17 Best Lakes in Vermont Worth the Drive
- Rey Eleuterio
- Jun 9
- 16 min read
Vermont is famous for ski slopes and maple syrup, but the water is the part people forget. Tucked between the green hills are lakes so clear you can count the rocks on the bottom. Some sit below cliffs that look like they belong in Norway. Others are sleepy little beaches where the loudest sound is a loon calling across the water.
The best lakes in Vermont are spread from the Canadian border all the way down to the Massachusetts line. A few you have probably heard of. Most you have not, and that is the fun part. Pack a towel, because some of these spots are cold, clear, and worth every shivering second.
Key Takeaways
The best lakes in Vermont give you clear water, sandy beaches, and big mountain views without the crowds you find in flashier places. The far north holds dramatic spots like Lake Willoughby and Lake Memphremagog. The middle and south of the state lean toward easy family beaches like Crystal Lake, Lake Dunmore, and Emerald Lake. Most sit inside state parks with cheap day passes, so a great lake day rarely costs much.
Lake | Town / Access | Region | Best For |
Lake Memphremagog | Newport | Northeast Kingdom | Boating, biking, a small-city lake day |
Seymour Lake | Morgan | Northeast Kingdom | Fishing and quiet swims |
Lake Willoughby | Westmore | Northeast Kingdom | Cliffs, hiking, cold clear swims |
Crystal Lake | Barton | Northeast Kingdom | Families and easy beach days |
Green River Reservoir | Hyde Park | North-central | Quiet paddling and remote camping |
Caspian Lake | Greensboro | Northeast Kingdom | Clear-water swims and village charm |
Lake Elmore | Elmore | North-central | A beach plus a fire-tower hike |
Lake Champlain | Burlington | Champlain Valley | Beaches, biking, dining, sunsets |
Joe's Pond | West Danville | North-central | An easy roadside swim |
Waterbury Reservoir | Waterbury Center | Central | Paddling near Stowe |
Lake Groton | Groton | Central | Camping with woods and water |
Lake Morey | Fairlee | Central | Skating in winter, swimming in summer |
Lake Dunmore | Salisbury | Central | A beach and a waterfall hike |
Silver Lake | Barnard | Central | Easy family beach near Woodstock |
Lake Bomoseen | Castleton | Southwest | Boating and water sports |
Lake St. Catherine | Poultney | Southwest | Fishing, camping, quiet swims |
Emerald Lake | East Dorset | Southern | Paddling, hiking, scenic picnics |
Quick Picker
Best for families: Crystal Lake, Lake Dunmore, Silver Lake, Lake Elmore
Best for dramatic scenery: Lake Willoughby, Lake Memphremagog
Best for quiet paddling: Green River Reservoir, Emerald Lake, Waterbury Reservoir
Best for clear water: Caspian Lake, Crystal Lake, Seymour Lake
Best for a classic lake town: Lake Champlain (Burlington), Lake Bomoseen, Lake St. Catherine
Best for something different: Lake Morey (skating), Joe's Pond (ice-out), Lake Groton (boulders)
If a lake makes your jaw drop, you will want to remember it. Wayback Tours is a simple way to keep all your favorite Vermont stops in one place.
What Makes Vermont's Lakes So Special
Most of Vermont's lakes were carved by ice. These glacial lakes were scooped out more than 10,000 years ago, which is why so many are deep, cold, and ringed by steep hills. The water tends to be clean and clear, fed by springs and mountain streams instead of muddy rivers.
The Green Mountain State packs a lot of variety into a small map. Up in the Northeast Kingdom, the far northeastern corner, you get dramatic cliffs and quiet trout lakes. In the middle and south, the lakes flatten out into easy, sandy beaches that families love. Many rank among the best swimming lakes in Vermont because the water stays clear enough to see your toes.
The takeaway is simple. If you want drama, head north. If you want an easy beach day with the kids, aim for the middle of the state.
When to Visit and What It Costs
A Vermont lake vacation works best from late June through Labor Day, when the water has had time to warm up. The far northern lakes stay chilly even in July, so they are bracing on a hot day. September brings fewer people and bright foliage, though most beaches start closing up by early October.
