is a real curiosity. Some of the rocks are the size of small houses, dropped by retreating glaciers thousands of years ago. Kids love climbing on them.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for families, campers, and anyone within driving distance of the coast. It's one of the most accessible state-park lake experiences in southern NH.
Add this one to your list before camping season starts
Lake Massabesic
Right next to Manchester is the biggest lake in southern New Hampshire. Lake Massabesic covers about 2,560 acres across Auburn and Manchester, and it's about as close as you can get to a wilderness feel inside city limits.
The quick pitch: Easy hiking, sailing, and kayaking minutes from the city. No swimming or water skiing, since the lake is Manchester's drinking water supply, but the trails around it are some of the most popular in the area.
What you need to know before you go:
Location: Auburn and Manchester, NH
Trail option: The 3.7-mile Lake Massabesic Trail (easy loop)
No swimming: Drinking water supply for Manchester
Free trail access: Just bring a map
The NH Audubon's Massabesic Center is a good starting point, with several miles of trails through forests and fields near the shore. The trails are flat, well-marked, and family-friendly. It's not a typical beach in New Hampshire experience, but it's a great quick escape if you're in the area.
If you want actual saltwater swimming on the same trip, Wallis Sands Beach over in Rye on the NH coast is the obvious complement (small NH coast, but worth a stop). And if you're chaining together more lake stops down the Eastern seaboard, you can also check out great lake spots in North Carolina once you're heading south.
Worth it or skip it? Worth it as a hike or paddle, not as a beach destination. Best for locals, day trippers, and anyone passing through Manchester.
Don't lose track of this easy escape, save it
Final Thoughts on the Best Lakes in New Hampshire
You don't need to hit all 13 to have a great trip. Even one or two of these can fill a long weekend with swimming, paddling, hiking, and lakeside dinners. The best lakes in New Hampshire all have something different to offer, which is what makes the state such a fun one to visit by water.
If you're trying to pick just one, Winnipesaukee is the safe answer. If you want to feel like you found a secret, go to Newfound or Umbagog. If you only have a day, Chocorua Lake gives you the postcard view in about 20 minutes. Some travelers consider these among the best lakes in New England, and after a visit, it's easy to see why.
The lakes here will be here next summer too. The hard part is just not forgetting the names of the ones you wanted to go back to.
Save these stops, build your own New Hampshire lake bucket list, and keep track of every place you want to come back to with Wayback Tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deepest lake in New Hampshire?
Newfound Lake is widely considered one of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire, with depths approaching 200 feet. Its depth and spring-fed source are part of why the water stays so clean and clear.
Can you swim in Lake Winnipesaukee?
Yes, Lake Winnipesaukee has plenty of public swimming spots, including Ellacoya State Park, Weirs Beach, and Wentworth State Park. The water is generally clean and warms up nicely by July, though some spring-fed coves stay cool all summer.
How far is Lake Winnipesaukee from Boston?
It's about a two-hour drive from Boston to the Lake Winnipesaukee area, depending on which town you're heading to. Meredith and Weirs Beach are the most common entry points coming up from the south on I-93.
Are there alligators or sharks in New Hampshire lakes?
No, New Hampshire lakes are too cold for alligators and obviously too far inland for sharks. You'll see loons, fish, and the occasional turtle, which is about as wild as it gets in the water.
What's the best lake in New Hampshire for a first-time visitor?
Lake Winnipesaukee is the most well-rounded choice for a first visit, with the most towns, restaurants, and activities. If you want something quieter on your first trip, Squam Lake or Lake Sunapee are easy alternatives with plenty of charm.
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