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Lake Wentworth, New Hampshire, USA

One of the prettiest lakes in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is Lake Wentworth. All too often overlooked as tourists flock to nearby Lake Winnipesaukee, 3100-acre Lake Wentworth is no minor pond; it is one of the reasons the Town of Wolfeboro has long held the title, “The Oldest Summer Resort in America.” Named for the second (and last) Royal Governor of New Hampshire John Wentworth, the governor…
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    • All About Lake Wentworth, NH

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - New Hampshire - Lakes Region, NH -

    Lake Wentworth is one of the prettiest lakes in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, and is all too often overlooked as tourists flock to nearby Lake Winnipesaukee. The 3100-acre Lake Wentworth is no minor pond; it is one of the reasons the Town of Wolfeboro has long held the title, “The Oldest Summer Resort in America.” Named for the second (and last) Royal Governor of New Hampshire John Wentworth, the governor had a summer mansion and plantation here just before the Revolutionary War.

    The shoreline is primarily privately owned now, as are most of the 18 islands gracing the lake. Governor Wentworth’s’ mansion burned down in 1820, and the site is now a part of the Governor Wentworth Historic Site and the location of a major archeological dig. Summer resorts and ‘camps’ were being built along the shoreline by 1884, and Lake Wentworth saw its share of famous and historical figures spend summers here. Famous people still come to the Town of Wolfeboro to enjoy typical small-town lake resort living.

    Swimming is a major activity at Lake Wentworth. Two public beaches assure access to the water: Albee Beach in the Town of Wolfeboro and the Wentworth State Park along the north shoreline. Albee Beach has a small picnic area and is the site of the community sailing project the town sponsors in conjunction with the New Hampshire Boat Museum. Wentworth State Park is a bit larger at 50 acres and offers a swim beach, picnic tables and grills, a boat launch, restrooms, hiking trails and fishing. The big lake is popular with boating enthusiasts, and nearly every type of craft is allowed on Lake Wentworth except for personal watercraft (see skicraft restrictions here).

    The Smith River outlet stream connects Lake Wentworth to smaller Crescent Lake, where a dam controls water levels on both lakes. Although smaller boats can be launched either from the boat ramp at the state park or private properties, larger, trailered boats are usually launched at Mast Landing public dock and boat launch on Crescent Lake in the Town of Wolfeboro. These larger boats can then navigate the short Smith River up to Lake Wentworth. Sailing is one of the most popular boating activities, but many enjoy water skiing, tubing, pontooning, canoeing and kayaking.

    As always, fishing is a major draw to Lake Wentworth. Anglers here catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish, white perch, pickerel, rainbow trout, whitefish and even burbot. Fishing around the islands is usually some of the most productive. In winter, the ice fishermen take command, with competition for the best spots to bore a hole to catch perch and pickerel. The large expanse of ice is also used for ice racing tournaments, with competitions centered around snowmobiles, ATVs and even trucks. Although the shoreline is populated with a large number of summer and year-round residences, Stamp Act Island is a nature preserve. The public can access the 100-acre preserve from a beach on the northeast side of the island for day use only. Public access is closed between May 15 and July 15 to allow for undisturbed bird nesting. The island contains a great blue heron rookery and is the site of scientific research and monitoring by advance arrangement with The Nature Conservancy and the Wentworth Watershed Association.

    A second area of natural delight is located near the north shore. Ryefield Marsh is a wetland that feeds into the north end of Lake Wentworth and is excellent for viewing deer, beavers, herons, moose and other species. A self-guided nature trail aids nature lovers in accessing the area. Another excellent way to view the natural ecology of the region is on the six-mile Cotton Valley Rail-Trail. The multi-use trail travels the same route that first brought summer resort visitors to Wolfeboro when the railroad arrived in 1872 and, crossing culverts and between lakes, includes Albee Beach. The trail begins in downtown Wolfeboro at the restored train depot on Railroad Street. A number of other small town woods parks and preserves are located in the area.

    The Town of Wolfeboro has been polishing their tourism hosting skills for over 150 years and are well-prepared to offer services to visitors. Besides the usual restaurants and shops, Wolfeboro holds the Pop Whalen Ice Arena, host to most local hockey leagues and open for public skating. The town is also the location of the community-owned Abenaki Ski Area, one of the oldest and most affordable ski areas in the country. The Libby Museum holds natural history-themed exhibits and hosts children’s programs. The Wright Museum of World War II is ‘dedicated to celebrating Americans’ sacrifices and achievements during WW II’. Supported entirely by private donations, this one is a favorite among the older visitors and those wishing to learn more about the war years in America.

    A museum dear to the hearts of Lake Wentworth residents is the New Hampshire Boat Museum, featuring vintage mahogany and antique boats, including runabouts, race-boats, sailboats, guide-boats and canoes. You can even take an antique boat cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee. The Clark House Museum Complex is a project of the Wolfeboro Historical Society. Located in Clark Park on South Main Street, the complex features a 1778 farmhouse-turned tavern, firehouse, barn, and one-room schoolhouse. Summer programs and special events are offered. Wolfeboro also produces several annual festivals each year, including a winter carnival.

    A few housekeeping cottages are available on Lake Wentworth, and an RV campground provides a landing space for those with a home-on-wheels. Wolfeboro is filled with quaint bed & breakfasts, inns and small motels. Several major hotel chains also are located in the immediate area. Lakeshore property owners often rent their private cottages to weekly or monthly visitors. And, there is usually real estate available, often with lake frontage. Wolfeboro and the surrounding area can provide for nearly any boating or fishing need a visitor might have. It’s the perfect vacation spot and well appointed to claim the title, “Oldest Summer Resort in America”.

    Things to Do at Lake Wentworth

    These are some activities in the Lake Wentworth, NH area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Beach
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Water Skiing
    • Tubing
    • Camping
    • Campground
    • Picnicking
    • Hiking
    • Snowmobiling
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • State Park
    • Museum
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Wentworth?

    Lake Wentworth has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Burbot
    • Largemouth Bass
    • Perch
    • Pickerel
    • Pike
    • Rainbow Trout
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Sunfish
    • Trout
    • White Perch
    • Whitefish
    • Yellow Perch
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Wentworth

    If you’re considering a Lake Wentworth lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Wentworth Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Wentworth lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Wentworth Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 3,116 acres

    Shoreline Length: 20 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 534 feet

    Average Depth: 32 feet

    Maximum Depth: 89 feet

    Water Volume: 62,928 acre-feet

    Water Residence Time: 6 months

    Drainage Area: 22,583 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oligotrophic

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