Best Freshwater Swimming From Lake Winnipesaukee
Winnipesaukee is the default when you want a public lake beach without a long hike. These ranks start with the clearest state-park and town access around the lake.
Early June weekends fill fast at Weirs and Ellacoya; smaller town beaches can be quieter but tighter on parking. Use the map, then open each guide for fees, lifeguard hours, and access rules.
Rank 1: Ellacoya State Park — Gilford
New Hampshire's only state-park beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, a ~600-ft sandy beach in Gilford.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 5-10 min one way
Rank 2: Opechee Point Beach — Laconia
A smaller, quieter Laconia city access point on Opechee Bay.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 3-5 min
Rank 3: Brewster Beach — Wolfeboro
A Wolfeboro town beach on Lake Winnipesaukee with sandy entry and a quiet day-use feel.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 1-3 min
Rank 4: Carry Beach — Wolfeboro
A quiet Wolfeboro town beach on Back Bay off Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 1-3 min
Rank 5: Albee Beach — Wolfeboro
A small neighborhood-scale Wolfeboro town beach on Lake Winnipesaukee.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 1-3 min
Rank 6: Weirs Beach — Laconia
The boardwalk-side public beach on Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia — the anchor of the Weirs summer scene.
- Can you swim?
- Swimming allowed when posted rules and staffing say it is open
- Walk
- 1-3 min