Covering 6,791 acres (27.48 km2),[1] Squam is the second-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire.

In the early 19th century, the lake was given another Abenaki name, Asquam, which means "water".

Finally, in the early 20th century, Asquam was shortened to its present version, Squam.

Squam Lake is a nesting site for common loons and is a good place to see them in breeding plumage during the summer months.

[3] Squam Lake has about 30 named islands and numerous smaller, unnamed islets.