Boulder Beach State Park
Vermont’s Premier State Forest Swimming Beach — 200-Foot Sandy Beach on Lake Groton, Boat Rentals, Concession Stand, 75 Shaded Picnic Sites & Groton State Forest Trails
Boulder Beach State Park is a day-use swimming and recreation park on the shore of 423-acre Lake Groton within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest in Groton, Vermont. The park features a 200-foot sandy beach, boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, SUPs), a car-top boat launch, a concession stand, 75 shaded picnic sites with tables and grills, a reservable picnic pavilion (seats 100), a playground, restrooms with flush toilets and changing rooms, and access to 17+ miles of hiking trails.
Boulder Beach is the crown jewel day-use area of the Groton State Forest Recreation Area, offering Vermont families one of the state’s most beloved freshwater swimming experiences. The 200-foot sandy beach on Lake Groton provides clean, clear swimming water with a gentle, sandy bottom ideal for children. The concession stand serves snacks, drinks, and ice cream — a rarity among Vermont state parks. Boat rentals put visitors on the water within minutes, while the 75 shaded picnic sites and reservable pavilion make this park a premier venue for family reunions, birthday parties, and group gatherings. From Boulder Beach, visitors can access the broader Groton State Forest trail network, including hikes to Owl’s Head fire tower and Peacham Bog.
Things to Do
Swimming
- 200-foot sandy beach: Clean, clear, sandy-bottomed water
- Lake Groton: 423 acres
- Ideal for families: Gentle entry, warm summer water
- No lifeguards
Boating
- Boat rentals available: Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
- Car-top boat launch: For personal watercraft
- No motorboats on Lake Groton
Picnicking
- 75 shaded picnic sites: With tables and charcoal grills
- Reservable pavilion: Seats up to 100 — perfect for reunions
Concession Stand
- Snacks, drinks, and ice cream
- Open seasonally
Hiking (Groton State Forest)
- 17+ miles of trails throughout the forest
- Owl’s Head: CCC fire tower with panoramic sunset views
- Peacham Bog: Rare sphagnum bog boardwalk
- Nature Center: Walking distance
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Day-use only (no camping at Boulder Beach) |
| Beach | 200-foot sandy beach |
| Lake | Lake Groton — 423 acres |
| Boat Rentals | Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, SUPs |
| Picnic Sites | 75 shaded sites with grills |
| Pavilion | Reservable — seats up to 100 |
| Concession | Snacks, drinks, ice cream |
| Restrooms | Flush toilets, changing rooms |
| Playground | Yes |
| Pets | NOT permitted |
| Season | Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend |
| Fees | Day-use fees apply |
| Address | 2278 Boulder Beach Road, Groton, VT 05046 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Warmest swimming; boat rentals; concession stand open; all services; long days | Busy weekends; arrive early for parking; day-use fees |
| Early Summer (Jun) | Opening weeks; uncrowded; water warming; green forest | Cool water early; variable weather; some services opening |
| Late Spring (May) | Opening weekend; spring wildflowers; birding; forest green-up | Water too cold for swimming; limited services |
| Fall (Sep) | Fall foliage beginning; quiet beach; last swimming days | Park closes Labor Day; services ending |
Visitor Tips
- No pets: Pets are NOT permitted at Boulder Beach — plan to leave dogs elsewhere.
- Arrive early: Parking fills on summer weekends — arrive before 11 AM for guaranteed access.
- Pavilion reservations: The pavilion seats 100 — reserve early for summer reunions and events.
- Boat rentals: Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and SUPs are available until Labor Day — no need to bring your own.
- Nearby camping: Boulder Beach is day-use only — camp at nearby Big Deer, Stillwater, or New Discovery state parks.
- Concession stand: One of the few Vermont state parks with a concession stand — treat the kids to ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Boulder Beach State Park?
Yes — Boulder Beach State Park in Groton, Vermont, features a 200-foot sandy beach on 423-acre Lake Groton for swimming. The water is clean and clear with a gentle, sandy bottom ideal for families. There are no lifeguards. The park also offers boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, SUPs), a concession stand with snacks and ice cream, 75 shaded picnic sites, and a playground. Note that pets are NOT permitted. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend with day-use fees.
Can you rent boats at Boulder Beach?
Yes — Boulder Beach State Park offers rental canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) for use on Lake Groton. Rentals are available seasonally until Labor Day. The park also has a car-top boat launch for visitors bringing their own non-motorized watercraft. Motorboats are not allowed on Lake Groton. The park is located within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest in Groton, Vermont, and provides access to 17+ miles of hiking trails.
Last updated: May 2026
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