Costs stay low. Most of these lakes sit inside Vermont state parks, where a day pass usually runs just a few dollars per person, and plenty of town beaches are free or close to it. Boat rentals at the bigger parks are easy to find.
If these lakes are one leg of a bigger East Coast road trip, it helps to know what a trip like that runs before you go, and to line up other East Coast vacation spots along the way. The takeaway: plan around July and August for swimming, and budget light.
The Best Lakes in Vermont, Mapped North to South
These run in order from the Canadian border down to the southern hills, so you can follow them top to bottom on a map. Pick a region, or string a few together for a weekend.
1. Lake Memphremagog (Newport)
This long, skinny lake starts in downtown Newport and slips right across the Canadian border into Quebec. Half the fun is knowing your view ends in another country.
Why this one stands out: Memphremagog is one of Vermont's deepest lakes, and its setting is hard to beat, with the small city of Newport on one shore and green Canadian hills on the other. Prouty Beach is the easy spot for swimming, picnicking, and renting a boat. A bike path traces the eastern shore toward the border. Open-water swimmers come from all over for the events held here each summer.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Newport, off I-91 (Northeast Kingdom)
Season: Swimming best July through August
Cost: Town beach fees are low and parking is easy
Best for: Boating, biking, and a small-city lake day
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone who likes a lake with a downtown attached, plus the novelty of two countries in one view.
Pin Newport's international lake so a future paddle is not forgotten
⭐ What is a Bucket List? Save places you want to visit and come back to later. Your Wayback Tours bucket list keeps track of stops you do not want to forget, perfect for planning future trips.
2. Seymour Lake (Morgan)
If you want clear water without the crowds, Seymour is your lake. It sits up near the border in a tiny town most people drive right past.
Why locals love it: Seymour is one of the larger lakes in the Northeast Kingdom, and it is known for clean water and excellent fishing. Anglers come for the trout and landlocked salmon. There is a tidy public beach with free parking at the north end. The shoreline stays quiet, with just a few camps and a restaurant or two.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Morgan (Northeast Kingdom)
Season: Late June through August for swimming
Cost: Free public beach parking
Best for: Fishing, quiet swims, and peace
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you value calm, clear water over busy beaches and snack bars.
Tuck this quiet trout lake into your bucket list for later
3. Lake Willoughby (Westmore)
Round one bend on Route 5A and Lake Willoughby stops you cold. Two mountains rise straight out of the water like a gate.
Why it's worth stopping: This is Vermont's deepest lake, and the cliffs of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor give it a look you will not find anywhere else in New England. There are free sandy beaches at both the north and south ends. The hike up Mount Pisgah delivers dizzy views straight down to the blue water. The lake is cold and crystal clear, which feels perfect on a hot day.
Fun Fact:
Lake Willoughby is often compared to a Norwegian fjord, with cliffs that drop straight into Vermont's deepest water.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Westmore, on Route 5A (Northeast Kingdom)
Season: Swimming July through August; hiking great into October
Cost: Free beach access
Best for: Scenery, hiking, and cold clear swims
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for everyone. This is the one lake on the list you should not miss.
Save Willoughby's cliffs now so summer-you knows where to go
4. Crystal Lake (Barton)
Just down the road from Willoughby, Crystal Lake lives up to its name with clean, spring-fed water and a long sandy beach.
The quick pitch: Crystal Lake State Park has nearly a mile of sandy shoreline and an old granite bathhouse built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The water is clear and deep, great for swimming and cooling off. Yankee Magazine has singled out this beach over the years. It is a simple, classic Vermont beach day.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Barton, off Route 16 (Northeast Kingdom)
Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Families and easy beach days
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for an easy, no-stress swim, especially paired with a Willoughby morning.
Keep this granite-beach gem on your bucket list for warm days
5. Green River Reservoir (Hyde Park)
Want a lake with no motorboats, no road noise, and campsites you can reach only by paddle? This is the one.
