Lake St. Catherine State Park
Vermont’s Slate Valley Lake — Sandy Beach, 62 Campsites, Boat Rentals & Multi-Species Fishing Near Poultney
Lake St. Catherine State Park is a camping and swimming park on the shore of Lake St. Catherine in Poultney, Vermont — at the western edge of the state in the Slate Valley region near the New York border. The park offers 50 tent/RV sites, 11 lean-to sites, a rental cabin, a sandy swimming beach, a boat launch, and boat rentals — a comprehensive lakeside experience that makes it one of the most popular family campgrounds in the Vermont state park system.
Lake St. Catherine’s clear, warm-water lake supports an excellent fishery — largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, and panfish — making it a regional draw for anglers. The park’s nature center, interpretive programs, universally accessible nature trail, and snack-bar concession create a welcoming environment for families with children, while the hiking trail to a Birdseye Mountain overlook rewards those seeking a view above the valley.
Things to Do
Swimming & Beach
A beautiful sandy beach with a designated swimming area on Lake St. Catherine. Beach wheelchairs are available for free use — an exceptional accessibility feature.
Boating
- On-site boat launch for motorboats, kayaks, and canoes
- Boat rentals: Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats available from the snack-bar concession
- Lake St. Catherine is a clear, warm-water lake ideal for recreational boating
Fishing
An excellent multi-species fishery:
- Bass: Largemouth and smallmouth bass
- Northern pike
- Trout: Rainbow and brown trout
- Panfish: Yellow perch, bluegill, and sunfish
- Vermont fishing license required
Hiking
- Universally accessible nature trail: ADA-accessible path through forest and meadow habitat
- Birdseye Mountain overlook trail: Moderate hike to views of Lake St. Catherine and the surrounding Slate Valley
Nature & Family Programs
- Nature center: Interpretive displays and educational programming
- Snack-bar concession: Boat rentals, snacks, and lake supplies
- Large grassy field with playground: Open space for kids to run and play
- Picnic areas: Shaded tables near the beach and throughout the park
Camping
| Type | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tent/RV Sites | 50 | Fire rings; picnic tables; no hookups |
| Lean-to Sites | 11 | Three-sided Adirondack shelters; fire rings |
| Rental Cabin | 1 | Furnished; family-sized |
Facilities: Restrooms with flush toilets, token-operated hot showers, dump station (no hookups). Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Swimming; boat rentals; nature programs; full concession; playground; family camping at its best | Busy weekends; book lean-tos and cabin well ahead; warm water |
| Fall (Sep) | Quiet camping; bass fishing peak; early foliage; cool hiking; Birdseye Mountain views | Park closes Labor Day; check dates; shorter days |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Trout season opening; spring birding; quiet; wildflowers | Cold water; facilities opening Memorial Day; variable weather |
| Winter | Park closed | Lake may be accessible for ice fishing independently |
Visitor Tips
- Beach wheelchairs: Lake St. Catherine offers free beach wheelchairs — an exceptional accessibility feature that allows mobility-impaired visitors to enjoy the sandy beach and lakefront. Available at the park office.
- Boat rentals: The snack-bar concession rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats — no need to bring your own watercraft. Perfect for spontaneous paddling.
- Birdseye Mountain: The overlook trail is the best hike in the park — moderate climb to views of Lake St. Catherine and the Slate Valley. Worth the effort for photographers and hikers.
- Slate Valley: The park is in Vermont’s Slate Valley region — historic slate quarries, covered bridges, and rural New England character surround the area. The Poultney area is also home to Green Mountain College and Slate Valley Museum.
- No hookups: The campground has no electrical or water hookups. A dump station is available. Come self-sufficient for RV camping.
- Short season: The park operates Memorial Day through Labor Day — a shorter season than some Vermont parks. Plan accordingly and book early for peak summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent boats at Lake St. Catherine State Park?
Yes — the park’s snack-bar concession rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats during the operating season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). The park also has a boat launch for visitors bringing their own watercraft. Lake St. Catherine is a clear, warm-water lake ideal for recreational paddling, fishing from a boat, and family boating. No advance reservation is typically needed for rentals — they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What kind of fish are in Lake St. Catherine?
Lake St. Catherine supports a diverse warm and cold-water fishery. Species include largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, rainbow trout, brown trout, yellow perch, bluegill, and sunfish. The lake is particularly popular for bass fishing, with both largemouth and smallmouth offering consistent action from spring through fall. A valid Vermont fishing license is required. The state park provides shore fishing access and a boat launch for anglers who prefer fishing from watercraft.
Last updated: April 2026
