🌤 Weather at Greensboro Reservoir State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17–66 °F | 50–79 °F | 25–70 °F | 5–32 °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 Morrisville Stowe State Airport, 5 mi away, elevation 732 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🦆 Vermont’s Most Pristine Paddling Lake — Undeveloped Shoreline, Nesting Loons, and Wilderness Camping on a Hidden Reservoir — Green River Reservoir State Park (Greensboro) near Hyde Park, Vermont with 653-acre reservoir, entirely undeveloped shoreline, no motorboats (paddling only), 27 primitive boat-in campsites, nesting common loons, pristine water quality, remote wilderness feel, Green Mountains backdrop, kayaking/canoeing/fishing — Lamoille County, VT
Green River Reservoir is what every lake in Vermont used to look like before lakeside cabins and motorboats arrived. The entire shoreline is undeveloped. No houses. No docks. No roads. Just forest meeting water, loons calling across the surface, and the Green Mountains rising behind it all.
Motorboats are prohibited. The only way to explore the 19 miles of shoreline and 27 islands is by paddle — canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. The 27 primitive campsites are all boat-access-only, scattered along the shore.
What Makes It Special
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Shoreline | Entirely undeveloped — no houses, no docks, no roads along 19 miles of shore |
| Motorboats | Prohibited. Paddling only — canoe, kayak, SUP |
| Camping | 27 primitive, boat-access-only campsites on the shore and islands. Carry-in/carry-out |
| Loons | Nesting common loons — one of Vermont’s most important loon breeding sites |
| Water Quality | Pristine — among the cleanest reservoirs in New England |
| Fishing | Smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike. No motorized boats = undisturbed water |
Paddling Guide
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Reservoir Size | 653 acres — manageable for a day paddle, perfect for multi-day camping trips |
| Shoreline | 19 miles of completely wild, forested shoreline |
| Islands | 27 islands — many with campsites. Explore by kayak |
| Launch | Single car-top boat launch at the south end (no trailer launch — canoes/kayaks only) |
| Wind | Afternoon winds can build. Mornings are calmest for paddling |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 🛶 Peak paddling season. Loon chicks on the water. Warm swimming. Best camping |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 🍂 Vermont foliage reflected on undeveloped shores. Quiet, uncrowded. Magic |
| Spring (May) | Ice-out paddling. Fishing active. Loons returning. Cold but stunning |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a motorboat?
No — motorboats are prohibited. This is a paddle-only reservoir. Canoes, kayaks, and SUPs only. Car-top launch at the south end (no trailers).
Do I need a reservation for camping?
Reservations are strongly recommended — the 27 boat-access campsites are very popular in summer and foliage season. Book through Vermont State Parks.
Why is this place so special?
It’s one of the last completely undeveloped reservoir shorelines in New England. No houses, no roads, no motorboats — just 19 miles of wild forest meeting pristine water. It’s what Vermont looked like 200 years ago.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Lake Elmore State Park (a short drive away) and Elmore State Park (a short drive away).
🦆 Vermont’s Last Undeveloped Lake
19 miles of wild shoreline. No motorboats. No houses. Nesting loons and 27 paddle-in campsites — the most pristine paddling lake in New England.
Wildlife & Nature
Greensboro Reservoir SP — preserves forested land around Caspian Lake in the Northeast Kingdom. The area’s lake, forest, and wetlands support loons, moose, and black bears. Caspian Lake has been a summer retreat for writers and intellectuals for over a century.
Nearby Attractions
Greensboro — adjacent — a literary village. Hardwick — 5 miles south. Craftsbury — 10 miles north.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Greensboro Reservoir 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 Greensboro Reservoir 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
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