Lake Morey State Park wilderness guide
State Park · VT

Lake Morey State Park

Lake Morey State Park offers a scenic setting on the northern shore of Lake Morey in Vermont, featuring extensive trails, diverse recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities year-round.

State Park10004+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Lake Morey State Park

Lake Morey State Park offers a scenic setting on the northern shore of Lake Morey in Vermont, featuring extensive trails, diverse recreational activities, and family-friendly amenities year-round.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Lake Morey State Park is a 1,000-acre public recreation area located in Fairlee, Vermont, along the northern shore of the 1,276-acre Lake Morey. The park is set within the larger Lake Morey Recreation Area and is managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation. The geography includes mixed hardwood and softwood forests, wetlands, and the lake’s clear waters. The area supports a variety of wildlife such as deer, waterfowl, and amphibians, as well as abundant fish species in the lake, including bass, trout, and perch.

Historically, the land has transitioned from agricultural use to a protected area aimed at outdoor recreation and conservation. The park provides a range of recreational opportunities including swimming on the sandy beach, boating with a boat launch and rentals, fishing, and picnicking. The park features 32 tent and RV campsites and several lean-tos for overnight visitors. More than 30 miles of maintained hiking and biking trails wind through woodlands and along the lake’s shoreline, suitable for all skill levels. During winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular.

Community events and educational programs occur seasonally, making the park appealing to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Key landmarks include the scenic fireplace pavilion with lake views and the boat launch area, which serves as a gateway to exploring Lake Morey’s extensive shoreline. The park’s combination of water-based activities and forested trails attracts a steady flow of visitors throughout the year.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Lake Morey State Park

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

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Lake Morey’s 328-acre freshwater lake with swimming beach and boat rentals✦ Over 30 miles of multi-use trails for hiking and mountain biking✦ Scenic fireplace pavilion overlooking the lake, perfect for picnics and gatherings✦ Winter cross-country skiing and snowshoe trail network
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Lake Morey State Park

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

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Snow Sports

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Lake Morey State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Lake Morey 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 Lake Morey State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fee applies during summer; campground fees apply for overnight stays; Vermont State Park Pass accepted

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 Lake Morey State Park

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

Lake Morey Campground

Located near the lake and beach area, offering tent and RV sites, lean-tos, and access to nearby trails and water activities.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Lake Morey State Park

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

Fairlee, Vermont
⌖ 4.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fairlee, Vermont

Fairlee, Vermont offers outdoor lovers quiet hiking trails, peaceful river paddling on the Connecticut River, and classic New England winter skiing. This small town is a perfect base for exploring nature, camping, and seasonal events away from busier tourist spots.

Late Spring through Fall and Winter for winter sports
Explore Town
Orford, New Hampshire
⌖ 4.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orford, New Hampshire

Orford, NH, is a serene spot on the Connecticut River perfect for hiking, paddling, birdwatching, and cross-country skiing. Its quiet natural surroundings create a peaceful outdoor playground without the crowds.

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

Thetford, Vermont

Thetford is a serene Vermont town offering quiet hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing in scenic natural settings. It’s a great spot for travelers seeking peaceful outdoor adventures close to the Connecticut River Valley.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Piermont, New Hampshire
⌖ 7.49 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Piermont, New Hampshire

Piermont, NH is a peaceful riverside town offering hiking, paddling, and cross-country skiing amid quiet forests and scenic mountain views. Perfect for travelers seeking a low-key outdoor getaway away from crowds.

Late Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing.
Explore Town
Haverhill, New Hampshire
⌖ 10.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Haverhill, New Hampshire

Haverhill, NH offers peaceful outdoor escapes along the Connecticut River with hiking, paddling, and seasonal skiing. Ideal for travelers seeking quiet nature, gentle trails, and scenic camping spots in a classic New England small-town setting.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for skiing
Explore Town
Washington, Vermont
⌖ 15.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Washington, Vermont

Washington, Vermont is a quiet outdoor escape featuring gentle hiking trails, paddling on calm waters, and winter snow sports surrounded by forested hills. Perfect for travelers seeking peaceful nature adventures off the usual tourist routes.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Lake Morey State Park

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

A short, scenic circuit: 25 minutes across glassy Lake Morey
ADVEXPEDITION
Fairlee, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

A short, scenic circuit: 25 minutes across glassy Lake Morey

A guided, 25–30 minute pontoon tour operated by Lake Morey Resort that runs in the afternoon and is ideal for a concise introduction to the lake for resort guests and day pass holders.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Slow‑Wake Charters: Pontoon Cruises Across Lake Morey
ADVEXPEDITION
Fairlee, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Slow‑Wake Charters: Pontoon Cruises Across Lake Morey

Private pontoon charters on Lake Morey seat up to 11, run from 30 minutes to two hours, and include a captain—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan a swim stop or a floating picnic.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sunrise Yoga as Balloons Lift Over Hartford’s Festival Grounds
ADVEXPEDITION
Hartford, Vermont
WellnessADV Bookable

Sunrise Yoga as Balloons Lift Over Hartford’s Festival Grounds

A gentle, 6:00 AM yoga session led by Kim Wenger Hall on the festival grounds in Hartford, Vermont—timed to coincide with the balloon ascents between June 19–21, 2026; slots are limited to 25 per timeslot.

WellnessPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip