Summer Fun Awaits in New Hampshire’s Lakes

When you’re traveling in New Hampshire, you’re never far from water. Although its Atlantic coastline is short, lakes — including New England’s largest — are scattered throughout the state, so family travelers will have plenty of opportunities for swimming and water sports.

Lake Winnipesaukee

The largest is Lake Winnipesaukee, the focal point of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, which also includes nearby — and far less developed — Squam Lake and Newfound Lake. Along with beaches, the region offers sail boats, kayaks and SUP rentals, or you can take scenic rides on historic cruise boat M/S Mount Washington.

The west side of the lake is the most developed, especially Weirs Beach, known for its kid-friendly attractions. Meredith is more adult-oriented with shopping and fine dining, while the eastern resort town of Wolfeboro has a pleasant mix of lakeside activities.

Learn about loons at Loon Center and Markus Wildlife Sanctuary in Moultonborough, and meet other local wildlife at Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, which operates nature cruises on this well-protected lake.

Lake Pawtuckaway

Farther south between Manchester and Portsmouth, Lake Pawtuckaway is bordered by large Pawtuckaway State Park. Many of the 192 wooded campsites have views of the lake, which has a good swimming beach, as well as canoe and kayak rentals and a boat launch. Showers and a camp store are added conveniences. The park has a variety of hiking trails, leading to a low mountaintop with a fire tower and to the kids’ favorite, an area strewn with huge boulders dropped by receding glaciers at the end of the Ice Age.

Otter Lake and Greenfield State Park
Smaller Otter Lake, in the southwestern part of the state, is popular for 400-acre Greenfield State Park, whose 900-foot swimming beach is reserved for those camped in one of 252 campsites. Another beach is used by day visitors. Boats, canoes and kayaks are available for rent in July and August and the undeveloped lake is good for fishing. This is a favorite park for those climbing nearby Mount Monadnock.

White Lake
The only campground in the White Mountains on a lake with a swimming beach, White Lake State Park is also one of the largest campgrounds in the region. The 203 campsites are under tall pine trees along the shore of White Lake, and most have lake views. You can walk around the lake on a trail to see beaver houses and perhaps spot loons, or you can rent boats for fishing. The number of day visitors is controlled to prevent overcrowding.

White Lake is a good place to combine beach with touring the White Mountains, as it is close to North Conway for shopping and dining; the Kancamagus Highway for sightseeing; and Mount Chocorua, a favorite for climbers.