🌤 Weather at Emerald Lake State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18–68 °F | 52–80 °F | 26–71 °F | 8–35 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Rutland, 1 mi away, elevation 620 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 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.
⛺ Camping at Emerald Lake State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 103 sites — 43 tent/RV sites (20-30 ft, up to 8 people), 22 tent-only sites (8-person max), 37 lean-tos, plus 1 electric pavilion (100-person capacity). Flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers throughout; no site hookups. Statewide non-resident rates effective 7/1/2025: $38/night tent/RV, $49/night lean-to, +$8/night per extra person. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed on leash throughout the campground; not permitted in the day-use area. |
| Reservations | 1-888-409-7579 or (802) 362-1655; up to 11 months ahead on a rolling basis. Reservations made more than 7 days out require a 2-night minimum; 1-night stays allowed within 7 days of arrival. |
| Special sites | RV dump station on-site (no hookups); non-motorized 20-acre lake with canoe/kayak/pedal-boat/paddleboard rentals; Long Trail and Appalachian Trail access nearby. |
| Season notes | 2026 season: May 22 - October 11. 2027 season: May 28 - October 10. Day-use hours 10am to sunset. |
Camping questions about Emerald Lake State Park
Can you camp at Emerald Lake State Park?
Yes. Emerald Lake State Park has 103 campsites. 43 tent/RV sites (20-30 ft, up to 8 people), 22 tent-only sites (8-person max), 37 lean-tos, plus 1 electric pavilion (100-person capacity). Flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers throughout; no site hookups. Statewide non-resident rates effective 7/1/2025: $38/night tent/RV, $49/night lean-to, +$8/night per extra person.
How do you reserve a campsite at Emerald Lake State Park?
1-888-409-7579 or (802) 362-1655; up to 11 months ahead on a rolling basis. Reservations made more than 7 days out require a 2-night minimum; 1-night stays allowed within 7 days of arrival.
Are pets allowed at the Emerald Lake State Park campground?
Pets allowed on leash throughout the campground; not permitted in the day-use area.
Source: vtstateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Emerald Lake State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at Emerald Lake State Park?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Emerald Lake State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
