Camping at Squam Lakes Association in Holderness, NH

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the White Mountains, Holderness, New Hampshire, offers an authentic New England outdoor escape through the Squam Lakes Association’s campsite rentals. This local organization provides flexible stays on the shores of Squam Lake, one of the region’s most pristine and reflective waters. Unlike crowded commercial campgrounds, SLA offers a straightforward approach to campsite access — from quick two-hour respites to immersive seven-night stays — catering to paddlers, anglers, and nature enthusiasts eager to soak up the quiet wilderness.

Squam Lake is known for its crystal-clear waters framed by steep forested ridges and rolling hills. The campsites offer direct access to the lake’s serene coves and beaches favored by loons, herons, and occasional bald eagles, making early mornings perfect for wildlife observation. Camping here means waking up to mist rising off the water, the air perfumed by pine and birch. While the site is popular around summer weekends, its appeal lies in thoughtful stewardship by the Squam Lakes Association, which balances recreation and conservation in this iconic New Hampshire locale.

Visitors often launch their kayaks or canoes from SLA’s docks, navigating quiet bays and tracing the contours of a lake that inspired the classic film “On Golden Pond.” The system’s range of rental durations means you can time your stay to whatever pace suits: brief daylight adventures, extended family outings, or multi-day retreats to disconnect and unwind. Though parking can fill during peak times, the $5 fee supports maintenance and facilities such as well-kept restrooms and boat launch areas.

Positioned roughly midway between Plymouth and the more bustling Lakes Region towns, Holderness offers access to hiking, biking, and covered bridge photography alongside waterborne activities. The Squam Lakes Association campground feels less like a commercial site and more like a gateway to an undiscovered side of New Hampshire’s lake country — where history, nature, and outdoor passion meet under open skies.