Swim Jade-Clear Water and Explore Amherst with Your Family
Why Rent On Baboosic Lake
Baboosic Lake in Amherst, New Hampshire, takes its name from the Abenaki word for “twins,” a reference to the lake’s distinctive hourglass shape formed when glaciers receded over 10,000 years ago. At 226 acres with feeding springs, brooks, and a pine-canopied shoreline, it offers a genuinely beautiful southern New Hampshire lake experience that sits close enough to Manchester and Nashua for easy access while feeling fully removed from their suburban energy. A lakefront vacation home here is the kind of stay that makes a long weekend feel like a proper vacation.
Water Activities and Sandy Beach Life
Swimming from the sandy beach, stand-up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, kayaking, canoeing, and motorboating are all available on Baboosic Lake’s calm surface. The lake association maintains the beach area with swim lessons, lifeguard supervision in season, and a playscape that keeps younger children engaged for hours. The natural pine canopy around the shoreline creates shade that makes full-day beach visits genuinely comfortable in July and August.
Historic Character and the Railroad Connection
The Boston and Maine Railroad once brought wealthy summer visitors from Boston directly to Baboosic Lake’s shores, and the remnants of that era, including the historic summer cottages and boathouses that line the private sections of shoreline, give the lake a layered character that newer recreational lakes simply cannot offer. The Milford Historical Society and Museum preserves the region’s past with engaging exhibits on town, agricultural, and industrial history.
Amherst and the Souhegan Valley
The town of Amherst is one of New Hampshire’s most consistently celebrated historic communities, with a picture-perfect colonial green, 18th-century homes, and a locally owned dining and retail scene that rewards a slow afternoon walk. Milford’s Cabinet Theatre provides live theater programming throughout the year, and Mine Falls Park in Nashua offers trails, fishing, and paddling for families who want to extend the outdoor programming beyond the lake itself.
A Southern New Hampshire Lake Worth Discovering
A vacation rental on Baboosic Lake gives your family a beautiful, well-maintained lake in a community that takes obvious pride in its water and shoreline. Properties with lake views, private beach access, full kitchens, and hot tubs are available for groups of four to ten. This is a lake that delivers the full New Hampshire summer lake experience within easy reach of two major cities, and that combination is harder to find than it sounds.
- Surface area (mi)
- 0.58
- Max depth (ft)
- 25.92
- Elevation (ft)
- 232.94
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 5.03
Popular activities
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Freshwater Fishing
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Marinas on Baboosic Lake
Nearby lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Baboosic Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, Baboosic Lake Town Beach has specific swimming hours and rules. The beach is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5:30pm, and full-time starting June 13th. Swimming is only allowed within the buoy lines, and no boats or fishing are permitted in the swimming area during operating hours. Dogs and non-Coast Guard approved flotation devices are not allowed.
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Baboosic Lake is a popular destination because it offers various activities like swimming, volleyball, and kayaking. The lake, formed by glaciers, is large enough for motor boats and ideal for kayaks and canoes, making it a great spot for water sports and family outings. It also has a rich history as a former tourist destination.
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For Baboosic Lake in New Hampshire, the daily bag limits and size restrictions vary by species. For trout, lake trout, and salmon, the combined daily limit is 2 fish, with minimum lengths of 15 inches for trout and salmon, and 18 inches for lake trout. However, since Baboosic Lake is not specifically managed for trout, lake trout, or salmon, these rules apply generally unless otherwise stated for other species like bass and pickerel.
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Yes, there is a public beach at Baboosic Lake. The Amherst Town Beach offers amenities like year-round and seasonal bathrooms, drinking water, and food available, but it does not include swim lessons or volleyball courts. The beach also rents kayaks and paddle boards.
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Baboosic Lake is located near the towns of Amherst and Merrimack in New Hampshire. These towns are on the border of Hillsborough County, where the lake is situated. The lake drains into Baboosic Brook, a tributary of the Merrimack River.
