Beaches - Fresh Water
Fresh Water Beaches - NH Statewide
New Hampshire’s lakes and their fresh-water beaches – including the beloved Lake Winnipesaukee and Squam Lakes – have provided vacation and sporting fun for families from the state and distant places over generations. Lake resorts offer hospitality and flexibility for everyone from couples on romantic getaways to big, lively families tucked into family friendly lodging and packing the waterfront with reunions of generations. There’s room for everyone and plenty to do – swimming, boating, sailing, fishing – at New Hampshire’s fresh water beaches.
11 listings
Tilton, NH
Lakes Region Tourism Association
61 Laconia Road 603-286-8008If you are craving that classic beach vacation, the Lakes Region has plenty of options
Come see why guests return year after year to enjoy the Lakes Region NH’s many beaches. Of course, with 273 lakes and ponds in the area, you are never too far from the water, whether you want to water ski, fish, paddle-board, canoe or just splash around. And the Saco River has lots of sandy stretches (and even some rope swings). You can stay in an inn, hotel, cabin, cottage or resort with a private beach or beach access. Many are right at the water’s edge, perfect for swimming, boating, paddling or just sitting in a chair and admiring the view. Some resorts have live music on the beach or private lakes or ponds for fishing and boating. Many vacation-home rentals have beach access and spectacular water views.
Gilford, NH
Ellacoya State Park at Lake Winnipesaukee
266 Scenic Road (Route 11) 603-293-7821Lake swimming and fishing; boat ramp; picnicking
Six hundred-foot sandy beach on Lake Winni welcomes swimming, paddling, and fishing. This is a very popular and it can fill up on weekends and holidays in the warm seasons. Once the beach area reaches capacity additional beach goers cannot be admitted.
See full description of Ellacoya State Park
Tamworth, NH
White Lake State Park
94 State Park Road (Route 16) 603-323-7350Swimming, trout fishing, camping
Some of the best swimming in the White Mountain region can be found in 140-acre White Lake State Park. The park lies on the shore of White Lake. The park is open weekends only starting in late May, then daily from late June through early October. Visitors may rent kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and rowboats.
See full description of White Lake State Park
Bartlett, NH
Diana’s Baths
3725 West Side RoadDiana’s Baths is a mix of potholes, cascades, slides and small plunges along Lucy’s Brook, tumbling down Big Attitash Mountain. The attractive features of this area are the refreshing pools and potholes for swimming, with easy access to flat rock “beaches” for sunning and picnicking. During high water, the entire area can be engulfed with cascading water. During normal conditions, there is one major waterfall, a 20-foot plunge over granite.
The hike to Diana’s Baths is an easy half-mile. There is a large parking lot at the entrance to the path and a pay station. Visitor must buy and display a daily pass on the dashboard. Cost is $5 a day.
Bristol, NH
Wellington State Park
614 West Shore Road (Off Route 3A) 603-744-2197Fresh water swimming, hiking, boat launch, picnicking, beautiful lake and island views
The beach at Wellington State Park is on Newfound Lake, a clear and beautiful mountain lake. Beach has a concession stand, volleyball and horseshoe courts. Nice for picnicking. See full description of Wellington State Park.
Allenstown, NH
Bear Brook State Park
61 Deerfield Road 603-485-9874Full service park has water sports, camping, archery, horseback riding
State park of nearly 10,000 acres, offering hiking, biking, swimming and fishing are a few of the favorites. Canoe rentals at Beaver and Catamount Ponds, while rowboat rentals are also available at Beaver Pond. Fly-fishing at Archery Pond. The park is open weekends starting in late May; then daily June through September. Call or check Web site for exact opening and closing dates. A day-use fee is collected at the toll booth near Catamount Pond.
See full description of Bear Brook State Park
Weare, NH
Clough State Park
Off Route 13 603-529-7112Located about five miles east of the town of Weare, Clough State Park is located on the shore of Everett Lake, about five miles east of the town of Weare. Features include a 900-foot sandy beach with two bathhouses, flush toilets and changing areas; picnic tables in a large picnic grove. Admission is $4 a day for adults and $2 a day for children.
Nottingham, NH
Pawtuckaway State Park
40 Pawtuckaway Road 603-895-3031Lake beach with boat launch, canoe & kayak rentals; campground; hiking trails
Nice swimming beach on Pawtuckaway Lake, along with plentiful water sports and boat rentals. See full description of Pawtucketaway State Park.
Greenfield, NH
Greenfield State Park
973 Forest Road 603-547-3497Lake for water sports, boat rentals, camping, no hookups
An undeveloped lake offers swimming and boating. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent. - Trail Flyer & Map (PDF)
Hours: Park is open weekends from late May to late June, and daily from late June to mid-October.
Dalton, NH
Forest Lake State Park
397 Forest Lake Road (Route 116) 603-466-3860Long sandy beach welcomes water sports; also mountain biking is done here
The park has a 200-foot-long sandy beach for swimming, fishing, and boating. Picnicking and mountain biking also are popular at this park.
Wolfeboro, NH
Wentworth State Park
297 Governor Wentworth Hwy (Route 109) 603-569-3699Wentworth State Park offers the full range of fun on and nearby the water from swimming to fishing and much more. For additional information please see our State and Local Parks page.