Not many people hear about the beautiful Squam Lake in New Hampshire unless you have grown up in that area. The lake is located northwest of the much larger lake, many people know, Lake Winnipesaukee. Squam Lake has its charm and adds to my list of reasons to visit New Hampshire regularly. On non-holidays, the lake is not too busy, and the lake houses tend to blend into the environment on the shore, so it makes the lake seem more natural.
So, how did I find Squam Lake? My family, for many generations, has been visiting a camp called Rockywold Deephaven Camps. Rockywold and Deephaven are two separate areas within a compound that line the lakeshore with rustic cabins and docks. Founded in 1902, the camps have been a regular excursion for many families. Most families attend and live in the cottages each summer. My family was one of the first families to stay at the camp for many consecutive summers. I started staying in the cabins since I was about 2 or 3 years of age. My immediate family has not gone every summer, but I have been to the camps many times within my 25 years of living so far. To find out more about Rockywold Deephaven camps, I will link their website here.
Can I stay elsewhere on the lake? Yes. Yes, you can. Many homes located on Squam Lake are on Vrbo or Airbnb. You can rent out a home on the dock for any time of year. The lake mornings are perfect to water ski or paddleboard having the calm, glassy water. If you want more excitement, wait until mid-afternoon to get some choppier waters to break out that wakeboard or tube to get some air for tricks! In the winter, the ice becomes thick enough to skate on, or even harvest.
What is so special about this lake? Have you seen the 1981 American drama film, On Golden Pond? Becoming the second highest-grossing film in 1981, the movie was nominated for ten Academy Awards and starred the famous stars, Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. On Golden Pond was Henry Fonda's last film performance, at the age of 76, which allowed him to win his first Oscar and become the oldest winner in the Best Actor category. On Golden Pond is also one of the few movies to earn the nominations for the Big Five Academy Awards (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay).
Along with the recognition from the movie, Squam Lake is also known for being a protective environment for bird breeding. Loons, Bald Eagles, and Blue Herons are all regulars at the lake, and during nesting season, there are regular patrols that take place to make sure the birds can nest and be protected. At night, you can hear the peaceful call of the loon, which sometimes sounds like a coyote. Due to the population amount of loons, it makes this lake unique because the loons' population had been steadily decreasing, effecting them to become an endangered species.
Why should I go to Squam Lake and not Lake Winnipesaukee? If you are looking for an area that is more peaceful and tranquil to go fishing, boating, or swimming, I recommend Squam Lake. You are still able to participate in water sports on Squam Lake, but due to the breeding of the different types of birds, and the rocks underneath the water, there are many obstacles for the driver to avoid. Squam Lake tends to be more peaceful for that reason. If you want to participate in water sports only, I would then recommend Lake Winnipesaukee. That lake is known for being a bit more rowdy and exciting.
What is the area like around Squam Lake? Other than lake houses and small marketplaces and shops, the largest town center is Holderness, NH. That is where you would be able to find your larger department stores, grocery stores, and mainstream activities. Holderness is also home to some breweries and wineries. Many people visiting Squam Lake will travel the 30 minutes into Holderness for everything from shopping to their restaurants and bars.
What am I able to do on Squam Lake? There are a lot of different options on how to spend your time on Squam Lake. Whether that is a boat tour or hiking and fishing, there is something for everyone. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center offers 90-minute boat tours during which you can learn more about Squam Lake’s historic homes, wildlife, and many islands. For hiking, the Mount Percival/ Morgan Loop Trail is a five-mile loop hike with great lookouts. If you would like to take the kids on an easier hike, there is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail at West Rattlesnake Mountain, which has panoramic views of Squam Lake. If you are more into kayaking and canoeing, the Squam Lakes Association has them available for rent at its resource center. The staff will help you with the equipment, and the association offers summer programs that include sailing, hiking, and fly fishing.
Squam Lake has a magical charm that many have not experienced. Between the wildlife and the activities available to you, this lake allows you to feel peace and tranquillity, unlike no other. Renting a house it a perfect way to spend a summer vacation and spend quality time with the family. If you would like to see more of Squam Lake, you should rent the movie On Golden Pond, which truly captures the beauty and feel of Squam Lake while you are there.
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