What makes this stop different: Green River Reservoir is one of Vermont's largest undeveloped lakes, protected as a quiet lake where only paddle craft and small electric motors are allowed. Its roughly 19 miles of wild shoreline are dotted with paddle-in campsites. Loons call across the water, and the quiet is the whole point. You will need your own canoe or kayak, or a rental from nearby Morrisville or Stowe.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Hyde Park, off Green River Dam Road
Season: Mid-May through mid-October
Cost: Small day-use fee; camping by reservation
Best for: Paddlers and quiet campers
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for paddlers. Skip it if you wanted a sandy beach and a snack bar.
Hold a spot for this paddle-in escape on your bucket list
6. Caspian Lake (Greensboro)
Caspian is the kind of lake people quietly return to for generations. The water is so clear it almost looks fake.
Don't skip this if you like quiet water: This spring-fed lake near Greensboro is known for clean water you can see down through for many feet. There is a town beach for swimming and a public boat launch. Listen for loons, which favor the calmest lakes. Stop by Willey's Store in the village, a beloved old-time country store that has been family-run for generations.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Greensboro (Northeast Kingdom)
Season: July through August for warm-enough swims
Cost: Town beach; low or free
Best for: Clear-water swims and a charming village
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for anyone chasing clear, peaceful water and small-town charm.
Note this glass-clear lake so your next swim plans itself
7. Lake Elmore (Elmore)
The little town of Elmore calls itself "The Beauty Spot of Vermont," and one look at this lake tells you why.
Why this one stands out: Lake Elmore State Park has a big sandy beach with a mountain rising right behind it. The hike up Elmore Mountain leads to one of Vermont's few remaining fire towers, with views in every direction. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at the beach house. It is close to Stowe, so it is easy to pair with a bigger day out.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Lake Elmore, on Route 12
Season: Late May to mid-October
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Families who want a beach and a hike
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for the combo of an easy beach and a rewarding little summit.
Add the Beauty Spot of Vermont to your bucket list today
8. Lake Champlain (Burlington and the Islands)
This is the big one. Lake Champlain stretches about 120 miles along Vermont's western edge, with Burlington's lively waterfront sitting right in the middle.
Why it's worth stopping: Champlain is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country, with dozens of islands and long sandy beaches. In Burlington you can swim at North Beach, bike the Island Line Trail out over the water, or hop a sunset cruise. The Champlain Islands, about 30 minutes north, have shallow, kid-friendly beaches like Sand Bar State Park. Across the water you can see the Adirondacks, which sit on New York's side of the water. It is also a short hop from spots like the things to do at Lake George just over the border if you are stringing together a trip.
Fun Fact:
Lake Champlain is said to be home to a legendary lake monster that locals affectionately call Champ.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Burlington and the Champlain Islands, off I-89
Season: June through September
Cost: Beach fees vary; many free access points
Best for: Beaches, biking, dining, and big sunsets
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for everyone. There is a version of Champlain for every kind of traveler.
Mark Champlain for the sunsets and save it for later
Building a Vermont lake route? Wayback Tours lets you save each stop and line them up north to south, so your trip plans itself.
9. Joe's Pond (West Danville)
Do not let the humble name fool you. Joe's Pond is a proper lake, and the local community keeps its beach friendly and welcoming.
Why you'll want to linger: Joe's Pond sits right where US-2 meets Route 15 in West Danville, so it is an easy stop. There is a volunteer-run town beach with a simple, carry-in carry-out feel. The lake is good for swimming, fishing, and lazy afternoons. It is also known for a beloved local tradition: an ice-out contest where folks guess when the winter ice will finally break up in spring.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: West Danville, at US-2 and Route 15
Season: Summer for swimming
Cost: Free or low-cost town beach
Best for: An easy roadside swim and local color
Worth it or skip it? Worth it as a quick, friendly stop, especially if you are already passing through.
Pencil in this friendly town beach on your bucket list
10. Waterbury Reservoir (Waterbury Center)
Just up the road from a certain famous ice cream factory, this big reservoir is a local favorite for paddling and swimming.
