Elmore State Park wilderness guide
State Park · VT

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.

State Park7001+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

700

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse 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 Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Elmore 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 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.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Elmore State Park

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

Morrisville, Vermont
⌖ 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
Explore Town
Wolcott, Vermont
⌖ 6.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wolcott, Vermont

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.
Explore Town
Stowe, Vermont
⌖ 7.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Stowe, Vermont

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.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Johnson, Vermont
⌖ 7.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Johnson, Vermont

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.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Hardwick, Vermont
⌖ 11.37 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hardwick, Vermont

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
Explore Town
Craftsbury, Vermont
⌖ 12.50 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Craftsbury, Vermont

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.

Winter and Summer
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Elmore State Park

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

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

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.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street
ADVEXPEDITION
Richmond, Virginia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

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.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

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.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip