Located in the Taconic Mountains on the shores of Lake Bomoseen. The park has a beach for swimming, a picnic area, and a pavilion-type picnic shelter that can be reserved for large gatherings. A snack bar concession and boat rentals are available at the beach. There is boating and fishing in Lake Bomoseen as well as in nearby Glen Lake. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. There are several hiking trails, including one to Half Moon State Park. Open late May to early September.

Branbury State Park
3570 Lake Dunmore Road (Route 53)
Salisbury, VT
Phone: 802-247-5925

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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Branbury is located on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore at the base of Mount Moosalamoo, with the Green Mountain National Forest to the east. The 1,000-foot natural sandy beach on Lake Dunmore and the large open grassy areas make the area popular for swimming, sunning, or picnicking. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. There is fishing and boating (rowboats, canoes, paddle boat rentals) on Lake Dunmore. Open late May to early October.

Camp Plymouth State Park
2008 Scout Camp Road
Ludlow, VT
Phone: 802-228-2025

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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There is a group camping area on the south side of Buffalo Brook consisting of six lean-tos, tent sites, pit toilets, and a large field for activities. On the north side of the brook there are a large picnic area, play area, sandy beach, horseshoe pits, concession, and boat rentals. Four rental cottages are fully furnished rental units. There is a large enclosed picnic shelter including a kitchen for larger groups as well as two smaller open pavilion-style picnic shelters. Day use hours: 10 A.M.-9 P.M.

D.A.R. State Park
6750 VT Route 17 West
Addison, VT 05491
Phone: 802-759-2354

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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With its picturesque setting on the shores of Lake Champlain, the park provides an ideal setting for anyone seeking a relaxing day visit or an overnight respite. A quiet park, it is popular for its large, open campground, grassy picnic areas and stone pavilion. It is a favorite spot for birdwatchers. DAR is conveniently located near boat access to Lake Champlain.
There are 70 sites including 24 lean-tos located in an open grassy area, as well as under a mature stand of hickory trees. There are flush toilets, hot showers ($), and a dump station provided. There is a small picnic area located on a bluff above the lake, as well as a nice stone pavilion/picnic shelter for group gatherings. Boating, fishing, sailing, and swimming are popular in Lake Champlain. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Half Moon Pond State Park in Bomoseen State Park
1621 Black Pond Road
Hubbardton, VT
Phone: 802-273-2848

Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day

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This is a camping only park and there are no day-use opportunities. The campground offers camping for all tastes with its waterfront campsites and lean-tos and five furnished cabins. For those seeking more creature comforts, Tall Timbers Cottage, with its waterfront location and private boat dock, offers all the amenities of home. Hikers are likely to see a variety of wildlife. Rowboats, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats are available for rent from the park office, and two small, sandy beaches provide locations for sunbathing and swimming. The pond also has excellent fishing.

Lake St. Catherine State Park
3034 VT Route 30 South
Poultney, VT
Phone: 802-287-9158

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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The park has well-developed picnic, play, and swimming areas. There is a snack bar concession with rowboats and paddle boat rentals. Boating and fishing are popular on the lake. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. Open late May to early September.

Silver Lake State Park
214 North Road
Bethel, VT
Phone: 802-234-9451

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

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The beach has a large grassy area, food concession, rest rooms, changing rooms, and boat and canoe rentals. There is a large picnic shelter for group gatherings and a play area. Open late May to early September

Swimming Holes

Swimming holes can be found in or near rock quarries, streams, gorges, and waterfalls. Most are pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by beautiful woods and forests. For details, see the web site www.SwimmingHoles.info

Waterbury Center State Park
177 Reservoir Road
Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Phone: 802-244-1226

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

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The park is located on a 90-acre peninsula with 22 picnic sites, tables, hibachis, swimming beach, nature trail, trailer boat ramp, boat rentals, concession area and restrooms. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.