The quick pitch: Waterbury Reservoir was built in the 1930s for flood control and now ranks among the bigger lakes in the state. Waterbury Center State Park has a swimming beach, a boat launch, and rentals. The many coves and fingers make for great paddling, and there are paddle-in campsites too. It is minutes from Stowe and Waterbury's food scene.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Waterbury Center, off Route 100 (I-89 Exit 10)
Season: Late May to early September
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Paddling, swimming, and a foodie base camp
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you want water plus easy access to Stowe and famous ice cream.
Save this reservoir paddle so a summer day has a plan
11. Lake Groton (Groton State Forest)
Set deep in a huge state forest, Lake Groton feels remote without making you work for it.
What makes this stop different: Lake Groton sits inside Groton State Forest, a big wooded area with several connected parks. Boulder Beach is the main swimming spot, named for the giant rocks glaciers left behind along the sand. You can rent canoes and kayaks, and miles of trails fan out from the water. One park pass gets you into all the parks here.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Groton, off Route 232
Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Campers and families who want woods plus water
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a forest-and-beach combo, and a great base for a camping trip.
Drop Groton's boulder beach onto your bucket list for July
12. Lake Morey (Fairlee)
Lake Morey is pretty in summer, but it might be even more famous in winter.
Why locals love it: In summer this Fairlee lake is great for swimming, paddling, and golf at the lakeside resort. In winter, the resort clears a long loop of ice around the whole lake for skating. It is said to be the longest maintained ice-skating trail in the country, and it is free to use if you bring your own skates. The lake is easy to reach right off I-91.
Fun Fact:
Lake Morey is widely known for an ice-skating trail that loops several miles around the lake each winter.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Fairlee, off I-91 Exit 15
Season: Summer for swimming; mid-winter for skating
Cost: Beach access varies; the skating trail is free
Best for: Skaters in winter, swimmers and golfers in summer
Worth it or skip it? Worth it year-round, but the winter skate trail is the real showstopper.
Remember Morey for skating and swimming on your bucket list
13. Lake Dunmore (Salisbury)
Lake Dunmore gives you a long sandy beach and a waterfall hike in the same afternoon.
The case for stopping: Branbury State Park sits on the eastern shore with a 1,000-foot sandy beach and clear, swimmable water. Right across the road, a short trail climbs to the Falls of Lana, a pretty cascade in the woods. You can rent boats at the beach, and the nearby Moosalamoo area has more trails. It is an easy, well-rounded day in the heart of the state.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Salisbury, on Route 53
Season: Late May to mid-October
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Families who want a beach and a hike
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for the beach-plus-waterfall combo that keeps everyone happy.
Keep Dunmore and its waterfall hike on your bucket list
14. Silver Lake (Barnard)
Near Woodstock, Silver Lake is a small, friendly beach that is easy to love and easy to reach.
Don't skip this if you like easy beach days: Silver Lake State Park has a tidy sandy beach, a campground, and calm water that is great for kids. You can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards right there. The village of Barnard and its old general store are steps away. It is one of the simplest, most relaxing beach days in central Vermont.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Barnard, off Route 12 near Woodstock
Season: Late May to early September
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Families and first-time paddlers
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for an easy family beach near Woodstock's shops and sights.
Stash this easy family beach on your bucket list for summer
15. Lake Bomoseen (Castleton)
Bomoseen is the largest lake that sits entirely inside Vermont, and it knows how to have a good time.
What you'll actually find: This Castleton lake is built for fun, with marinas, boat rentals, water skiing, and a couple of public beaches. Bomoseen State Park covers thousands of acres along the shore, with a sandy beach, camping, and trails through old slate quarries. There is even a lakeside golf course. It is lively in summer without feeling overrun.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Castleton, just off Route 4
Season: Late May to early September
Cost: Small day-use fee at the park (a few dollars)
Best for: Boaters, water sports, and active lake days
Worth it or skip it? Worth it if you want a busier lake with boats, beaches, and things to do.
Add Vermont's biggest in-state lake to your bucket list now
16. Lake St. Catherine (Poultney)
Down in the southwest corner, Lake St. Catherine is a long, pretty lake framed by small mountains.
