🏆 Official Guide: Emerald Lake State Park — A scenic Vermont park nestled in the Green Mountains near East Dorset — featuring a sandy swimming beach on emerald-green water, 66 tent/RV sites + 37 lean-tos, non-motorized boating with rentals, fishing for northern pike and smallmouth bass, and connections to the Long Trail / Appalachian Trail.
Emerald Lake State Park in East Dorset, Vermont, sits in a narrow valley between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range. The park’s namesake lake is a stunning, spring-fed body of emerald-green water surrounded by forested hillsides — a classic New England setting for swimming, camping, fishing, and quiet paddling.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 65 Emerald Lake Lane, East Dorset, VT |
| Season | Memorial Day weekend – 2nd Monday in October |
| Campsites | 66 tent/RV sites + 37 lean-tos |
| RV Hookups | None — dump station available |
| Showers | Coin-operated hot showers, flush toilets |
| Lifeguards | None |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Swimming | Sandy beach — emerald-green lake, no lifeguards |
| Boating | Non-motorized only — canoe, kayak, SUP, pedal boat rentals |
| Fishing | Yellow perch, smallmouth bass, northern pike, bullhead, panfish |
| Camping | 66 sites + 37 lean-tos — wooded hillside |
| Hiking | Park trails + connections to Long Trail / Appalachian Trail |
| Picnicking | Lakeside tables + pavilion (seats 100, reservable) |
| Playground | On-site for children |
| Nature Programs | Seasonal interpretive programs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lean-to?
A lean-to is a three-sided wooden shelter with a raised wooden platform floor and a sloped roof. They’re a Vermont camping tradition — you bring your own sleeping gear and cook outside. Emerald Lake has 37 lean-tos, making it one of the largest lean-to campgrounds in the Vermont State Parks system.
Can I use a motorboat on Emerald Lake?
No — Emerald Lake is restricted to non-motorized watercraft only (canoes, kayaks, SUP, pedal boats). Rentals are available at the park. This keeps the lake exceptionally peaceful and pristine.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park (a short drive away) and Gifford Woods State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Vermont state parks online at vtstateparks-visit.com.
