Bomoseen State Park wilderness guide
State Park · VT

Bomoseen State Park

Bomoseen State Park offers a serene escape with its picturesque landscapes and abundant water-based recreational opportunities on Lake Bomoseen.

State Park3,5763+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

3,576

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Bomoseen State Park

Bomoseen State Park offers a serene escape with its picturesque landscapes and abundant water-based recreational opportunities on Lake Bomoseen.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Bomoseen State Park, located in southwestern Vermont, spans over 3,500 acres on the western shores of Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake in Vermont that lies entirely within the state's borders. This state park boasts diverse ecosystems, including the lake itself, forests, and wetlands, providing habitats for a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, loons, and an array of fish species. Rich with historical value, the park area was once bustling with slate mining operations during the 19th century, remnants of which can still be seen today in the landscape.

The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for swimming, boating, canoeing, and kayaking on Lake Bomoseen. Fishing is particularly popular here, with the lake home to bass, perch, and other fish species. The park's trails are ideal for hiking, providing scenic views of the lake and surrounding greenery. The campground accommodates both tents and RVs, catering to a range of visitor preferences.

Whether you're drawn by the chance to explore Vermont's natural beauty or the recreational activities offered by Lake Bomoseen, the park promises a fulfilling experience for all. It's not only a destination for adventure but also offers peaceful spots for picnicking and simply soaking in the tranquility of the natural surroundings.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Bomoseen State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Marble Mill Site Trail - showcasing historical slate quarry remnants✦ Diverse birdlife, with chances to spot loons and other waterfowl on the lake✦ Beautiful sunsets over Lake Bomoseen, perfect for evening photography✦ Sandy beach area offering a family-friendly spot for swimming and picnics
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Bomoseen State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Bomoseen State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fees apply; free access for Vermont residents on certain occasions.

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 Bomoseen State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Bomoseen Camping Area

Providing sites for both tents and RVs, located close to the shore for easy access to water activities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Bomoseen State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Castleton, Vermont
⌖ 3.23 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Castleton, Vermont

Castleton, VT, promises adventure seekers outdoor fun with activities like hiking, mountain biking, and paddling around Lake Bomoseen, all set against the backdrop of the Green Mountains.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Poultney, Vermont
⌖ 8.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Poultney, Vermont

Poultney offers peaceful outdoor adventures with easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and paddling the tranquil Poultney River. Winter cross-country skiing and bird watching round out a year-round nature escape in Vermont’s scenic Green Mountain foothills.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
West Rutland, Vermont
⌖ 9.36 miles
Gateway Basecamp

West Rutland, Vermont

West Rutland is a peaceful Vermont town known for Emerald Lake and surrounding forests, offering hikers, paddlers, and winter adventurers access to quiet, scenic outdoor experiences off the main tourist paths.

Late Spring through Fall for most activities; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Proctor, Vermont
⌖ 9.55 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Proctor, Vermont

Proctor, VT, offers outdoor lovers scenic hiking, paddling, and winter sports near the Green Mountains. This quiet town serves as a perfect basecamp to explore Lake Dunmore, forest trails, and Vermont’s natural beauty all year round.

Late Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Whitehall, New York
⌖ 10.87 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Whitehall, New York

Whitehall, NY, offers outdoor lovers a mix of lakeside paddling, hiking, bird watching, and winter sports. Located on Lake Champlain, this historic town is a peaceful gateway for year-round adventure in the Adirondack foothills.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Orwell, Vermont
⌖ 11.61 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orwell, Vermont

Orwell, Vermont is a quiet lakeside town offering hiking, paddling, bird watching, and cross-country skiing amid rural scenery and protected wetlands, perfect for travelers seeking peaceful outdoor adventures.

Late Spring through Fall, with Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Bomoseen State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Mini Shred Madness: Volunteer on the Lil' Stash at Pico
ADVEXPEDITION
Mendon, Vermont
SkiADV Bookable

Mini Shred Madness: Volunteer on the Lil' Stash at Pico

Two-hour volunteer shifts at Pico place you on the Events Team—working registration or as a runner in the Lil' Stash terrain park—while earning a Killington lift ticket and lunch for each shift.

SkiPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip