As dawn breaks over Elmore State Park, a soft light spills across the lush green landscape, inviting adventurers to explore its scenic vistas and tranquil waters. Located near the charming town of ...
State Park7001+ Trails
1936STATE PARK
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area700
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide
About Elmore State Park
Elmore State Park offers stunning views, a tranquil lake, and a historic fire tower, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure in the heart of Vermont.
Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Elmore State Park, located in Vermont, is a delightful haven for those looking to explore the outdoors amid picturesque landscapes. The park spans over 700 acres and is centered around the 219-acre Lake Elmore, providing ample opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Elmore Mountain towers in the background, inviting hikers to tackle its trails leading to a historic fire tower with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Established in 1936, the park's development was part of efforts by the Civilian Conservation Corps, evidenced by stonework and trails crafted by the Corps. The park's biodiversity is rich, with mixed forests populated by maple, birch, and pine, sheltering deer, birds, and other wildlife. Visitors are drawn not only by the scenic hikes and aquatic activities but also by the rustic charm of the camping and picnic facilities that offer a base for exploring this quintessential Vermont landscape.
Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations
Notable Destinations Near Elmore State Park
Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.
Key Wilderness Highlights
✦ Fire Tower on Elmore Mountain✦ Lake Elmore beach and picnic area✦ Hiking trails with sweeping views✦ Impressive Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery
Visual Guide to Elmore State Park
Wilderness Recreation
Outdoor Adventures in Elmore State Park
Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.
Activity Field GuideElmore State Park
Camping in Elmore State Park
Camping at Elmore State Park: A Green Escape into the Heart of Vermont
As dawn breaks over Elmore State Park, a soft light spills across the lush green landscape, inviting adventurers to explore its scenic vistas and tranquil waters. Located near the charming town of Morrisville, Vermont, this park offers a remarkable camping experience that balances rustic charm with the bounties of nature. Picture towering pines whispering in the wind and the clarion call of loons echoing across Lake Elmore, making every moment a reward for the seeker of adventure.
Elmore State Park’s 272 acres brim with outdoor recreational opportunities that cater to both families and seasoned campers. With a variety of campsites nestled near the lake and deeper within the woods, each location presents its own unique experience. Start your journey at the main campground, where well-maintained sites offer convenient access to the lake’s shore. Here, you’ll be just footsteps away from a refreshing dip or a leisurely canoeing expedition. The bathroom facilities are clean, and designated fire pits ignite the spirit of connection around a crackling campfire.
For those seeking a more rugged experience, venture to the backcountry sites that require a short hike to reach. These hidden gems allow you to immerse yourself in the serenity of nature, enveloped by the soft rustle of leaves and the scent of damp earth. Primarily accessible via hiking trails, these campsites offer a welcome seclusion that encourages you to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life. Just remember to pack lightweight gear and plenty of water, as the trek to your site, although easy, will work up your thirst.
Exploring the park’s trails reveals a world both vibrant and mesmerizing. The Stowe Recreation Path, located nearby, invites you to explore on foot or by bike. This well-marked trail winds through forests bursting with color in the fall and meadows alive with wildflowers in the spring. Keep your camera at hand: chances are you'll stumble upon vibrant landscapes that are postcard-perfect. The diverse terrain offers opportunities for both casual walks and more vigorous hikes—a rewarding climb to the summit of Elmore Mountain is well worth the effort, revealing astonishing views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
As night falls, the park transforms. The stars blend seamlessly with the darkness, a cosmic spectacle uninterrupted by city lights. Rally your friends or family around the fire, roasting marshmallows and sharing tales of the day’s adventure. Don’t forget to bring a telescope to explore the constellations or download an app to help identify them.
While the solitude of nature may tempt you to connect only with the wild, Elmore State Park is also a gateway to local culture. Just a short drive away, the town of Morrisville offers delightful eateries where you can savor some Vermont specialties—think fresh maple syrup and artisanal cheese. Be sure to visit the local farmers' market, which occurs during the summer, where you can connect with local artisans and taste homemade goods.
For the practical-minded traveler, here’s a quick checklist to ensure a successful camping expedition at Elmore:
Hydration: Bring plenty of water for cooking and drinking. A portable water filter can ensure you always have access to clean water.
Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are essential for exploring the uneven terrain of the trails. Comfortable sandals are perfect for relaxing at your campsite.
Weather Preparation: Vermont’s weather can be unpredictable. Check forecasts ahead of time and pack layers to stay warm during chilly nights.
Food Supplies: Plan your meals ahead of time, bringing pre-prepared foods when possible to minimize cooking time at your site.
Elmore State Park is waiting to welcome you with its refreshing blend of adventure and relaxation, all wrapped in Vermont's breathtaking natural beauty. So pack your gear, prepare for an unforgettable connection with nature, and set out to not only see but truly experience everything this stunning park has to offer.
Other Available Activity Guides in Elmore State Park:
The Ranger Station
Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning
Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Elmore State Park.
Passes & Fees
Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes
Entrance fee required; passes can be purchased at the park entrance.
Wilderness Checklist
Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays
Camping & Overnight Stays in Elmore State Park
Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.
Elmore State Park Campground
Offers tent and RV sites close to Lake Elmore with easy access to park trails.
Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.
⌖ 1.28 miles
Gateway Basecamp
Morrisville, Vermont
Morrisville, Vermont offers outdoor enthusiasts a blend of mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and skiing opportunities year-round. With scenic lakes, forested trails, and proximity to premier ski resorts, it’s an accessible basecamp for exploring Vermont’s Green Mountains.
Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing
Wolcott, Vermont, is a quiet destination for outdoor lovers seeking hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing surrounded by peaceful forests and Lake Elmore’s calm waters. Ideal for those wanting a less crowded Vermont experience.
Late spring through fall for hiking and paddling; winter for cross-country skiing.
Stowe, Vermont offers a stellar mix of outdoor adventures. With its excellent trails, skiing, and cycling routes, it’s perfect for those seeking to explore the Green Mountains and more.
Johnson, Vermont is a charming town tucked along the Lamoille River offering hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and winter sports in a tranquil natural setting. Ideal for adventurers seeking peaceful forests and rivers.
Hardwick, Vermont is a welcoming rural town with diverse outdoor options from hiking and mountain biking to paddling and winter sports. It’s ideal for travelers seeking authentic Vermont nature and quiet adventure.
Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling, Winter for skiing and snowshoeing
Craftsbury offers tranquil outdoor adventures across four seasons, known for excellent cross-country skiing, quiet hiking trails, and paddling on pristine lakes. It’s a peaceful Vermont town perfect for nature lovers seeking a slow-paced escape.
Enjoy serene carriage rides with Champ and Charlotte through Vermont’s summer and fall woodlands. Savor maple syrup tastings and optional sugar house tours on this peaceful outdoor escape.
CarriageGreat for couples! • 30 minutes • Add on a sugar house tour!Certified Outfitter
A private, 50‑minute walking tour through a 7,200‑tap sugarbush that ends with a sugarhouse visit and maple syrup tasting — this guide explains what to expect and which option fits your group.
A focused, 4-hour tasting route that traces shoreline vineyards outside Burlington — this guide explains what you’ll taste, what to bring, and how the door-to-door tour runs.
A guided, three-hour walking-and-ride tasting that samples local cheese, ice cream, chocolate and more with door-to-door transport for guests staying in Stowe.
A guided, two-hour snowmobile tour through Mount Mansfield State Forest that covers varied terrain and practical planning details for riders of differing skill levels.
A roughly two‑hour, four‑mile paddle from Waterbury that threads gentle currents, Vermont farmland vistas and steady birdlife—this guide explains what to expect and how to match the right craft to the river.
A 9-mile, typically 4-hour run of the Winooski River’s advanced upper gorge featuring Class I/II whitewater—this guide distills what paddlers need to know before they commit.
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents tubes daily from its Richmond store (and Stowe); this guide explains pickup, timing, and the self‑shuttle vs. operator shuttle options to plan a seamless float.
A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.
Discover Stowe’s vibrant craft beer scene on a guided brewery tour with expert tastings and door-to-door service. Perfect for beer fans ready to sample Vermont’s finest brews.
Discover Vermont’s finest craft ciders and spirits on a 3-hour guided tour with door-to-door transport from Stowe. Taste award-winning beverages while learning artisan fermentation and distilling techniques.
