A Guide to Public Boat Launches in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region
New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a paradise for boating enthusiasts, and we are now entering our busy season. It’s time to get out on the water and explore our inviting lakes. With over 273 lakes, ponds, and rivers, it is one of the best places in the country to enjoy water sports. Many public boat launches are available throughout the region, making it easier for boaters to access these waterbodies. Here are some of the boat launches to be aware of.
Lake Winnipesaukee Boat Launches (44,586 acres)
Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and one of the most popular boating destinations in the state. There are several public boat launches available on the lake, including:
Meredith
The Meredith Public Boat Launch in Meredith (non-residents pay a $20 fee; residents launch free with a decal). 3-hour docking limit between hours of operation with no overnight docking. 4.7-star review on Google.
Goodhue Boat Company (Shep Browns Boat Basin), Meredith (fee charge). No trailer parking is allowed on the paved municipal parking lot adjacent to Shep Brown’s, but trailer parking is allowed at the municipal lot located on Lovejoy Sands Road. 4.7-star review on Google.
Gilford
Fay’s Boat Yard, Gilford (reasonably priced fee charged and varies based on size/trailer). Includes parking for trailers and vehicles. 4.6-star review on Google.
Center Harbor
Center Harbor Public Docks, Center Harbor (there is a $15 launch fee for non-residents, 3-hour limitation on docking). 4.5-star review on Google.
Wolfeboro
The Wolfeboro Public Boat Launch in Wolfeboro. This boat launch was recently redone over the winter, and the docks were rebuilt (free launching). 4.9-star review on Google.
Wolfeboro also has another free launch in the back bay on Railroad Ave; however, boats must pass under a low bridge with 4.2ft clearance to reach the main lake.
Alton
West Alton Marina, Alton ($50 credit fee or $45 cash fee). This ramp is open to the public 24/7 and allows one vehicle with a trailer per fee. 4.6-star review on Google.
Alton Public Docks and Ramp, Alton (no fee). This facility was recently upgraded and expanded with paved parking and several docks. 5.0-star review on Google.
Downing Landing, Alton (no fee, recently refurbished). This facility has partial/limited site access with paved parking and a paved ramp. 4.5-star review on Google.
Robert Cove Basin, Alton ($20 fee for boats and jet skis up to 2 watercraft per trailer, $10 for canoes and kayaks. 4.8-star review on Google.
Squam Lake Boat Launch (6,791 acres)
Squam Lake is the second-largest lake in the Lakes Region and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. There is one free public boat launch available on the lake.
Squam Lake Public Boat Launch in Holderness (no fee). No ski crafts (E.I., jet ski/personal watercraft) allowed. 4.5-star review on Google.
Lake Winnisquam Boat Launch (4,214 acres)
Lake Winnisquam is the fourth-largest lake in the Lakes Region and is a popular destination for boaters. There is one public boat launch available on the lake:
Winnisquam Access Facility at the end of Water Street in Laconia (no fee). Owned by the state, this facility has a concrete log ramp, paved parking, and a dock. 4.8-star review on Google.
Newfound Lake Boat Launch (4,451 acres)
Newfound Lake (NH’s 3rd Largest Lake) is a beautiful, crystal-clear lake located in Bristol, Hebron, Alexandria, and Bridgewater, New Hampshire.
Wellington State Beach, Bristol. NH Fish and Game operates a boat launch adjoining the park, open 24/7 (no fee). This facility has a concrete log ramp, paved parking, trailer access, and restrooms. There is a 6 MPH restriction in some parts. 4.7-star review on Google.
Lake Opechee Boat Launch (449 acres)
Lake Opechee is a small but beautiful lake in Laconia, New Hampshire.
Messer Street Boat Ramp, Laconia (no fee). The city of Laconia owns this boat ramp, including a concrete log ramp, restrooms, and a picnic area. 4.5-star review on Google.
Lake Waukewan Boat Launch (928 acres)
Lake Waukewan, Meredith’s water supply, is a beautiful in-town lake in Meredith, New Hampshire. There is one public boat launch available on the lake.
Waukewan Street, Meredith. This boat launch provides easy access to the lake with a concrete ramp and offers amenities such as a picnic area and ample paved parking. Residents launch free; nonresidents pay a $20 fee. No personal watercraft. 4.6-star review on Google.
Lake Kanasatka Boat Launch (371 acres)
Lake Kanasatka is a smaller, beautiful lake in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. There is one public boat launch available, which the State DES owns. It has a gravel ramp and limited site access. 4.5-star review on Google.
Merrymeeting Lake Boat Launch (1,233 acres)
Merrymeeting Lake is a smaller, tranquil, crystal-clear, deep lake in New Durham, New Hampshire. One public boat launch is available, owned by the State- NH Fish and Game. It has a paved ramp and limited site access. No personal watercraft in Elly Cove, lake trout & salmon waters. 4.7-star review on Google.
This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group in Meredith, NH, and can be reached at (603) 279-7046. Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Boat Launches in NH’s Lakes Region
Where can you find public boat launches in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region?
Public boat launches are located throughout New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, including on Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Lake Winnisquam, Newfound Lake, Lake Opechee, Lake Waukewan, Lake Kanasatka, and Merrymeeting Lake.
Are there free public boat launches in the Lakes Region NH?
Yes, several public boat launches in the Lakes Region are free, including locations in Wolfeboro, Alton, Holderness, Laconia, and Bristol, though some launches charge fees for non-residents.
Which lake has the most public boat launch options?
Lake Winnipesaukee has the most public boat launch options in the Lakes Region, with multiple access points in Meredith, Gilford, Center Harbor, Wolfeboro, and Alton.
Do public boat launches in NH have fees?
Some public boat launches in New Hampshire charge fees, which vary by location. Fees may depend on residency, boat size, or trailer use, while other launches are free.
Are there restrictions at Lakes Region boat launches?
Yes, some boat launches have restrictions, such as limits on docking time, no overnight docking, no personal watercraft, or clearance limits like low bridges.
Is parking available at public boat ramps in the Lakes Region?
Many public boat launches offer parking for vehicles and trailers, though availability and rules vary by location.
