Our Favorite Vermont Lake Towns

Living in Vermont offers endless opportunities to get outside and immerse yourself in the state’s natural beauty. While the green mountain state is most known for the iconic Lake Champlain, it has many more lakes to explore. Check out some of our favorite lake towns

South Hero

Part of the Lake Champlain islands, South Hero is the perfect place to live your best ‘lake life.’ White’s Beach is a small, rocky beach with ample parking. Spend the day swimming, paddle boarding, and relaxing in the sun - as an added bonus, be sure to explore the Bird House Forest across the street, filled with hundreds of colorful bird houses. 

If you’re a biker, checking out the causeway is a must. The causeway bike path runs across the lake from the southern tip of South Hero to Causeway Park in Colchester. Take in the scenic lake views for a flat 13.4 mile ride to the other end. Bikers are transported across a short gap in the causeway by the Local Motion Island Line Bike Ferry.

Colchester

Thayer Beach, located in Colchester, is one of Lake Champlain’s hidden gems. The beach is accessed from a free parking lot and a half mile nature trail boardwalk. The public beach turns into a private beach area in front of the homes along the shoreline. With calm water and a sandy beach, this is a very peaceful place to relax. Thayer Beach is one of the best places to watch the sun set behind the Adirondacks on the other side of the lake.

A great way to experience Malletts Bay (besides buying a house in the area!) is by staying at the Malletts Bay Campground. Campers utilize lake access across the street at Bayside Park! While you're in Malletts Bay, check out Pioneer Lakeshore Cafe, known for their Pioneer Crispy Chicken Sandwich - it’s our Broker, Bryce’s, favorite!

Groton

Get the quintessential New England experience on Lake Groton! Boulder Beach State Park has everything you need for a perfect summer day. Bring the whole family to lay in the sand, climb on the playground, and picnic in the pavilion. The park is equipped with restrooms, a concession stand, and a boat rental facility. Many people love to kayak and fish along the coastline.

Homeowners on Lake Groton enjoy privacy, surrounded by the Groton State Forest, and direct lake access. Embrace your lake community by joining annual boat parades, firework shows, and more! If you aren’t ready to find your home on the lake quite yet, another way to experience Lake Groton is camping at Stillwater State Park. This charming campground includes sites on the water for swimming and kayaking access. Bike from the campground to the old rail trail for a scenic ride around the lake.

Salisbury

From swimming to boating, camping, hiking, and more, Lake Dunmore has it all. Visit Addison County’s beloved 3-mile long lake for every outdoor activity you desire. Branbury State Park has public beach access as well as numerous hiking trail options. Streaming into Lake Dunmore is Sucker Brook where a short hike will bring you to Falls of Lana, a rocky waterfall surrounded by luscious greenery. This hike is a favorite among locals and many take advantage of cooling off in the nearby swimming holes.

Lake Dunmore is one of the most sought after lake locations to buy real estate in Vermont. With your own lakefront sanctuary, you can dock your boat and enjoy the refreshing water at your leisure.

Castleton

Rutland County is home to Vermont’s largest lake entirely within state borders, Lake Bomoseen. Swimming, fishing, camping, and boating are among the many activities to take part in on Lake Bomoseen. Living on Lake Bomoseen provides easy access to the lake, whether that’s for a sunrise paddle board ride, mid-day swim, or an evening boat ride out for dinner. Head over to The Lake House for some waterfront dining. You can arrive by land or water, The Lake House offers dockside service and expansive outdoor seating with picturesque views of the water.

Northeast Kingdom

Head to the Northeast Kingdom for a variety of lakes and ponds to explore! Some of our favorites are Caspian Lake and Joe’s Pond, where you can swim, boat, and fish. Get the small town charm living on Joe’s Pond. You will quickly feel at-home in this tight-knit community with local events and activities to join! After a day on Joe’s Pond, go to Sambel’s for one of the best BBQ pulled pork sandwiches!

For a landlocked state, Vermont has some of the best waterfront homes. Summers on these serene lakes can’t be beat. That said, the change of seasons just means a whole new set of activities. Check out 9 things to do this winter in Vermont, other than skiing!