10 Little Known Beaches in Vermont That’ll Make Your Summer Unforgettable

Ahhh, summer in Vermont. Isn't it wonderful with its endless hiking, boating and camping opportunities? But don't forget about those VT beaches! We previously talked about 12 beautiful beaches located in Vermont State Parks, and now we have 10 more for your exploring enjoyment.

1. Alburgh Dunes State Park, Alburgh

Alburgh Dunes State Park is a 625-acre property and has a sandy beach which is among the longest beaches on Lake Champlain. It is named for the beautiful sand dunes near the center and western end of this natural beach. Take a scenic 1.25-mile stroll on the "Beach Road" which is a bike and pedestrian path between the dunes and wetland.

2. Brighton State Park, Island Pond

Located on the shores of Spectacle Pond, the Brighton State Park has a sandy day use beach and bathhouse which are located on Island Pond just a half mile from the campground. You’ll love its remote location with mountains, streams and clear lakes – a perfect place if you want to get away from it all for a bit.

3. Wilgus State Park, Weathersfield

Enjoy paddling on the Connecticut River right from the campsites!

Wilgus State Park, Weathersfield

There are 4 cabins, 15 tent/trailer sites and 6 lean-to sites which overlook the Connecticut River. This lovely picnic shelter can be rented out to small groups for free!

4. Emerald Lake State Park, East Dorset

Emerald Lake State Park, located between Manchester and Rutland, is well known for its sandy beach, swimming area, hillside campground and local area attractions. The park surrounds Emerald Lake, named for its beautiful green coloring, is restricted to non-motorized watercrafts so it’s ideal for paddling and swimming.

5. Half Moon Pond State Park, Hubbardton

This is a camping only park with no day use opportunities. You’ll love the intimacy of the small beachfront with swimming and great fishing and boating in the pond, boat rentals are available. Close to other lakes and ponds nearby, the Half Moon State Parks offers several types of camping, including the Tall Timbers Cottage which has a waterfront location, private boat dock, and all the amenities of home.

6. Lake Shaftsbury State Park, Shaftsbury

You'll love this small spot on the picturesque Lake Shaftsbury. Enjoy the developed beach, play area and picnic area. For your convenience, the snack bar concession has rental canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boats. Be sure to bring your hiking shoes and visit the "Healing Springs Nature Trail" around the lake.

7. Kingsland Bay, Ferrisburgh.

This stunning location on the shores of Lake Champlain provide the perfect backdrop for everything from recreational activities to weddings at the Kingsland Bay State Park. The picnic areas and historic buildings are relaxing and interesting, and the canoe and kayak rentals make it easy to enjoy paddling on the water and soak in the summertime sun.

8. Maidstone State Park, Maidstone

One of the most special things about the Maidstone State Park is that it is the most remote of Vermont's state parks and still retains much of the character associated with the NEK. There are play areas, hiking trails, and swimming beaches in the campground. There is a day use area with a swimming beach, as well as a campground with 34 tent/RV sites and 37 lean-tos. Three of the four rest rooms include hot showers for an additional fee as well as play areas, hiking trails, and swimming beaches right in the campground.

9. Woodford State Park, Bennington

The Woodford State Park has the highest elevation campground of any park in Vermont at 2400 feet and is located on a mountain plateau and surrounds Adams Reservoir. The heavily wooded area surrounds the reservoir and offers great camping opportunities - you’ll love the campground which has 103 sites including 20 lean-tos. There is a small beach and picnic area near the dam and rowboats, canoes and kayaks are all available for rent. There are several hiking trails, including one around the lake that is a gorgeous 2.7-mile trek.

10. Kill Kare State Park, St. Albans

Canoe into the sunset at the Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans. Surrounded on three sides by the sparkling water of Lake Champlain, the swimming area has a mostly sandy bottom and the public boat launching ramp gets your boat quickly into deep water. Don't have your own? No problem! Kayaks can be rented or you can ride the Island Runner ferry, which departs from the dock to Burton Island State Park, seven times daily.

Have you seen out other favorite gorgeous beaches in Vermont?