Best Family Friendly Beaches in Vermont

Crystal Lake State Park is nestled in Barton, Vermont, offering a serene and picturesque destination for visitors. This day-use state park is built around the glacial Crystal Lake, which stretches about three miles long and has depths of over 100 feet in some places
. The park features a large sandy beach suitable for swimming, picnic areas, and expansive lawns, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and recreation.
The surroundings are complemented by beautiful foliage on the nearby hills, providing a vibrant backdrop for outdoor activities.

Alburgh Dunes State Park, located in Alburgh, Vermont, is a 625-acre natural haven along the shores of Lake Champlain. It features one of the longest sandy beaches in Vermont, offering a serene and picturesque experience. The park is named for its unique sand dunes, which form a barrier island similar to those found along ocean coastlines. The dunes are a result of glacial till erosion and prevailing winds that shape the sand into dunes. The park's wetlands, including a large black spruce bog, provide essential habitats for wildlife, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife viewing.

The park's unique geological features and diverse ecosystems make it a fascinating destination for those interested in natural history. Visitors can enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking, while also exploring the surrounding wetlands and forests. The park operates on a day-use basis, with hours from 10 a.m. to sunset, and offers picnic areas and a natural play space.

Alburgh Dunes State Park is a significant ecological site, with rare plants like Champlain beach grass and beach-pea, remnants from the post-glacial era. Protective fencing is in place to safeguard these plants and allow the dunes to recover from past disturbances.

Sand Bar State Park is a picturesque 15-acre park located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain in Milton, Vermont. It is named after the natural sandbar that stretches between the mainland and South Hero Island, created by sediment from the Lamoille River over thousands of years. The park offers a 2,000-foot sandy beach, ideal for swimming, especially for children due to its shallow waters. Established in 1933, it features a historic stone bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, offering a variety of activities like boating, fishing, and picnicking in a well-maintained environment.

The park's setting is enhanced by its proximity to the 1,000-acre Sand Bar Wildlife Refuge, which provides habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife. The shallow waters and long sandy beach make it a popular destination for families and day-use visitors. The park's facilities include picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Sand Bar State Park is not only a recreational gem but also a historically significant site, with its CCC-built structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This blend of natural beauty and historical significance makes it a unique and appealing destination for visitors.

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.

Boulder Beach State Park is a picturesque haven located in Groton, Vermont, known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. Situated on the eastern shore of 423-acre Lake Groton, the park features a sandy beach, swimming area, and numerous large rocks left by glaciers, giving it its unique name. The park is part of the larger Groton State Forest, offering a serene backdrop for nature lovers and photographers alike. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and various water sports like canoeing and kayaking. The park is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM during the operating season, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and adventure.

The park's history dates back to Native American times, with early French settlers using the area as a route to Canada and Massachusetts. Today, it is managed for multiple uses, including timber harvesting, wildlife habitat, and recreation. The surrounding forest was once logged extensively but now offers extensive trails and scenic views.

Boulder Beach State Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking a tranquil yet engaging experience amidst Vermont's natural beauty.

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.

Branbury State Park is a picturesque destination located on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore in Salisbury, Vermont. The park offers a serene lakeside escape with lush forests, rolling hills, and a stunning natural sand beach. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, providing opportunities for hiking, picnicking, swimming, and fishing. The park's proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest adds to its appeal, offering extensive hiking and mountain biking trails. The unique blend of natural beauty and recreational activities makes Branbury State Park an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.
The park's history dates back to its operation as a farm and later as a boys' camp before becoming a state park in 1945. It is named after the nearby towns of Brandon and Salisbury, hence 'Branbury.' The park features a 1000-foot natural sandy beach, making it perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters of Lake Dunmore.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including canoeing and kayaking on the lake, as well as exploring the scenic hiking trails that wind through the woods, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

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.

Woodford State Park is a 398-acre park located in Woodford, Vermont, at an elevation of 2,400 feet, making it the highest state park in Vermont. It surrounds Adams Reservoir and is nestled within the Green Mountain National Forest. The park offers a serene environment with high elevation spruce-fir-birch forests and various wildlife habitats. Established in 1963, it provides a range of activities such as swimming, boating, camping, hiking, and fishing, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The park's scenic beauty and diverse recreational opportunities attract visitors from across the region. Its proximity to Bennington and Wilmington adds to its appeal, offering easy access to nearby towns for additional dining and cultural experiences.
Woodford State Park is a must-visit for those seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature's splendor.