Magical doesn’t even begin to describe the lakes we have here in Vermont. Surrounded by mountains and showcasing spectacular sunrises and sunsets, these bodies of water are so tranquil and calming, that it’s no wonder they’re some of the best lakes in Vermont.  If you enjoyed our first article about beautiful lakes in Vermont, then you’re going to love this. Happy Vermonting!

1. Lake Bomoseen, Castleton
Lake Bomoseen, Castleton, VT, USA
Flickr/Mike Mahaffie
Lake Bomoseen is the largest lake in Vermont that lies entirely within the state's boundaries, with a surface area of approximately 2,400 acres. The lake has such recreational accommodations as a public beach, marinas, and public boat launches, in addition to the Bomoseen State Park. It's also got a bit of a haunted history, too.
2. Lake Carmi, Franklin
Lake Carmi, Franklin, VT 05457, USA
Flickr/Rick
This small and relatively shallow lake is located in the town of Franklin, in the northwest corner of Vermont. In the thousands of years since the last ice age, the southern end of the original lake has silted in, creating wetland forests and the third largest peat bog in Vermont. It also happens to be the fourth largest lake in Vermont, and an ideal spot for boating and fishing.
3. Lake Dunmore, Salisbury and Leicester
Lake Dunmore, Vermont, USA
Flickr/Bo Gordy-Stith
This freshwater lake in Vermont is over three miles long and one mile wide, and a picture-perfect spot to spend the day. Branbury State Park occupies 69 acres of the eastern shore and offers a sandy beach, canoe rentals, and campsites if you'd like to spend a night sleeping under the stars.
4. Echo Lake, Charlston
Echo Lake, Charleston, VT 05872, USA
Flickr/Aimee & Paul Bogush
Echo Lake, located in Orleans County in the NEK, is one of only two deep, cold, and oligotrophic lakes in the Clyde River system. It is an excellent spot for fishing with a large population of rainbow trout, lake trout, yellow perch, smallmouth bass and burbot.

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5. Griffith Lake, Peru and Mount Tabor
Griffith Lake, Vermont, USA
wikipedia.org
Griffith Lake is a small lake and campsite located in the Green Mountain National Forest. The site lies on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail. The area is maintained by the Green Mountain Club and has an on-site caretaker to maintain the tent sites, outhouse, composting toilets, and trails during the peak season.
6. Lake Rescue, Ludlow
Lake Rescue, Ludlow, VT 05149, USA
wikipedia.org
This beautiful scenery here is abound. Pictured is Lake Rescue and horseshoe dam looking north from Red Bridge in Ludlow. The lake is used year-round predominantly by the residents of the approximately 110 lakeside homes and camps who enjoy swimming, waterskiing, fishing, sailing in summer and ice-fishing, skating, and snowmobiling in winter. Although no public swimming beaches exist, the lake does have a state maintained public fishing access point where boats can be launched, and there are several cabins to rent with stunning lake views.
7. Lake Saint Catherine, Wells and Poultney
Lake Saint Catherine, Vermont, USA
Flickr/andre dos santos
This gorgeous 852-acre body of water located in Rutland County, is located in the Lake St. Catherine State Park. No one knows for sure how Lake St. Catherine got its name, as the early settlers referred to the area simply as Wells Pond or Lake Austin. It may not be one of the largest lakes in Vermont, but it is one of the cleanest and clearest!
8. Lake Willoughby, Westmore
Lake Willoughby, Westmore, VT, USA
Flickr/Ben Perry
Lake Willoughby in Orleans County is a glacial lake that can get to a staggering 320 feet deep in some places. It's the deepest lake entirely contained in Vermont and second to only Lake Champlain whose deepest point reaches 400 feet. The lake's southern end is surrounded by the Willoughby State Forest, a great spot for nature lovers who want to explore the hiking trails.
9. Lake Champlain, Burlington
Lake Champlain, Lake Champlain
Flickr/John
You can't talk about Vermont major lakes and not reference this epic lake. There is so much to say and see on Lake Champlain, but let's talk about it's legendary lake monster, Champ. In 1609, Samuel de Champlain wrote that he saw a lake monster five feet long, as thick as a man's thigh, with silver-gray scales a dagger could not penetrate. The alleged monster had 2.5-foot jaws with sharp and dangerous teeth. Native Americans claimed to have seen similar monsters 8 to 10 feet. This mysterious creature is likely the original Lake Champlain monster. Champ has been memorialized in Vermont sports team names, mascots and much more.

Are you planning on visiting any of these lakes this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

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best lakes in Vermont

Jackie Ann | May 13, 2022

What are the most beautiful hikes in Vermont?

Many of the most beautiful hikes in Vermont can be found within our state park system. Clocking in at about four miles, the Mount Pisgah Trail offers some of the most beautiful scenery in Vermont, including views of Lake Willoughby. Few people know you can hike up a volcano in Vermont, Mt. Ascutney. The Weatherfield Trail will take you to the summit of the non-active volcano, with jaw-dropping panoramic views along the way.

Which state parks should I visit in Vermont?

There are 55 state parks in Vermont, and you could spend a lifetime exploring them all. One of the most popular state parks in Vermont is Emerald Lake State Park, but if you prefer to step off the beaten path and visit one of the lesser-known state parks in Vermont, try Niquette Bay State Park or Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park, one of the newest state parks in Vermont.

Can I camp right on the water in Vermont?

Absolutely! There are plenty of bodies of water in Vermont with campgrounds nearby. Half Moon State Park offers beautiful cabins and primitive campsites situated right on the water’s edge. Molly’s Falls is another wonderful campground in Vermont, located about two hours northeast of Half Moon. You'll want to get there early and claim a spot, the park only has five campsites and they are on a first-come, first-served basis.

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