Vermont is a state loaded with outdoor activities and for those of us who hate ending our days when the sun goes down, camping is the perfect way to extend your adventure. So if your idea of a perfect summer day is time at the beach, these state parks offer both sandy shores and beautiful camping sites. Get ready for plenty of fun in the sun at these Green Mountain State beach campgrounds.

  1. Emerald Lake State Park

Google Images/Rick Bateman

Google Images/Jaime Willis Known for its deep emerald colored waters when viewed from above, Emerald Lake is a sought after swimming spot. The state park is also a prime spot for paddling with boat rentals available. Campsites range from tent and RV sites to primitive lean-tos. Plan a little lake beach getaway at Emerald Lake State Park. Address: 65 Emerald Lake Lane, East Dorset, VT 05253.

  1. Camp Plymouth State Park

TripAdvisor/bluecard21

Google Images/Theresa Estrada Enjoy a dip in the clear waters of Buffalo Brook and then stretch out on the sandy beach to relax. Kids will love the nearby playground to take a break from the water play. At Camp Plymouth State Park there are lean-to sites for group camping and four fully furnished cottages available to rent. Address: 2008 Scout Camp Road, Ludlow, VT 05149.

  1. Lake St. Catherine State Park

Google Images/Robert Gossman

Google Images/Bob Ricketson Lake St. Catherine is a picturesque spot to spend time. With fishing, swimming, and boat rentals, your day on the water will be action-packed. The park also features a nature center, hiking trails, playground, and snack bar. Spend the night on one of the tent, RV, or lean-to sites to extend your time on the lake. Address: 3034 VT Route 30, Poultney, VT 05764.

  1. Bomoseen State Park

Google Images/Betsy Olsson-Mackowski

Google Images/Seth Oatway Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake entirely within the state of Vermont. This natural gem is a summertime favorite for those looking for a day at the beach. From exploring the lake by rented boat to just splashing around, you’ll love Bomoseen State Park. Camping facilities include tent, RV, and lean-to sites. Address: 22 Cedar Mountain Road, Castleton, VT 05743.

  1. Elmore State Park

Google Images/Eugene Raymond

Google Images/Ryan Gardner Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont, Lake Elmore is an oasis for summertime recreation. Take a hike up the mountain to check out the fire tower views and then reward your efforts with some time on the lake. Swim, boat, fish, and splash the day away. Camping options at Elmore State Park include tent, RV, and lean-to sites. Address: 856 VT Route 12, Lake Elmore, VT 05657.

  1. Lake Carmi State Park

Google Images/Jennifer Geertsma

Google Images/Manuel Colin With a 1375-acre surface area, Lake Carmi is the fourth biggest freshwater lake in Vermont. It has a reputation for stellar sunsets and a lovely wooded campground. Spend the day on or in the water and then sleep under the stars in the largest state campground in the state. Tent, RV, and lean-to sites, as well as cabin rentals, are available. Address: 460 Marsh Farm Road, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.

  1. Brighton State Park

Google Images/Pierre Boucher

Google Images/Hannah Ferguson The scenery at Island Pond only adds to the charm of this beach campground. Kids will stay busy with swimming, boating, a playground, nature center, and theater at Brighton State Park. Many of the campsites are waterside including five cabins, RV, tent, and lean-to sites. Address: 102 State Park Road, Island Pond, VT 05846

Which of these beach campgrounds have you visited? If you’re just looking for a fabulous beach day, check out this lake park that has sandy shores that rival the coast.

Google Images/Rick Bateman

Google Images/Jaime Willis

Known for its deep emerald colored waters when viewed from above, Emerald Lake is a sought after swimming spot. The state park is also a prime spot for paddling with boat rentals available. Campsites range from tent and RV sites to primitive lean-tos. Plan a little lake beach getaway at Emerald Lake State Park. Address: 65 Emerald Lake Lane, East Dorset, VT 05253.

TripAdvisor/bluecard21

Google Images/Theresa Estrada

Enjoy a dip in the clear waters of Buffalo Brook and then stretch out on the sandy beach to relax. Kids will love the nearby playground to take a break from the water play. At Camp Plymouth State Park there are lean-to sites for group camping and four fully furnished cottages available to rent. Address: 2008 Scout Camp Road, Ludlow, VT 05149.

Google Images/Robert Gossman

Google Images/Bob Ricketson

Lake St. Catherine is a picturesque spot to spend time. With fishing, swimming, and boat rentals, your day on the water will be action-packed. The park also features a nature center, hiking trails, playground, and snack bar. Spend the night on one of the tent, RV, or lean-to sites to extend your time on the lake. Address: 3034 VT Route 30, Poultney, VT 05764.

Google Images/Betsy Olsson-Mackowski

Google Images/Seth Oatway

Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake entirely within the state of Vermont. This natural gem is a summertime favorite for those looking for a day at the beach. From exploring the lake by rented boat to just splashing around, you’ll love Bomoseen State Park. Camping facilities include tent, RV, and lean-to sites. Address: 22 Cedar Mountain Road, Castleton, VT 05743.

Google Images/Eugene Raymond

Google Images/Ryan Gardner

Known as one of the most beautiful lakes in Vermont, Lake Elmore is an oasis for summertime recreation. Take a hike up the mountain to check out the fire tower views and then reward your efforts with some time on the lake. Swim, boat, fish, and splash the day away. Camping options at Elmore State Park include tent, RV, and lean-to sites. Address: 856 VT Route 12, Lake Elmore, VT 05657.

Google Images/Jennifer Geertsma

Google Images/Manuel Colin

With a 1375-acre surface area, Lake Carmi is the fourth biggest freshwater lake in Vermont. It has a reputation for stellar sunsets and a lovely wooded campground. Spend the day on or in the water and then sleep under the stars in the largest state campground in the state. Tent, RV, and lean-to sites, as well as cabin rentals, are available. Address: 460 Marsh Farm Road, Enosburg Falls, VT 05450.

Google Images/Pierre Boucher

Google Images/Hannah Ferguson

The scenery at Island Pond only adds to the charm of this beach campground. Kids will stay busy with swimming, boating, a playground, nature center, and theater at Brighton State Park. Many of the campsites are waterside including five cabins, RV, tent, and lean-to sites. Address: 102 State Park Road, Island Pond, VT 05846

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