Water Sports
Swimming, Paddling, Boating
On the Water
Recreating on the water is a fun way to spend time and cool down during the warmer months in Vermont. Vermont’s lakes beckon, from Lake Champlain stretching along the western border to Lake Willoughby in the north and Spruce Lake in the southern region. Find a lake, river, or pond to kayak, canoe, sail, or paddleboard.
Explore Vermont’s Lakes
More than 802 lakes and ponds in Vermont are a paradise for paddling, boating, swimming, and paddleboarding. Over 7,000 miles of rivers and streams are home to swimming holes in forests and near waterfalls.
Waterbury Center State Park
A grassy picnic area next to a reservoir with a dam and a day-use park area, popular in the summer. Remote paddle-to campsites can be accessed from the park.
Read More about Waterbury Center State ParkRead MoreLake Willoughby
Vermont’s deepest lake, Willoughby’s skyline is scored by the dramatic fjord-like cliffs of mounts Pisgah and Hor.
Read More about Lake WilloughbyRead MoreLake Bomoseen
The largest lake entirely within Vermont’s borders, Lake Bomoseen is part of a state park that also features a history trail and evidence of the area’s quarrying past.
Read More about Lake BomoseenRead MoreEmerald Lake
This southern Vermont lake looks emerald green when viewed from above. Fed by the headwaters of Otter Creek, non-motorized boats, swimmers, and paddleboarders flock here.
Read More about Emerald LakeRead MoreLake Memphremagog
Stretching into Canada, Lake Memphremagog is Newport’s gateway to the water. Take a lake cruise, paddle, or simply walk or dine lakeside.
Lake Champlain
Sometimes called the sixth Great Lake, Champlain frames Vermont’s largest city, Burlington, as well as St. Albans and the Champlain Islands.
Vermont is home to more than 802 lakes and ponds.
A Day on the Lake
Sailing and Boating
Whether you’re raising a mainsail and hoisting a jib or cruising around one of Vermont’s lakes on a motorboat, here’s how to get out on the water in Vermont.
Jump Right In
Swimming
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of a pristine lake, enjoy the tranquility of a hidden swimming hole, or feel the rush of cool mountain streams. Surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Green Mountain State, each swim becomes a connection with nature, where the embrace of the outdoors enhances the sense of rejuvenation. Whether it’s the invigorating thrill of a brisk dip or the leisurely float under the warmth of the Vermont sun, swimming in Vermont is one of the best ways to enjoy the summer season.
Dip Your Paddle
Paddling
Whether gliding along the mirror-like surfaces of tranquil lakes, navigating winding rivers, or exploring hidden ponds nestled amid the mountains, each paddle stroke immerses you in the pristine beauty of the Green Mountain State. From the vibrant foliage reflecting in the water during fall to the lush greenery of summer, paddling in Vermont offers a unique perspective, allowing you to seamlessly blend with the serene landscapes.
Vermont’s Lakes and Ponds
From plunging northern lakes surrounded by rugged mountains to a southern river with fish aplenty, find a shore in Vermont to cast your line, dip your paddle, or just grab a book and relax with a picnic.
Open Year Round
Vermont State Parks
Vermont’s 55 state parks offer a wide variety of outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities, from camping to fishing, backpacking to hiking, swimming to boating and just spending a nice long summer day outside.