You might not think of beaches when you picture Vermont, but there are some fantastic lake beaches throughout the state, including many on Lake Champlain. Surrounded by beautiful forests, the lakes in Vermont are full of ways to spend your time, including water sports, fishing, and of course, enjoying the popular beaches.
What Are the Best Beaches in Vermont?
- Sand Bar State Park
- Waterbury Center State Park
- Crystal Lake State Park
- Emerald Lake State Park
- Elmore State Park
- Burton Island State Park
- Half Moon Pond State Park
- Warren Falls
- Camp Plymouth State Park
- Branbury State Park
What Are The Best Vermont Beaches for RVers?
| Park | Campsite Options | Hookups & Amenities | RV Friendliness | Best For | Key Advantage |
| Camp Plymouth State Park | Lakeside campground with tent and RV sites on Echo Lake | Restrooms, showers, picnic areas, boat rentals, snack bar; no full hookups | High | Family RV trips, lake recreation, active outdoor stays | Large sandy beach with full activity access (swimming, boating, hiking) in one place |
| Branbury State Park | Forest and lakeside tent/RV sites on Lake Dunmore | Restrooms, showers, boat rentals, picnic areas; no full hookups | High | Scenic lakefront camping, swimming, kayaking, quiet RV weekends | Strong mix of forest + clear lake swimming with on-site camping |
| Elmore State Park | Campground with RV sites near Lake Elmore | Restrooms, snack bar, boat rentals, hiking access; limited services, no full hookups | High | Relaxed lake camping with hiking access | Easy access to both sandy beach swimming and Elmore Mountain lookout hike |
Sand Bar State Park
Located along the sandbar that connects South Hero Island to the Vermont mainland is Sand Bar State Park. This park is a shallow beach and park on Lake Champlain and is a favorite for both locals and visitors. The beach leads out into a shallow and sandy bottomed part of the lake with crystal clear water, making this a great beach for families and kids. There are also changing facilities, boat rentals, and grilling areas. It’s one of the most visited state parks in Vermont, and is a must see if you’re in the area.
Things to do near Sand Bar State Park
This park is located in Milton, near Burlington. Spend more time outside at the Sand Bar Wildlife Refuge to see local animals like waterfowl, turtles, muskrats, and beavers.
Waterbury Center State Park
Waterbury Center State Park is a park that sits on the Waterbury Reservoir. The sandy beach is great for swimming and sunbathing, and you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards to explore the reservoir. Besides the water and sand, there’s a large grassy area for picnics, plus tables, grills, and picnic sites. There’s also a nature trail, restrooms, and a concession area, making this park a great place to spend the afternoon.
Things to do near Waterbury Center State Park
The town of Waterbury is a few minutes south of the park, or head to Montpelier for the day.
Crystal Lake State Park
Crystal Lake State Park features a glacial lake with a sandy shoreline and a designated swimming beach. There’s a historic granite bathhouse with bathrooms, changing rooms, and a concessions area. Picnic areas, play areas, and grills are also available. Boats and canoes are available for rent if you want to get on the water.
Things to do near Crystal Lake State Park
Go for a hike, visit the Bread and Puppet Theater, or check out the Museum of Everyday Life.
Emerald Lake State Park
Emerald Lake State Park is home to a small lake known for its green-colored water. The beach is great for swimming with mountain and forest views, and fishing and non-motorized boating are allowed. There are hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and campsites if you want to stay overnight.
Things to do near Emerald Lake State Park
Explore Green Mountain National Forest or head to Albany, New York, which is just over an hour away.
Elmore State Park
Lake Elmore in Elmore State Park is a popular spot for swimming and relaxing. The sandy beach is good for swimming, while the grassy areas are ideal for picnics. There are restrooms, a snack bar, and boat rentals including canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, and paddle boards. Hiking trails lead up Elmore Mountain to a lookout tower, and there is also a campground with RV sites.
Things to do near Elmore State Park
Visit Moss Glen Falls in nearby Stowe, or explore the nearby towns of Morrisville, Wolcott, and Stowe.
Burton Island State Park
Burton Island State Park is a Lake Champlain island park accessible only by boat or ferry. The park has a marina and a ferry from Kill Kare State Park. Once there, you’ll find a rocky beach, hiking trails, a museum, and a restaurant. The park is open seasonally from late June to mid-September.
Things to do near Burton Island State Park
The park is near Saint Albans and about an hour from Burlington, meaning there is plenty to see and do.
Half Moon Pond State Park
Half Moon Pond State Park is located within Bomoseen State Park and is a quiet lake destination surrounded by forest. It offers two sandy beaches, campground access, and rentals for kayaks, canoes, and paddle boats. Fishing and hiking are also popular.
Things to do near Half Moon Pond State Park
Middlebury is about 25 miles north and Burlington is farther beyond that, both offer some dining, shopping, and things to do.
Warren Falls
Warren Falls is a natural swimming hole on the Mad River, featuring waterfalls that flow into a clear green-blue pool. It’s popular for swimming and cliff jumping at different heights. There is parking and a short trail to the falls.
Things to do near Warren Falls
Montpelier, Burlington, and Lake Champlain are all within about an hour’s drive, and the nearby town of Warren is close by.
Camp Plymouth State Park
Camp Plymouth State Park sits on Echo Lake and offers a sandy beach for swimming and sunbathing. Canoe and boat rentals are available, along with picnic areas, a playground, and horseshoe pits. The park also offers hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and camping.
Things to do near Camp Plymouth State Park
Nearby towns include Ludlow, Mount Holly, and Proctorsville, all with dining and shopping options.
Branbury State Park
Branbury State Park sits on Lake Dunmore and features a sandy beach, grassy picnic areas, and clear lake water for swimming. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats are available for rent. The park also offers tent and RV camping.
Things to do near Branbury State Park
Moosalamoo National Forest and Green Mountain National Forest are nearby, and Burlington is about an hour away.
Planning an RV trip to Vermont
Check out the best state parks in Vermont, and make sure to see the national forests as well!
