Boating in Vermont: The Best Spots

Are you going boating in Vermont? This state has many lakes, ponds, and reservoirs where you can get out and explore.

If you’re planning a day (or several) on the water, make sure you know Vermont’s boating regulations. Then, check out some of the best lakes for boating, fishing, and more! Here are a few of our favorites.

Lake Champlain is the largest lake in the state and the sixth-largest body of freshwater in the entire country, making it a prime spot for boating in Vermont. It stretches 120 miles from north to south and 15 miles from east to west. It runs north into Canada and west into the state of New York.

The lake boasts a 600-mile shoreline that is home to cities, historic sites, and parks and is also home to around 80 islands. It offers swimming, boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and picnicking, amongst other things. There are also a few campgrounds, sandy beaches, and wildlife refuges, making Lake Champlain a lake that anyone can enjoy. 

There are so many things to see and do at Lake Champlain that you could easily spend a week here. Notably, more than 300 shipwrecks are at the bottom of the lake, dating back to the 1700s. You can experience shipwreck tours offered by the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Several of the shipwrecks have been designated as historic sites in the states, which are accessible to scuba divers.

The Champlain is also home to Champ, Vermont’s Loch Ness monster. 

Lake St. Catherine, in the towns of Poultney and Wells, is known for its relaxing atmosphere due to its picturesque shoreline. It’s a very clean lake and popular with outdoor activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, boating, and swimming. 

Lake St. Catherine State Park can be found at the north end of the lake, where you can access two sandy beaches, a picnic area, and a boat launch. There are campgrounds at the state park for both tents and motorhomes.

There are also many lakefront cottages to rent for those who desire a more comfortable stay.

The Willoughby State Forest surrounds the entire south end of the lake and is an excellent way to experience the awesome scenery of Lake Willoughby. From the north shoreline of the glacial lake, you can admire the spectacular views of Mount Pisgah and Mount Ho. Trails on Mount Pisgah and Mount Hor offer beautiful views of Vermont’s glorious northern mountains.

Lake Willoughby sits at an elevation of 357 meters above sea level and is 56 meters deep. As a result, it is very clear and freezes much later in the year than other lakes in the area, giving visitors more time to experience the lake before autumn descends.

The lake is more than 300 feet deep and has two popular beaches at both ends of the lake along Route 5A. You can enjoy swimming, hiking, camping, and fishing. If you’re up for it, nudists can enjoy the nude beach on the lake’s southern shoreline in the State Forest while families flock to the north ends of Willoughby Lake Beach.

Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake entirely within Vermont’s borders and runs nine miles long along the Taconic Mountains. It is in the towns of Castleton and Hubbardton in Rutland County, located near the state’s eastern boundary just south of Highway 4. Bomoseen State Park is found on the western shoreline. 

The lake is popular for water skiing, windsurfing, fishing, boating, scuba diving, and swimming at public beach areas, including Crystal Beach and Bomoseen State Park. State Park is home to several quarry holes and slate rubble piles, and it was a place for slate mining in the past. Visitors can take tours of the Slate History Trail to learn more.

Visitors who would rather stay on land can go hiking, camping, play volleyball, or watch wildlife. There are also over 1,000 private cottages along the lake and many restaurants for locals and visitors. The lake also features recreational accommodations, like a public beach, boat launches, and marinas. 

Silver Lake is located in Barnard Village, about 10 miles north of Woodstock. It’s a 34-hectare lake and is a popular destination.

This lake is considered one of the prettiest lakes in Vermont. It is popular in both the summer and winter months thanks to its year-round fishing opportunities.

The Silver Lake State Park is the lake’s main feature thanks to its sandy beach, picnic area, and camping grounds. The State Park was established in 1955 and was once part of several farms. A farm homestead was located near the current park entrance, and the remains of a barn foundation are still visible in the park’s campground.

Swimming, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing are all offered, as are land-based activities like hiking, horseshoes, and volleyball. There is also a playground for the kids and a food concession.

Stay Safe When Boating This Season

Whether you’re able to go boating in Vermont this season or not, we hope you’ll get out on the water wherever you are! 

Before you go, make sure you are up to speed on boating safety essentials. If you haven’t taken a boater education course, most states require boat operators to take a course, pass an exam, and have a boater education card (or boating license). 

The best way to do this is to let BOATsmart! help! Our online courses are fun and engaging while equipping you with the knowledge you need to stay safe while boating or enjoying water activities. 

Originally published in May 2019. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy October 1, 2024.