🌤 Weather at Lake Carmi State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15–68 °F | 50–81 °F | 25–73 °F | 3–33 °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 Enosburg Falls 2, 4 mi away, elevation 425 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Vermont’s Largest State Park Campground — 138 Tent/RV Sites, 35 Lean-Tos, 2 Cabins, Sandy Swimming Beaches, Walleye Fishing, Nature Center & Boat Rentals in Franklin
Lake Carmi State Park is the largest state park campground in Vermont, offering 138 tent and RV sites, 35 lean-to sites, and 2 rental cabins on the shores of Lake Carmi in Franklin, Vermont. The park features sandy swimming beaches in both camping areas and the day-use area, walleye and bass fishing, a boat launch with canoe/kayak/rowboat rentals, a nature center with park interpreters, hiking trails, a playground, volleyball and horseshoe courts, and picnic areas.
Lake Carmi is one of Vermont’s top warm-water fishing lakes, producing walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, and panfish. The park’s enormous campground spreads across two camping areas, each with its own beach and facilities. The nature center offers interpretive programs throughout the summer season, making this a premier destination for families seeking Vermont lakeside camping without the crowds of more famous destinations. Lake Carmi sits in northern Vermont near the Canadian border, providing a quieter alternative to the state’s southern campgrounds.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Species: Walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, brown bullhead, panfish
- Access: Shore fishing and boat fishing on Lake Carmi
- Boat launch: On-site ramp for launching private boats
- Vermont fishing license required
Swimming
- Three sandy beaches: One in each camping area plus a day-use beach
- Day-use beach: Has its own restrooms and parking
Boating
- Boat launch: On-site ramp for private boats
- Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats available at the park
Nature & Recreation
- Nature center: Park interpreters offer seasonal programs
- Hiking and walking trails
- Playground, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits
- Picnic areas and shelters
Camping & Lodging
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Tent/RV Sites | 138 sites across two camping areas |
| Lean-Tos | 35 three-sided shelters — Vermont’s classic camping experience |
| Cabins | 2 rental cabins available |
| Hookups | No electric/water hookups (Vermont state park standard) |
| Facilities | Restrooms with hot/cold water; token-operated hot showers; RV dump station |
| Beaches | Each camping area has its own sandy beach |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: All three beaches open; nature center programs; boating; walleye + bass fishing; full services | Most popular — reserve early; hot afternoons; thunderstorms; mosquitoes |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Vermont fall foliage; walleye active; quiet campground; cool hiking; photography | Beaches close; cooling; some services seasonal; campground closes mid-Oct |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Spring walleye and bass; birding migration; opening weekend; uncrowded | Cold water; variable weather; some facilities still opening; blackflies (May) |
| Winter (Nov–Apr) | Ice fishing on Lake Carmi; snowshoeing; winter solitude | Campground CLOSED; day-use may be available; cold; check access |
Visitor Tips
- Largest in Vermont: Lake Carmi is Vermont’s largest state park campground — book early for peak summer weekends via vtstateparks.com.
- No hookups: Vermont state parks generally do not provide electric or water hookups — plan for self-contained RV camping. A dump station is available.
- Token showers: Hot showers require tokens — purchase at the park office.
- Walleye fishing: Lake Carmi is one of Vermont’s best walleye lakes — bring appropriate tackle and a valid Vermont fishing license.
- Northern Vermont: The park is in Franklin, near the Canadian border — much less crowded than southern Vermont’s parks. Also cooler temperatures.
- Lean-tos: Vermont’s classic lean-to shelters are a unique camping experience — three-sided wooden shelters with a platform floor. Reserve early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Lake Carmi SP — features a floating bog island — a rare geological feature. Loons nest on the lake. Northern pike fill the waters.
Nearby Attractions
Enosburg Falls — adjacent. Canadian border — 15 miles north.
Is Lake Carmi State Park the largest campground in Vermont?
Yes — Lake Carmi State Park in Franklin, Vermont, is the largest state park campground in Vermont. It offers 138 tent and RV sites, 35 lean-to shelters, and 2 rental cabins across two camping areas. Each camping area has its own sandy swimming beach. The park also features a day-use beach, a nature center with seasonal interpretive programs, a boat launch, canoe/kayak/rowboat rentals, hiking trails, a playground, and volleyball and horseshoe courts. Lake Carmi is popular for walleye, bass, and perch fishing.
What fish can you catch at Lake Carmi?
Lake Carmi is one of Vermont’s top warm-water fishing lakes. Species include walleye, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, northern pike, brown bullhead, and various panfish. The state park provides a boat launch for private boats and rents canoes, kayaks, and rowboats. Shore fishing is also available from multiple points around the campground and day-use area. A valid Vermont fishing license is required. Ice fishing is popular in winter.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, North Hero State Park is within about an hour’s drive, and Hazen’s Notch State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Lake Carmi State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 175 sites — 132 tent/RV sites, 6 tent-only sites, 35 lean-tos, plus 2 electric cabins - the largest campground in the Vermont state park system. Restrooms with flush toilets, hot/cold water and coin-operated showers; swimming beaches in both camping areas. Statewide non-resident rates effective 7/1/2025: $38/night tent/RV, $49/night lean-to, $85/night cabin, +$8/night per extra person. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 2 electric cabins for rent; interior amenities beyond electric service not itemized on the official campground page. |
| Pets | Pets permitted at campsites throughout the park. |
| Reservations | (802) 933-8383 or 1-888-409-7579; up to 11 months ahead on a rolling basis. 2-night minimum beyond 7 days out; 1-night stays within 7 days of arrival. |
| Special sites | RV dump station, no hookups; day-use beach with nature center and boat rentals; interpretive programs (night hikes, campfire programs, amphibian explorations). |
| Season notes | 2026 season: May 15 - September 12. 2027 season: May 21 - September 11. |
Camping questions about Lake Carmi State Park
Can you camp at Lake Carmi State Park?
Yes. Lake Carmi State Park has 175 campsites. 132 tent/RV sites, 6 tent-only sites, 35 lean-tos, plus 2 electric cabins - the largest campground in the Vermont state park system. Restrooms with flush toilets, hot/cold water and coin-operated showers; swimming beaches in both camping areas. Statewide non-resident rates effective 7/1/2025: $38/night tent/RV, $49/night lean-to, $85/night cabin, +$8/night per extra person.
How do you reserve a campsite at Lake Carmi State Park?
(802) 933-8383 or 1-888-409-7579; up to 11 months ahead on a rolling basis. 2-night minimum beyond 7 days out; 1-night stays within 7 days of arrival.
Are there cabins at Lake Carmi State Park?
2 electric cabins for rent; interior amenities beyond electric service not itemized on the official campground page.
Are pets allowed at the Lake Carmi State Park campground?
Pets permitted at campsites throughout the park.
Source: vtstateparks.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Carmi 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 Lake Carmi 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
Park Location
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