Lake Carmi State Park

Available Activities

Hiking
Camping
Swimming
Fishing
Boating
Kayaking

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

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

Last updated: May 3, 2026