The 10 Best Vermont Lakes For Swimming

The best way to tell if a lake in Vermont is good for swimming is a long line of cars parked by the shores in late spring into early autumn. If you’re looking for a fabulous spot to don the suit, look for backroads filled with parked cars and pull over. Tons of the best spots are just known to locals, so they might be hard to find otherwise.

If you’re ready to plunge in, check out these lakes suggested by locals and visitors alike, for the best Vermont lakes for swimming.

Blueberry Lake – Warren

Ideal for kids, kayaking, and canoes, Blueberry Lake near Warren is a shallower offering than some lakes in Vermont. The human-made lake tucked into the Green Mountain National Forest offers stunning views of the Northfield Mountains while also providing sweet spots for picnics, relaxation, hiking, and more nearby. Head out from Warren on Brook Road and find the lake on Lois Lane.

Lake Willoughby – Westmore

Located near Westmore at the base of Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, Lake Willoughby is actually the deepest lake in the state. Plunging more than 300 feet down, the lake along Route 5A welcomes swimmers with loads of cool water and stunning visuals. Beach access can be found at either end of the lake, with hiking trails for both mountains accessible.

The lake was carved out by glaciers, pushing up the two mountains nearby and giving the area the appearance of a fjord you’d find in Scandinavia. The northeastern side of the lake contains vacation homes, with plenty of rentals available. Paddling, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and much more may be enjoyed on the shimmering waters of this gorgeous lake. Be sure to stop by the Old Stone House Museum and Historic Village, as well, nearby in Brownington, and learn the story of Alexander Lucius Twilight, the first African American college graduate.

Green River Reservoir – Hyde Park

A human-made lake, the Green River Reservoir in the state park in Hyde Park offers visits to a quiet swimming spot. The reservoir covers 653 acres with clear water where swimming, boating, and more delight visitors. The lake has been designated a quiet lake, meaning no electric motors running over 5 miles per hour are permitted. This helps ensure peaceful experiences and safety for paddlers and swimmers. If you’re up for it, you can paddle out to remote, primitive campsites around the lake. Just be sure you come early for your paddling permits and book the campsites in advance, though, as the number is limited and only 27 campsites exist. While on the lake, you’ll have the chance of seeing moose, loons, eagles, osprey, and many other wild animals and intriguing birds.

Sunset Lake – Brookfield

Home of the famous floating bridge, Sunset Lake gives swimmers and paddlers a great place to enjoy the summer months. The only bridge like it in the state, the floating bridge was first built in 1820 and replaced several times over the years, maintaining safety. Drive across the bridge and pull up a sunny spot on the shores of Sunset Lake for a lovely swim, fishing session, or canoeing. There’s no actual beach but you can definitely enjoy the cooling waters on a hot day anyway.

Lake Champlain – Burlington

Nicknamed by some as the Sixth Great Lake and others as the Crown Jewel of Vermont, Lake Champlain happens to be the deepest lake in the state. The massive lake stretches out with 120 miles of coastline, bordering Vermont, New York state, and Quebec, Canada. It’s also the sixth-largest lake in the United States, which helps draw in folks from all over the region.

The huge lake is also home to the legendary Champ, the “loch ness monster of Vermont.” You can spot a statue of the mythical creature at the ferry dock in Burlington. For those who want to do more than swim, grab a snorkel or scuba gear and go in search of the more than 300 shipwrecks in the lake, dating as far as the 1700s. Or, if you prefer to keep it relaxed, head to the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum instead to take a shipwreck tour on dry land.

Lake Bomoseen – Castleton & Hubbardton

Another fantastic Vermont lake for swimming is Lake Bomoseen, tucked into the forests and foothills near the Taconic Mountains. Enjoy the public beaches along the lake’s edge. Or rent a kayak or canoe, bring your own boat, or grab a pair of binoculars for wildlife viewing. You might catch glimpses of the American bald eagle or the common snipe, which both make their home here. Visit Bomoseen State Park for camping, swimming, and rentals. Or head to the Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park for the Japanese Gardens, woodland hiking, and meadowlands.

Emerald Lake – East Dorset

For a smaller, less congested Vermont lake for swimming, head over to East Dorset where the stunning Emerald Lake awaits. While it may be one of the most expensive lakes to buy a vacation home in Vermont, it offers some of the best swimming. Head to the Emerald Lake State Park for beautiful beaches and turquoise water. Rent a kayak or canoe, use your paddleboard, and make your way to the small island. There you can enjoy the local wild blueberries or find frogs for the kids. And, if you’re lucky, you can find the rope swing for jumping into the water. The park offers amazing spots for camping (RV or tents), picnicking, casual hiking, and more.

Lake Whitingham (Harriman Reservoir) – Wilmington

Beautiful Wilmington, Vermont, welcomes visitors for loads of year-round attractions like skiing, hiking, and, of course, swimming. Lake Whitingham, or Harriman Reservoir, is a human-made lake. Here you can sail a small sailboat, drive jet skis, go paddling, or go swimming. The public picnicking areas, welcome guests for a casual day along the shoreline that’s forested and undeveloped. There’s no camping here, but plenty of rooms are available at the Wilmington Inn or the local vacation rentals. You can stick around for many of the other attractions in the area as well, for a calm, relaxing vacation. Shop at the local boutiques, dine at the charming restaurants and enjoy the various other amenities.

Waterbury Reservoir – Burlington

A large body of water, Waterbury Reservoir happens to be the ninth largest body of water in the state. The reservoir came into existence in the 1930s. The Civilian Conservation Corps saw the need for a flood-control protection project for the towns along the Winooski River. Find a swimming beach, nature trails, fishing holes, picnic areas, and more all around the lake. Plus, if you’re into remote camping, paddle-in campsites on the north end of the lake welcome visitors. Or go with RV or drive-in tent camping at the Little River State Park. You’ll also find the Waterbury Center State Park situated along the shores of the 850-acre lake. Rent kayaks or canoes at the lake, as well, if you don’t have your own.

Lake Memphremagog – Newport

Straddling the Vermont and Quebec border, Lake Memphremagog takes up 687 squares. Within the massive lake, 21 islands lie. Most of the lake is within Canada’s boundaries, but American access via Newport, Vermont, offers visitors camping, swimming at Prouty Beach, and kayak rentals. While the town tends toward a quiet life in the off-season, you’ll find plenty of other visitors around the lake summertime, without being ridiculously crowded. And, if you’re into boating, you’ll also find a marina where you can enjoy a dinner cruise on the Northern Star.

Summary of The 10 Best Vermont Lakes For Swimming