There is something for everyone – ocean, pristine lakes for swimming and boating, and many out of the way swimming holes no one wants to tell you about. Some ideas are below, but be sure to check out the major tourism sites for even more ideas. Enjoy!

Lakes

These are links to just a few of the larger and more well-known lakes, but there are lots more scattered throughout the state that are worth exploring. Wikipedia lists lakes, ponds, and reservoirs that are over 240 acres in size.

Links to information about NH's largest lakes:

Boating, Kayaking, and Canoeing

  • Public Boat Launch Sites lists boat launch information throughout the state.

  • Boating License Information is the official boating education site for NH (note, everyone over 16 needs one now).

  • Boating America lists most of the major lakes and includes boat ramp information.

  • Appalachian Mountain Club's New Hampshire Chapter Paddlers includes paddling information for rivers, lakes, and ponds throughout New England. They also offer organized trips, courses, instruction, and great fun for canoeists and kayakers of all experience levels.

  • Merrimack Valley Paddlers features great information about local kayaking.

  • The Newfound Kayak Club is a friendly group for all ages and has numerous group paddles throughout the year.

  • American Whitewater includes information on rivers, canoeing, and kayaking throughout the US with good river info on NH.

  • Kayak Online is a good site for information on the hard shell and inflatable kayaks, kayak paddles, kayaking gear, and where to go paddling.

  • Marine Waypoints lists yacht/boating clubs in NH.

Beaches & Swimming

  • Hampton Beach is much more than just sand and water. Check out this whole site dedicated to the Hampton Beach culture.

  • NH Outdoors lists all ocean beaches and public lake beaches.

  • Swimming Holes features some of the hard-to-find hidden swimming gems in NH. This guide lists swimming holes scattered across the state in rivers, creeks, springs, and waterfalls.

    Have a favorite swimming spot you want to share? How about some photos on the beach or on the water? Please share them by visiting our Facebook page.