Best Camping Beaches in Vermont

Silver Lake State Park, nestled in the picturesque town of Barnard, Vermont, offers a serene escape amidst rolling hills and scenic vistas. The park is a haven for family vacations, boasting a sandy swimming area, picnic grounds, and a camping site with 40 tent/trailer sites and 7 lean-to sites. The 84-acre Silver Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing, supporting species like northern pike and smallmouth bass, and is popular for paddling and quieter recreational activities. During winter, the lake transforms into a hub for ice skating and ice fishing.
The park's proximity to Woodstock and other central Vermont tourist destinations makes it an ideal spot for exploring the region's charm. The area's history is rich, with the lake originally known as Stebblings' Pond before being renamed Silver Lake in 1869.
Visitors can enjoy the park's natural beauty, engage in various activities, and experience the quaint New England charm of the surrounding village.

Molly's Falls Pond State Park is a serene 1,064-acre park located in Cabot and Marshfield, Vermont. It surrounds the 411-acre Molly's Falls Pond, a reservoir created in the late 1920s for hydroelectric power. The park is primarily undeveloped, offering a tranquil setting for activities like swimming, boating, and fishing. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the pond and its surroundings, which are rich in history and natural charm.
The park's history is tied to the construction of the dam by Molly's Falls Electric, Light and Power Company, which flooded the nearby community of Petersville. Today, it is managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, providing a peaceful retreat for nature lovers.
The area is named after Molly, a local indigenous resident known for her herbal remedies and connection to the land. The park offers remote camping sites accessible by boat, making it a unique destination for those seeking solitude and connection with nature.

Elmore State Park, located in Elmore, Vermont, is a picturesque destination that offers a serene blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. The park is centered around Lake Elmore, a 219-acre lake that provides a stunning backdrop for swimming, picnicking, and fishing. The surrounding landscape includes Elmore Mountain, which rises to 2,608 feet and features a historic fire tower offering panoramic views of the Green Mountains and the Presidential Range in New Hampshire.
The park's history dates back to 1936 when it was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and it has since become a popular spot for both day-use activities and camping. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, including the ascent to the fire tower, and relax on the pristine sandy beach.
Elmore State Park is known for its well-maintained facilities and friendly staff, making it an ideal choice for families and solo adventurers alike.

Lake Carmi State Park is nestled in the picturesque town of Franklin, Vermont, offering a serene escape amidst nature. The park surrounds Lake Carmi, the fourth largest lake entirely within Vermont, with a surface area of 1,375 acres and a maximum depth of 33 feet. The lake's unique rocky bottom supports a diverse range of fish species, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The park itself features over two miles of lakefront, with a mix of open fields and a large peat bog, creating a diverse ecological landscape. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking, making it an ideal destination for both relaxation and adventure.
The park's history is also noteworthy, as it was named after Carmi L. Marsh, a local resident who served in the Civil War. The area has evolved significantly since the last ice age, with the southern end of the original lake silting in to form wetlands. Today, Lake Carmi State Park is a beloved spot for camping, with 138 tent/RV sites and 35 lean-to sites available. The park's facilities include a nature center, picnic areas, and rental boats, enhancing the visitor experience.
The scenic beauty of Lake Carmi, combined with its rich history and diverse wildlife, makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Maidstone State Park is nestled in the picturesque town of Maidstone, Vermont, offering a serene escape amidst nature. Located on the shores of the 796-acre Maidstone Lake, this park is one of Vermont's most remote and scenic areas. The park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and opened in 1938, retaining much of its original charm. Visitors can enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, camping, boating, and wildlife watching, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park's setting within the Maidstone State Forest provides a backdrop of mixed northern hardwood forests, teeming with wildlife such as moose, bear, and deer. Maidstone Lake itself is renowned for its lake trout fishing and is a popular spot for viewing nesting loons.
The park operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend, offering both day-use and camping facilities. Its remote location requires a car for access, but the scenic drive is well worth the journey.

Camp Plymouth State Park is located on the eastern shore of Echo Lake in Plymouth, Vermont, offering a serene and natural setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park spans 295 acres, featuring a 96-acre lake and a diverse range of flora and fauna, including a rare Sugar Maple-Ostrich Fern Riverine Floodplain Forest. Visitors can enjoy swimming, picnicking, fishing, and boating, making it a popular destination for family vacations and nature lovers.
The park's history dates back to its use as a Boy Scout camp from 1927 to the 1980s, and it was opened to the public in 1989. Today, it offers various amenities like cabin rentals, group camping sites, and picnic pavilions.
The surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the nearby Arthur Davis Wildlife Management Area.

Bomoseen State Park, located in Castleton, Vermont, offers a serene and diverse landscape with nearly 4000 acres of forest, wetlands, and old fields. The park features two campgrounds, Bomoseen and Half Moon, and several trails that allow visitors to explore its natural beauty. The terrain is dominated by north-south ridges covered with hemlock and white pine forests, while other areas include oaks and hickories. Water is abundant, with many small ponds, large wetlands, and the 200-acre Glen Lake, which has a nearly undeveloped shoreline. The park's unique blend of natural and historical features makes it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park is situated at the northern end of the Taconic mountain range and is rich in cultural resources, particularly related to the 19th-century slate industry. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and boating, making it a popular playground for vacationers. In the winter, it transforms into a great spot for ice fishing and snowshoeing.
The park's scenic beauty and diverse wildlife make it a perfect spot for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Waterbury Center State Park is a picturesque 90-acre day-use park located on the shores of the 850-acre Waterbury Reservoir in Vermont. It offers a serene escape with its swimming beach, picnic areas, and a universally accessible nature trail. The park is part of the Mount Mansfield State Forest and provides a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The reservoir itself was created in the 1930s as a flood control project and is now a popular spot for water sports and relaxation.

The park's proximity to Waterbury village allows visitors to enjoy local cuisine and attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking both outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Waterbury is renowned for its food scene, featuring farm-to-table restaurants and local breweries.

With its natural beauty and accessibility, Waterbury Center State Park is a must-visit for anyone exploring Vermont's central region.

Kill Kare State Park is nestled on the southwestern tip of St. Albans Point in Vermont, offering a serene escape with its modest beach and stunning views of Lake Champlain. The park's history dates back to its days as a summer camp for boys from 1912 to 1966. Today, it provides a tranquil setting for activities like swimming, kayaking, and picnicking. The park is surrounded by water on three sides, creating a picturesque backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and explore nearby attractions, including hiking trails and the Burton Island ferry.

The park's facilities include picnic tables, grills, and a boat launch, making it an ideal spot for family outings or solo relaxation. The nearby area offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions, capturing the essence of New England's charm.

Despite its serene atmosphere, Kill Kare State Park has limited amenities, so visitors should plan accordingly. However, its proximity to St. Albans City provides access to a range of dining and accommodation options.