Greensboro Reservoir State Park
🦆 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.
🦆 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.
Park Location
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