Emerald Lake State Park

🌊 OVERVIEW

Cradled in a lush mountain valley and centered around a glimmering green lake, Emerald Lake State Park is one of Vermont’s most treasured natural escapes. Located just north of Manchester in the charming town of East Dorset, this 430-acre park offers a serene retreat for swimmers, paddlers, hikers, and families looking to unplug and reconnect.

Named for its clear, jewel-toned waters, Emerald Lake is surrounded by forested hills, soft campsites, and gentle trails — the perfect setting for everything from sunrise kayaking to sunset campfires. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or a weeklong immersion in Vermont’s natural beauty, Emerald Lake offers something timeless and refreshing: stillness, simplicity, and space to breathe.

🌲 THE CAMPGROUND

Emerald Lake State Park’s campground is thoughtfully tucked into the woods above the lake, offering a quiet, family-friendly setting that’s close to the water, yet sheltered among the trees.

Campground features include:

• 67 campsites for tents and small RVs (no hookups)
• 37 lean-to shelters for weather-resistant camping
• Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers
• Drinking water stations throughout the park
• Fire rings and picnic tables at every site
• Wood and ice available at the park office
• Dump station for RVs and camper vans
• Pet-friendly (pets allowed in designated areas)
• Easy walking access to the lake, beach, and trails

Sites are nestled among maples and pines, with enough space for privacy and plenty of shade for warm summer days.

🚣‍♀️ THE LAKE, TRAILS & LOCAL ADVENTURE

The heart of the park is Emerald Lake itself — a pristine, spring-fed body of water known for its clear green color and calm surface. It’s non-motorized, which means the only sounds are of paddles, laughter, and loons calling across the water.

Activities and attractions include:

• Swimming at the park’s sandy beach and designated swim area
• Kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding (rentals available on-site)
• Fishing from shore or boat — the lake is stocked with trout
• Picnicking lakeside under shaded pavilions
• Hiking trails that wind through the forest and connect to nearby ridgelines
• Wildlife watching — keep an eye out for herons, turtles, and songbirds
• Exploring the shops, cafés, and arts scene in nearby Manchester
• Day trips to Stratton, Bromley, and the Green Mountain National Forest

The park is a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation — whether you want to paddle all day or simply float and let the world drift by.

🔥 CAMPFIRE EVENINGS & FAMILY TRADITIONS

Evenings at Emerald Lake are special — fireflies blink in the trees, smoke curls from campfire rings, and families gather to cook, connect, and wind down. Every site includes a fire pit and picnic table, inviting you to enjoy everything from grilled dinners to late-night marshmallow toasting.

Many guests return year after year, passing down family traditions or creating new ones. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, there's something timeless here — a rhythm and sense of calm that settles in as soon as you arrive.

🎯 WHO IT’S FOR

Emerald Lake State Park is ideal for:

• Families looking for a safe, activity-rich camping experience
• Couples seeking a quiet lakefront retreat
• Paddlers and swimmers who love non-motorized waters
• Nature lovers and hikers exploring southern Vermont
• Tent campers and lean-to fans wanting a peaceful, rustic stay
• First-time campers or seasoned outdoor enthusiasts alike

With clean facilities, calm waters, and easy access to nearby towns and trails, the park offers something for everyone — whether you're roughing it or glamping in your own style.

📍 PARK ADDRESS

Emerald Lake State Park
65 Emerald Lake Ln
East Dorset, VT 05253

Just off Route 7, 15 minutes north of Manchester and easily accessible from Rutland, Bennington, and points south via VT Routes 7 and 30.

🕐 HOURS & RESERVATIONS

Seasonal Operation:
Open Memorial Day Weekend – Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend
Day Use Hours: 10:00 AM – Sunset

Check-in: 2:00 PM | Check-out: 11:00 AM
Quiet Hours: 10:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Reservations highly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, and peak foliage season. Book via the Vermont State Parks website.

🌄 WHY EMERALD LAKE STATE PARK?

Because sometimes, all it takes to feel renewed is a quiet lake, a crackling fire, and the simple joy of being surrounded by trees.

At Emerald Lake, you’ll find more than just a place to camp — you’ll find space to reconnect. With your family, with nature, with yourself. Whether you're floating in the sun, hiking through the forest, or stargazing beside the fire, this is a place to pause — and remember what really matters.