Why you'll want to linger: Lake St. Catherine State Park has a sandy beach, a campground, and a boat launch on a lake known for good fishing. Small cottages dot the shoreline, giving it a laid-back, old-summer feel. You can swim, paddle, and fish for everything from bass to trout. Nearby Poultney is a quiet college town worth a quick look.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: Poultney, on Route 30
Season: Late May to Labor Day
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Anglers, campers, and quiet swims
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for a relaxed beach-and-fishing day off the beaten path.
Save this western-border beauty on your bucket list for later
17. Emerald Lake (East Dorset)
True to its name, Emerald Lake glows green when the light hits it right. It is a small jewel tucked below Dorset Mountain.
The case for stopping: Emerald Lake State Park has a small swimming beach, a snack bar, and quiet, motor-free water that is perfect for paddling. You can rent paddleboards and poke around the little island. The Long Trail and Appalachian Trail run nearby for hikers. The area's old marble quarries are part of its history, and Manchester's shops are close by.
What you need to know before you go:
Where: East Dorset, off Route 7
Season: Late May to Labor Day
Cost: Small day-use fee (a few dollars)
Best for: Paddlers, hikers, and a scenic picnic
Worth it or skip it? Worth it for the color alone, plus easy trails and a calm swim.
Pin Emerald Lake's green water to your bucket list for summer
How Vermont's Lakes Stack Up Against Other East Coast Spots
Vermont's lakes punch above their size, but they are not the only good water in the region. If you are touring around and want to compare notes, the lakes around New England share that same clean, cold, mountain-fed feel. Just east, New Hampshire's lakes lean bigger and busier, with Lake Winnipesaukee leading the pack. Head northeast and Maine's lakes trade mountains for pine forests and a quieter, end-of-the-road vibe.
Cross into New York and the options open up fast. The Finger Lakes region pairs deep blue water with rolling vineyards, and for something out of a storybook, a castle-backed lake like Lake Mohonk sits a short drive south.
Down the coast, the swimming season runs longer. The lakes down in North Carolina and South Carolina's lakes stay warm well into fall, Pennsylvania's lakes mix forest and farm country, and Norris Lake in Tennessee draws houseboat crowds all summer. If you are mapping a wider trip, it helps to see the top lake vacations on the East Coast side by side, and to pair your lake days with a few favorite East Coast beach towns for variety. The takeaway: Vermont wins on clear, cold, mountain water, while the south wins on a longer warm season.
Ready to turn this list into a real trip? Start saving your favorite Vermont lakes with Wayback Tours and watch your summer take shape.
Conclusion
The best lakes in Vermont are not all in one place, and that is the beauty of it. You can stand under cliffs in the morning and float on a warm, sandy beach by afternoon. Some take planning. Some you can pull right off the road. All of them are worth a towel and an open afternoon.
Save these stops, build your own road trip bucket list, and keep track of every lake you want to visit, all in one place with Wayback Tours.
FAQs
Are Vermont's lakes warm enough to swim in?
Yes, from about July through August most are comfortable for swimming, though deep northern lakes like Willoughby and Memphremagog stay cool even in summer. Shallow beaches in the central and southern parts of the state warm up the fastest.
Can you rent kayaks and canoes at Vermont lakes?
Many state park lakes rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards right at the beach. For quiet spots like Green River Reservoir, you will need to bring your own or rent from outfitters in nearby towns first.
Are dogs allowed at Vermont lake beaches?
Dogs are usually welcome on trails and in campgrounds but are kept off the sandy swimming beaches at most state parks. Always check the specific park's rules before you bring your pup.
What kinds of fish can you catch in Vermont lakes?
Vermont lakes hold bass, perch, pike, and panfish, and the deep, cold ones like Willoughby and Seymour are known for trout and landlocked salmon. A state fishing license is required for anglers.
Are Vermont lakes worth visiting in the fall?
Absolutely. The shoulder season brings fewer crowds and bright foliage reflected on the water, even if it is too cold to swim. Hiking the hills around lakes like Willoughby is especially stunning in early October.
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