The Squam Lakes Association owns Moon Island, Bowman Island and Belknap Woods and manages these properties for conservation and low impact recreation. The SLA also manages the Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest, which is owned by the New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) and Mead Conservation Center, which is located on the White Mountain National Forest (USFS).

Day use visitors are welcome to visit SLA Natural Areas in groups of 12 or less. Campsites are available by reservation only.

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Bowman Island

Bowman Island is a 23-acre island located across a narrow channel from Moon Island and has been owned by the SLA since 1994. There is a dock and small beach at the northwest end of the island, providing access to the three small campsites (Bowman # 1, 2, 3) and a dock at the southeast side of the island, providing access to the group site (#4). Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.

Moon Island

Moon Island is a 30-acre island that was purchased by the Squam Lakes Association in 1986. There are several small beaches which may be used for landing non motorized boats. There are two docks on Moon Island; one is reserved for loading and unloading only and provides access to the Clivus Multrum toilet facility, and the other dock is reserved for camping. Dogs are not permitted on Moon Island.

Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest

Chamberlain-Reynolds Memorial Forest is a 157-acre forest with over a mile of waterfront and was donated to New England Forestry Foundation in 1953. Its shorefront area and trails are managed for public use by the Squam Lakes Association. There are several beaches, a swamp board walk and over 4 miles of hiking trails. The trails start on College Road in Center Harbor. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash at all times.

Wister # 1, 2, 3 and 4 Campsites are accessible from land and parking is available at the west parking lot on College Road. Follow the West Fire Road to the Inland Trail to the Wister Point Trail. Heron Cove can only be accessed by water.

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Belknap Woods

Belknap Woods is a 90-acre forest in Center Harbor, which was donated to SLA in 1986. Belknap Woods is located at the mouth of Dog Cove and along Rte 25-B. This forest provides carry in boat access for canoes and kayaks to Dog Cove on Squam Lake and is the nearest put in for the Chamberlain Reynolds Memorial Forest. There is a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Mead Conservation Center

The Squam Lakes Association (SLA) has a Special Use Authorization permit from the U.S. Forest Service for the Mead Conservation Center (MCC) in Sandwich Notch. SLA plans to preserve the historical Smith farmhouse and to house Trail Crews for the SLA, Student Conservation Association (SCA) and the Wonalancet Outdoor Club (WODC). Leave No Trace educational programs, Trail Adopter trainings and camping will be provided at the 22-acre Mead Conservation Center.

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