Squam Lake

The On Golden Pond lake, with island campsites.

Squam is a big lake full of islands, coves and reefs with mountain views all around, best known as the setting of On Golden Pond. The Squam Lakes Association rents canoes, kayaks and boards at its Holderness headquarters and runs a dozen campsites on Moon and Bowman Islands and in the Chamberlain-Reynolds Forest, 45 minutes to two hours away by paddle. Add the short hike up West Rattlesnake for the classic view over the islands.

At a glance

Lake

6,791 acres, 28 named islands

SLA campsites

12 on Moon and Bowman Islands and Chamberlain-Reynolds Forest

Paddle to camp

About 1 mile (45 min) to Moon Island

Full-day rentals

9 am to 4 pm

Good for

Beginner, Intermediate

What’s here

• Flatwater
• Paddle-in camping
• Multi-day trips
• Boat rentals
• Paddleboarding
• Swimming
• Fishing

Rentals, guides and shops

• Squam Lakes Association

  Nonprofit that rents single, tandem and kids’ kayaks, canoes and paddleboards at its Holderness headquarters, manages the island campsites and runs a public boat launch. A multi-day rental is required to camp at SLA sites.

Where to stay

• cabinRockywold-Deephaven Camps

  Long-running family camp with rustic cottages on Squam’s shore.

  10 min drive
• innSquam Lake Inn

  Small inn in Holderness near the lake.

  5 min drive

Nearby

• West Rattlesnake · 10 min drive

  Short, popular hike to ledges with a view over Squam’s islands.

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center · 5 min drive

  Live-animal trail and exhibits in Holderness, plus guided cruises on Squam.

• The Loon Center · 25 min drive

  Loon Preservation Committee center in Moultonborough with exhibits and nature trails.

Getting there

• Manchester-Boston Regional (MHT) · about 1 hr drive
• Boston · about 2 hr
• Portland, ME · about 2 hr

Directions in Google Maps