Squam Lake is a beautiful lake located in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire, United States, south of the White Mountains. Straddling the borders of Grafton, Carroll, and Belknap counties, it’s the second-largest lake located entirely within the state.

The largest town center on the lake is Holderness. The lake is located northwest of the much larger Lake Winnipesaukee.

Here are some interesting facts about Squam Lake:

• Name: The lake’s name has changed many times over the years. At first, this 6,791-acre body of water was known as Keeseenunknipee, meaning “the goose lake on the highlands,” before it was shortened in 1779 to a version of Casumpa, Kusumpy, or Kesumpe. The 1800s saw it renamed again to Asquam, meaning “water,” which was then shortened to today’s Squam.
• Wildlife: Squam Lake is a nesting site for common loons, bald eagles, and great blue herons. The lake is classified as a cold- and warmwater fishery, with observed species including rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, lake trout, lake whitefish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, horned pout, and white perch.
• Activities: The lake offers a variety of activities for visitors, including:
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Hiking
  • Skiing and snowboarding (in the winter)
  • Fishing
  • Boating
  • Relaxing on the beach
  • Shopping and dining in the nearby towns

Squam Lake was the filming location for the 1981 summer camp slasher movie “Friday the 13th Part 2”.