Closing Up Camp: A Lakes Region Winterizing Checklist

For many families, closing camp is as much a part of the year as opening it. Once the boats are out and the leaves are down, a lake house in New Hampshire's Lakes Region has to be ready for months of freezing temperatures, snow load and ice on the water. A careful close-up protects the property, and skipping steps can mean burst pipes, damaged docks and expensive repairs in spring. This winterizing checklist walks through the main jobs, room by room and from the shoreline up, and points to local professionals in our directory who can help.

This is general guidance. Every property is different, so follow the instructions for your own systems and appliances, and bring in licensed professionals for plumbing, electrical and heating work.

Decide first: closed or heated?

The first choice shapes everything else. Some owners fully close a seasonal camp, shutting off and draining the water system and leaving the building unheated. Others keep a house heated at a low setting all winter, either for occasional visits or for winter rentals. A fully closed camp needs thorough draining. A heated house needs a reliable heating system, a plan for power outages and someone checking in regularly. Make this decision early, since it determines which professionals you need and when.

Plumbing and water

Water is the biggest risk in a cold house. For a camp that will be unheated:

• Shut off the water supply at the main valve or well pump.
• Drain all supply lines, opening every faucet, inside and out, including outdoor spigots and showers.
• Drain the water heater following the manufacturer's instructions, and turn off its power or fuel first.
• Address traps and toilets. Water left in fixtures can freeze. Many owners use plumbing antifreeze designed for this purpose. Follow the product label.
• Drain lake water lines if the property draws water from the lake, and pull any intake line that could be damaged by ice.

If you are not sure every line is drained, hire a plumber. A single missed low point in a line can split when it freezes.

Where pipes freeze, and why

The American Red Cross explains the basic problem simply: water expands as it freezes, and that pressure can break metal or plastic pipes no matter how strong they are. The pipes it lists as freezing most often are exactly the ones a lake camp tends to have:

• Pipes exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler lines.
• Supply pipes in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages and kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run along exterior walls with little or no insulation.

Its pre-winter advice: remove, drain and store outdoor hoses; close the inside valves that feed outdoor hose bibs, then open the outside bibs so any remaining water can expand without breaking the pipe; and add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. For pipes in unheated areas, it suggests pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape or heat cable. Note that it warns against putting antifreeze in pool or sprinkler supply lines unless the manufacturer or installer directs it, because antifreeze is harmful to people, pets, wildlife and landscaping.

Docks, boats and the shoreline

The waterfront takes the hardest beating in winter. Ice can push, lift and twist docks and lifts.

• Remove seasonal docks and lifts if they are designed to come out, and store them above the reach of ice and spring high water.
• Inspect permanent docks for loose boards, hardware and damage before winter, so problems do not grow.
• Store boats properly, with engines winterized according to the manufacturer's instructions, or arrange storage with a marina.
• Secure shoreline furniture and gear so wind and snow do not carry it off.

Center Harbor Dock and Pier in Moultonborough is a local dock and pier business. Waterfront work fills up in fall, so book removal or repairs early. Any new construction or significant change at the shoreline may need state permits, so ask your contractor what applies to your property.

Electrical

A cold, empty house is no place for an electrical problem.

• Decide what stays on. In a closed camp, many owners shut off circuits that are not needed, while leaving power to anything that must run, such as a sump pump, heat tape or a security system.
• Unplug appliances and electronics that will not be used.
• Check outdoor outlets, lighting and dock power for damage and weather exposure.
• Plan for outages in a heated house. If you are considering a standby generator, have it installed by a licensed electrician.

Electrical businesses in the region listed in our directory include Kozlowski Electric in Meredith and Ark Electric in Northfield.

Heating

For a house that will stay heated:

• Service the heating system before the cold arrives.
• Set a safe minimum temperature and confirm the thermostat works.
• Check fuel supply and arrange delivery for oil or propane if applicable.
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries.
• Have chimneys and wood stoves inspected before using them.

A remote temperature monitor or smart thermostat can alert you if the heat fails, which matters most in a house nobody visits for weeks.

Inside the house

• Clear the kitchen. Remove food that could freeze, spoil or attract animals. Empty and prop open the refrigerator if it will be unplugged.
• Seal entry points. Mice look for warm shelter in fall. Close gaps around pipes and foundations.
• Remove liquids that could freeze and burst, from cleaning products to drinks.
• Close flues and dampers on unused fireplaces.

Outside the house

• Clean gutters so melting snow can drain.
• Trim branches that hang over the roof or power lines.
• Store outdoor furniture, grills and kayaks.
• Arrange plowing if the house will be used or must be reachable in winter, and mark the driveway edges before the first snow so the plow driver can find them.

Security and check-ins

An empty house needs someone watching it. Arrange regular check-ins from a neighbor, caretaker or management company, especially after storms. Give them keys, emergency contacts and a list of what to look for: heat, water, roof damage and signs of entry. Notify your insurer if your policy has requirements for unoccupied properties.

Off-season rentals and management

If you rent your property, the off-season raises extra questions: whether to offer winter rentals, who handles snow and check-ins, and how to prepare for the next summer season. Vacation-rental management firms in our directory include Lakes Region Rentals, a Meredith firm managing lakefront and lake-access homes, and Maxfield Vacation Properties, a lakefront rental and management firm on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro.

If closing camp has you thinking about selling or buying for next season, Meredith Bay Realty is a Meredith brokerage listing waterfront and town homes around Meredith Bay and the lakes.

A simple timeline

• Early fall: book dock removal, boat storage, plumbing and heating service.
• Before the first hard freeze: drain or protect water systems.
• Final visit: walk through this checklist, lock up and leave keys with your caretaker.
• All winter: schedule regular check-ins, especially after storms.

FAQ

When should I winterize a lake house in New Hampshire?

Before the first hard freeze. Many owners schedule it for October or early November, and book contractors earlier, since fall is busy for waterfront and plumbing work.

Do I need to remove my dock for winter?

It depends on the dock. Many seasonal docks and lifts are designed to come out before ice forms. Ask a dock professional about your specific setup.

Should I leave the heat on or fully close my camp?

Both approaches work. Fully closing requires thorough draining. Leaving the heat on requires reliable heating, outage planning and regular check-ins.

Can I do winterizing myself?

Many owners handle basic tasks such as clearing the kitchen and storing furniture. Hire licensed professionals for plumbing, electrical and heating work.

Who can watch my property in winter?

Neighbors, caretakers and vacation-rental management companies can all handle check-ins. Confirm what each will do and how often.

Sources

• Business descriptions: NHTG directory listings for each business.
• Equipment and appliance steps: follow the manufacturer's instructions for your own systems.
• American Red Cross, Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html