Kill Kare State Park
Vermont’s Lake Champlain Peninsula Park — Sandy Swimming Beach, Kayak & Canoe Rentals, Ferry to Burton Island, Historic Rocky Point House Museum & Picnicking in St. Albans Bay
Kill Kare State Park is a day-use park on a scenic peninsula extending into St. Albans Bay on Lake Champlain in St. Albans, Vermont. The park features a south-facing sandy swimming beach with shallow entry, kayak/canoe/SUP rentals, a public boat launch, the historic 1870s Rocky Point House museum, a reservable group pavilion with electricity and grill, picnic areas, flush restrooms, expansive lawns, walking paths, and the departure point for the Island Runner passenger ferry to Burton Island State Park.
Kill Kare occupies one of Lake Champlain’s most scenic peninsula settings, offering panoramic views across St. Albans Bay with the Green Mountains as a backdrop. The park’s south-facing beach catches afternoon sun and provides calm, shallow water ideal for families. The Island Runner ferry connection to Burton Island State Park makes Kill Kare a uniquely versatile destination — visitors can enjoy a full day combining mainland beach time with a ferry excursion to the rustic island campground. The Rocky Point House, an 1870s building preserved on the grounds, now houses a museum and function room documenting the peninsula’s history as a former resort destination.
Things to Do
Swimming
- South-facing sandy beach: Shallow entry, warm afternoon sun
- Calm water: St. Albans Bay is sheltered — excellent for families
- Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
Paddling & Boating
- Kayak rentals available
- Canoe rentals available
- Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals available
- Public boat launch: On-site for private boats
Burton Island Ferry
- Island Runner passenger ferry: Departs from Kill Kare to Burton Island State Park
- Service: Seasonal — check schedule at park entrance
- Burton Island offers: Primitive and lean-to camping, hiking, swimming, fishing
Historical Exploration
- Rocky Point House: 1870s historic building — now museum and function room
- Peninsula history: Former resort destination on Lake Champlain
Picnicking & Events
- Picnic areas throughout the park
- Group pavilion: Reservable — includes electricity and large grill
- Expansive lawns and walking paths
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Day-use only (no camping) |
| Season | Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend |
| Hours | 10:00 AM to sunset |
| Admission | Day-use fee applies |
| Restrooms | Flush toilets (accessible) |
| Pets | Allowed on leash — pick up after pets |
| Address | 2714 Hathaway Point Rd, St. Albans, VT 05481 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Swimming beach; kayak/canoe/SUP rentals; Burton Island ferry; full services; warm water; long days | Busiest weekends; parking fills; afternoon thunderstorms |
| Late Spring (May) | Opening weekend; quiet; birding migration; green-up; Lake Champlain thawing | Cool water; limited services; variable weather |
| Early Fall (Sep) | Warm water; uncrowded; early foliage; quiet paddling | Beach closes Labor Day; ferry may end service; cooling |
| Off-Season (Oct–Apr) | Park CLOSED | No access during winter months |
Visitor Tips
- Burton Island ferry: Kill Kare is the only mainland departure point for the Island Runner ferry to Burton Island State Park — check the schedule before arriving.
- South-facing beach: The beach faces south and catches afternoon sun — ideal for families with small children due to shallow, calm water.
- Paddleboard rentals: Kayaks, canoes, and SUPs are available for rent at the park — no need to bring your own equipment.
- Group pavilion: The reservable group pavilion with electricity and grill is popular — book early for summer weekends.
- Rocky Point House: The 1870s museum is worth a visit — it tells the story of the peninsula’s history as a Lake Champlain resort.
- Parking limit: Parking is limited — arrive before noon on summer weekends to secure a spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take a ferry from Kill Kare State Park to Burton Island?
Yes — Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans, Vermont, is the mainland departure point for the Island Runner passenger ferry to Burton Island State Park. The ferry operates seasonally, typically from late June through Labor Day. Burton Island State Park offers primitive and lean-to camping, hiking trails, swimming, and fishing on a scenic island in Lake Champlain. Check the ferry schedule at the Kill Kare park entrance or on the Vermont State Parks website before your visit.
Does Kill Kare State Park have kayak rentals?
Yes — Kill Kare State Park offers kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals during the summer season. The park is located on a peninsula in St. Albans Bay on Lake Champlain, providing calm water ideal for paddling. A public boat launch is also available for visitors bringing their own watercraft. The park features a south-facing sandy swimming beach, the historic 1870s Rocky Point House museum, picnic areas, a reservable group pavilion, and flush restrooms.
Last updated: May 2026
