The 10 Biggest Lakes in New Hampshire
Lake Winnipesaukee is by far the biggest lake in New Hampshire, but the nine next-largest lakes also offer stunningly clear waters and top-notch fishing.
Written by Laura Salvas
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- Lake Winnipesaukee (45,443 acres)
- Umbagog Lake (7,850 acres)
- Squam Lake (6,791 acres)
- Newfound Lake (4,451 acres)
- Lake Winnisquam (4,214 acres)
- Lake Sunapee (4,136 acres)
- Ossipee Lake (3,257 acres)
- Moore Reservoir (3,181 acres)
- Lake Wentworth (3,097 acres)
- Great East Lake (1,825 acres)
- Protecting yourself while you travel
- FAQs
Load full table of contents
With some of the best fishing in New England and one of the cleanest lakes in the world, New Hampshire’s biggest lakes transform from crystal clear paradises in summer to powdery white dreamlands in winter. Whether you’re looking for a spot to swim, ski, or settle down, the 10 biggest lakes in New Hampshire have it all.
Lake Winnipesaukee dominates the New Hampshire Lakes map, but nine other large lakes entice with activities like kayaking, hiking, swimming, and camping. Whether you want to cast a fishing line or ride a zipline, how can you possibly know which lake to visit?
Here to help shed some light on these shimmering lakes is the super app and
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Lake Winnipesaukee (45,443 acres)
Address: 280 Scenic Dr, Gilford, NH 03249
Not only is Lake Winnipesaukee the biggest, but it consistently tops the best lakes in New Hampshire. Set near the base of the White Mountains and surrounded by dense forests and quaint villages, mountain springs feed their clear waters into this impeccable crystal lake.
While marveling at the scenery is rewarding enough, there are an overwhelming number of things to do in this neck of the lake region of New Hampshire. There are 10 public beaches, 244 islands, and plenty of hiking trails.
Whether you bring your own boat, rent one, or charter one, expect to be delighted by the best lake trout and salmon fishing in New England. If fishing doesn’t float your boat, you can take a pleasure cruise around the lake.
In the winter, snowmobile or cross country ski to the lake for some stellar ice fishing or a pleasant skate. In the summer, sail through the skies on Gunstock Mountain Resort’s
zipline course
. Find a place to stay in Weirs Beach, known for its boardwalks and waterslides, in Meredith, a former mill village rife with antique shops, or book
a lodge
in Mirror Lake, New Hampshire. But if a town inn or chalet feels too fancy, you can sleep amongst the resident moose at one of the many wilderness campsites. Umbagog Lake (7,850 acres)
Address: NH-26, Errol, NH 03579
This lake is so pristine that Maine wouldn’t let its neighbor hog the whole thing! Straddling the New Hampshire state border, Umbagog lake takes the cake in any season. Fishing is sensational in the summer, moose spotting is fun in the fall, and snowmobiling wins in the winter.
With an average depth of just 15 feet, you’ll need to check where specifically you’re allowed to ride your motorboat or plan to canoe or kayak if you’d rather float freely. To really make the most of your time on the lake, rent a cabin or
a campsite
in Umbagog Lake State Park. Squam Lake (6,791 acres)
Address: 18 Bacon Rd, Holderness, NH 03245
Loons, great blue herons, and bald eagles grace the skies of Squam Lake, while salmon, bass, trout, and perch clutter its waters. The lake and its 30 islands present a serene face, but there’s actually a lot happening around this body of water.
The
Squam Lakes Natural Science Center
offers an extensive number of nature-based activities, such as bald eagle and loon cruises, pollinator-friendly Kirkwood Gardens, and a live animal trail, where you can view bears, mountain lions, coyotes, and more.Several impressive hikes of varying difficulty offer gorgeous lookouts and panoramic views, and kayaks and canoes are
available for rent
(beware of using a motorboat in some areas as the lake bottom can be rocky). If you’re new to boating or fishing, the Squam Lakes Association will be happy to teach you some basic skills. Newfound Lake (4,451 acres)
Address: 1030 Mayhew Turnpike, Bristol, NH 03222
One of the deepest lakes in New Hampshire, reaching depths of more than 180 feet at some points, gorgeous Newfound Lake is also said to be one of the world’s cleanest lakes,as underground springs feed it a steady source of pure water.
Wellington State Park
in Bristol is the spot to go if you want to enjoy New Hampshire’s largest freshwater swimming beach. Host a picnic, rent a kayak, or even hike up a mountain if you fancy—just book your visit
to the park in advance, as parking is limited.Lake Winnisquam (4,214 acres)
Address: 43 Great Bay Lane, Laconia, NH 03246
Lake Winnisquam is so lovely that both cold and warm water fish choose to call it home. A swell fishing spot, expect to reel in landlocked salmon, trout, walleye, whitefish, bass, pickerel, and perch.
