Where can you go swimming?

Primitive camping is available in state forests, at some undeveloped state parks as well as some Wildlife Management Areas. This is not car camping -- you must backpack in at least 1,000 feet from any road. There is no public drinking water or toilet facilities, no reservation, or assigned sites. Vermont does not offer free, dispersed car camping on its state lands.

We maintain the condition of trails on the Trail Finder website. On the site, you will also find maps, directions, local services, and downloadable trail data.

ANR lands are generally open to the public without fee or formal authorization for various educational, recreational, and other outdoor activities for individuals or small groups. However, while legally and environmentally permissible, such activities and events may alter a site or natural resources or exclude other public uses for varying periods of time. Therefore, formal written authorization is required for such activities and events so that the Agency may better monitor, control, and manage their impact and duration on ANR lands, natural resources, and the public. Formal written authorization is typically given by either Special Use Permit (SUP) or License.

Vermont is known for its mountains and lakes, and there are many opportunities to get on the water in Vermont State Parks. Sometimes called the sixth great lake, Lake Champlain has wide-open expanses, hidden bays and even state parks located on islands, providing great boating for both paddlers and motor boaters. Green River Reservoir offers 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline for quiet water paddling and the Connecticut River makes a great part-day, full-day, or multi-day river trip. Many state parks have car top and trailer boat launches and there is a marina at Burton Island State Park. And don’t miss our paddling page.

Nothing feels as good as a dip in clear, clean water on a hot summer day. Vermont State Parks have some great options, whether you want to swim in a lake, river, or even a swimming pool. There are big lakes like Lake Champlain, Bomoseen and Lake Carmi, or smaller, quieter lakes like Silver Lake or Lake St. Catherine. There is a kid-friendly swimming pool with slides at Button Bay State Park and Salmon Hole on the West River is a great place to cool off at Jamaica State Park. Most Vermont State Parks that are located on bodies of water have beaches, restroom facilities, canoe and kayak rentals, and sometimes even concession stands. We perform weekly swim water testing. Lifeguards are available only at the Button Bay pool.

Vermont is also known for its swimming holes offer and they offer wonderful recreational opportunities, but swimming holes do not have staff oversight to manage daily use and swimming at unmanaged sites comes with risks. Good decision-making, and a little bit of planning, can often avert a tragedy.