Although Vermont is the sole landlocked state in New England, its massive network of lakes makes it the perfect northeastern destination for families seeking out sunny beach trips.

If your family is into water and one-of-a-kind natural scenery, continue reading to find out more about our top 20 picks for the best beaches in Vermont!

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Best Beaches in Vermont

You know I am definitely a mom who loves to travel! That said, I have had the pleasure of exploring many beautiful beaches across the country.

However, some of my fondest memories have been made in the state of Vermont, where you can find some of the most breathtaking and family-friendly beaches.

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Lake Saint Catherine

Starting off our list of the best beaches in Vermont, we have Lake Saint Catherine. With a picturesque shoreline and magnificently clean waters, Lake Saint Catherine is the perfect spot for recreational activities, including water skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and boating.

You’ll find Lake St. Catherine State Park near the northern end of the lake, which offers a picnic area, two sandy beaches, and a boat launching spot.

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Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain is the largest Vermont lake and the sixth-largest body of fresh water in the United States, stretching for over 172 kilometers. You’ll find 80 islands within the lake, as well as a number of parks and historic sites.

Enjoy plenty of recreational activities at Lake Champlain, including kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and picnicking. This is probably one of the most well-known of the best beaches in Vermont!

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Lake Bomoseen State Park

Lake Bomoseen sits near the eastern boundary of the state and features several recreational accommodations, including a marina, public beach, and boat launches.

With 1,000 private residences around the lake, you can snag an Airbnb to stay in between long days on the water. Make sure to check out one of the incredible restaurants in the area while you’re there!

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Lake Willoughby

Surrounded by the Willoughby State Forest at the southern end of the lake, Lake Willoughby offers visitors some of the most incredible scenery around. At 357 meters above sea level, the water is ultra-crisp and clear and often frozen during the winter.

While families spend much of their time at the northern end, nudists often enjoy the southern shoreline’s nude beach. 

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Sand Bar State Park

Sand Bar State Park is one of the most popular beaches in Vermont, and for good reason. Located on the shore of Lake Champlain, it offers stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains and some of the best swimming and water sports opportunities in the area.

The beach at Sand Bar State Park is long and wide, with soft sand that’s perfect for building sandcastles or just lounging in the sun. The swimming area is designated and marked by buoys, ensuring safety for all swimmers. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months to provide an added level of security.

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Crystal Lake State Park

At the northeastern section of Vermont, just south of Barton, lies the 309-hectare glacial lake known as Crystal Lake.

This lake is known for its fishing, with plentiful pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, lake trout, rainbow trout, and much more. With 80 picnic tables, 40 free-standing charcoal grills, and tons of play areas, it’s the perfect spot to spend a whole day.

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Waterbury Center State Park

Waterbury Center State Park is a lovely family-friendly beach that offers a range of activities for all ages. The beach area is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, and there are also hiking trails and picnic areas for families to enjoy.

You can also rent paddle boats and explore the lake or take a hike on one of the nearby trails.

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Lake Elmore State Park

On the northern end of Lake Elmore lies Elmore Mountain, which is what gives this lake its nickname, the ‘Beauty Spot of Vermont.’

There are plenty of popular water activities to enjoy on this lake, including kayaking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, and more. If you’re up for it, you can also head up one of the many mountain hiking trails to enjoy panoramic views on the 795-meter Elmore summit.

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Lake Memphremagog

Split between Vermont and Quebec, this stunning glacial lake is the third-largest in the state and is home to 21 islands.

There are 75 camping facilities to enjoy, as well as tons of water activities like fishing, swimming, hiking, and shuffleboard. You can even enjoy one of the many high-end bed and breakfasts sprinkled along the shoreline.

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Caspian Lake

With tons of recreational activities to enjoy and a postcard-like setting, Caspian Lake has long been a favorite of locals and tourists. At the northern end of the Green Mountains lies this 324-hectare lake, very serene with incredible scenery. There’s nothing quite like going out sailing in Caspian.

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Lake Dunmore

The east side of Lake Dunmore is occupied by the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area of the Green Mountain National Forest. On the other side lies a private lodge and campground area. With a 300-meter sandy beach, tons of hiking trails, and plenty of places to camp, this lake is an adventurist’s dream.

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Lake Carmi

Just east of Lake Champlain and adjacent to the Canadian border lies Lake Carmi, an ideal fishing lake with plenty of wallee and northern pike.

Lake Carmi State Park offers tons of space for visitors to swim, boat, hike, and cycle as well. Enjoy one of the 140 campsites or immerse yourself in one of the many interpretive nature programs.

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Somerset Reservoir

At the heart of the Green Mountains lies the Somerset Reservoir, one of Vermont’s most serene lakes. The boat launch at the south side boasts the only signs of life, as many people go kayaking, boating, canoeing, and fishing in this area. The majority of people that enjoy time here arrive by mountain biking and hiking.

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Silver Lake State Park

With wonderful year-round fishing opportunities and tons of summertime recreational activites, Silver Lake is a popular Vermont beach.

The State Park features a massive picnic area with a sandy beach and plenty of campgrounds. The kids will enjoy the playground while the whole family can enjoy water activities or volleyball and horseshoes.

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Harvey Lake

Harvey Lake sits at the northeast section of Vermont and has plenty of space for picnicking and camping. Harvey’s Lake Beach, which is open from June to August, has beach volleyball, BBQ grills, and a large concession stand. It’s wonderful spot to cool off or enjoy the gorgeous natural surroundings.

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Grassy Beach State Park

At Grassy Beach State Park, families can enjoy a peaceful day by the water. The grassy area provides plenty of space for picnicking or playing games, and the beach offers a designated swimming area for those who want to cool off in the water.

There are also hiking trails nearby, offering a chance to explore the natural beauty of the area.

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Camp Plymouth State Park

Camp Plymouth State Park is a lovely family-friendly beach that has something for everyone. There is a sandy beach area for swimming and sunbathing, as well as a play area and picnic tables for those who want to relax and enjoy the scenery.

You can also rent paddle boats and explore the lake or take a hike on one of the nearby trails.

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Maidstone Lake

The 322-hectare Maidstone Lake is a wonderful place for those seeking out peace and quiet. Visitors often head to Maidstone State Park, which sits on the eastern shoreline. Here you can enjoy a variety of water activities, including canoeing, boating, kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

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Griffith Lake

Within the Green Mountain National Forest sits the relatively small Griffith Lake. The lake can only be accessed through hiking, which begins at the Griffith Lake Trailhead. However, once you’re there, you can enjoy remote swimming, camping, and picnicking with plenty of surrounding wildlife.

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Boulder Beach State Park

Boulder Beach State Park is another great option for families looking to relax and have fun. This beach boasts a beautiful shoreline with crystal clear waters and sandy shores, making it the perfect spot for sunbathing or playing in the water.

There is also a play area and horseshoe pits, providing entertainment for both kids and adults.

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Pin-it for later: Best Beaches in Vermont

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Beaches in Vermont