Green River Reservoir State Park

Paddle-In Wilderness — Vermont’s Quietest Lake

Green River Reservoir State Park is Vermont’s premier wilderness paddling destination — a remote, undeveloped reservoir with 19 miles of pristine shoreline, no motorboat engines, and 27 primitive campsites accessible only by canoe or kayak. This is the closest thing to a true backcountry paddling experience in Vermont, without the logistics of a multi-day portage trip.

The reservoir is designated as a “quiet lake” — internal combustion engines are prohibited. Only human-powered watercraft and electric motors (5 mph max, no-wake) are permitted. The result is a lake of remarkable stillness — the kind of silence where you can hear a loon’s call echo across the water from a mile away. And loons are exactly what you’ll find here: Green River Reservoir is one of the best places in Vermont to observe nesting Common Loons, along with Great Blue Herons, mergansers, beavers, river otters, and occasionally moose browsing the shoreline at dawn.

Things to Do

Paddling

The reservoir’s 19 miles of largely undeveloped shoreline — one of the longest such stretches in Vermont — offers outstanding canoeing and kayaking through quiet coves, wetland bays, and wooded inlets. A boat launch at the southern end provides access. No boat rentals available — bring your own watercraft. The park is best experienced over 2+ days, camping at remote shoreline sites and paddling between them.

Boat-In Camping

All 27 campsites are primitive, tent-only sites accessible only by water — most require a 1 to 2-mile paddle from the launch. Each site has a fire pit and access to a privy (often shared between 2–3 sites). There is no potable water or electricity — bring all water and supplies. Portable stoves are recommended. Strict Leave No Trace principles apply.

Wildlife Watching

The reservoir’s motor-free environment creates ideal conditions for wildlife observation. Common Loons nest on the reservoir — maintain a 300-foot distance from any nesting sites. The wetland areas support Great Blue Herons, Belted Kingfishers, and extensive beaver activity. Dawn paddles offer the best chances for moose and otter sightings.

Camping

Best Time to Visit

Visitor Tips

• Self-sufficiency required: Pack all water, food, firewood, and supplies. There is nothing available at the park. Treat this like a backcountry trip — because it is one.
• Parking crunch: The parking lot is small and fills early on summer weekends. If full, you cannot enter. Arrive early or carpool. There is no roadside parking.
• Loon etiquette: Maintain 300+ feet from loon nests. Avoid paddling directly toward loons. The reservoir’s breeding population is fragile and protected.
• Day use: If you don’t have time to camp, day-use paddling (10 a.m. to sunset) is available — but the true magic of this park is spending a night on the water in total silence.
• No rentals: You must bring your own canoe/kayak. The nearest rental outfitters are in Morrisville or Stowe — plan ahead.
• Reservations: All 27 sites must be reserved in advance through vtstateparks.com. Summer weekends book up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: April 2026