If you find yourself feeling jealous of the local trout, there are two swimming beaches where you can jump into the giant pond. If your land legs start to protest, head to
Ahern State Park
for hiking, biking, or snowshoeing in the winter, then spend the night
in one of the many quaint surrounding towns. Lake Sunapee (4,136 acres)
Address: 86 Beach Access Rd, Newbury, NH 03255
One of the most enjoyable ways to explore Lake Sunapee is on its shores via the Lake Sunapee Scenic Byway. Cruise a 39-mile circuit that links small villages by way of stunning mountain views and pretty peeks at Lake Sunapee itself.
But be sure to take in the fresh air by sprawling on one of the seven sandy beaches, hiking or alpine skiing at
Mt Sunapee State Park
, or simply floating in a canoe and listening to the peaceful waves lap at the 70 miles of shoreline. For a more lavish lake experience, join a sailing race through Lake Sunapee Yacht Club
. Ossipee Lake (3,257 acres)
Address: 251 Pequawket Trail Dr, Freedom, NH 03836
Four different rivers feed into this popular lake from the north, east, and south, paralleling the stream of tourists who trickle in throughout the year. You’ll find plenty of vacation rentals and resorts along Ossipee Lake’s shoreline, many with private beaches.
The tourism hasn’t spoiled the natural beauty of the lake, as the only residents in many sections of the shoreline are endangered species, and the water is a great fishing spot with seven species of fish awaiting your bait.
The Heath Pond Bog Natural Area
is a National Natural Landmark and stuns with its rare orchids, carnivorous plants, and population of beavers and porcupines. Moore Reservoir (3,181 acres)
Address: Old Waterford Rd, Littleton, NH 03561
The largest hydroelectric plant in New England, Moore Dam and Reservoir works to provide electricity to its neighbors in New Hampshire and Vermont, the two states it touches. But this lake is as beautiful as it is utilitarian. Much of the land owned by Green River Hydro is protected under conservation easements, so hiking, cross-country skiing, and bird watching opportunities abound.
Plan a picnic in one of the many designated picnic areas along the shore, or swim, kayak or paddleboard in the calm, clean Littleton waters. Alternatively, stand on the bank or jump in your boat and try to reel in some bass, trout, perch, pickerel, or northern pike.
Lake Wentworth (3,097 acres)
Address: 297 Governor John Wentworth Hwy, Wolfeboro, NH 03894
Nestled in Wolfeboro, this pleasant lake is controlled by a dam, making its waters peaceful for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, or fishing. With 20 miles of shoreline and 20 islands within, Lake Wentworth is a perfect vision.
Wentworth State Park
can be found at the northeast corner of the lake and has a roped-off swimming area, picnic spots, swings, and restrooms, making it an easy spot to take the kiddos. If all the nature has you jonesing for some human history, you can walk the rubble of the plantation mansion that burned to the ground in 1820 at Governor Wentworth Historic
Site. MORE: New Hampshire car insurance laws
Great East Lake (1,825 acres)
Address: 1-215 N Shore Dr, East Wakefield, NH 03830
This is another lake that Maine has staked a claim in, though a majority of Great East Lake is on the New Hampshire side of the state border. Many New Hampshirites call this lake home, meaning much of the shore is lined with properties, some of which you might be able to rent.
Twenty-one species of fish, including rainbow trout and largemouth and smallmouth bass, make this a top fishing spot. If you’ve got an eye for birds, you might spot a resident Kingfisher, and in the evenings, you’re bound to hear the call of the loon.
Protecting yourself while you travel
No matter what type of road you’re driving, take precautions near forests or lakes as you might be near a moose community. These majestic creatures can cause major accidents, as their sturdy bodies can total your car if you hit them. Be extra-doubly-triply cautious at dawn and dusk when moose are most likely to wander or run onto the road.
Because road trips to remote areas can be unpredictable, it’s important you’re protected with
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FAQs
What movies take place on lakes in New Hampshire?
The 1991 film What About Bob, starring Bill Murray and Richard Dreyfuss, was set on Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire, but was filmed on Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia.
Meanwhile, the 1981 film On Golden Pond, starring Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, and Jane Fonda, was filmed on Squam Lake and Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire but set on a fictitious New England lake called Golden Pond.
What is the cleanest lake in New Hampshire?
Newfound Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in America and perhaps, the world. Because spring water feeds into the lake, the water remains pristine.
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