Emerald Lake State Park Vermont (VT) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Emerald Lake State Park is an RV camper’s dream destination. The park’s rich history and cultural significance are evident in its natural beauty. The Abenaki tribe originally inhabited the area, and the park’s name comes from the emerald green color of the lake, which is caused by the sunlight reflecting off the marl, a type of limestone, at the bottom of the lake.

The park’s unique feature is its natural beauty. It is surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and the stunning Emerald Lake. The park’s diverse ecosystem provides a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and loons. The park’s climate is typical of the region, with warm summers and cold winters. RV renters should prepare for changing weather conditions and pack appropriate clothing and gear.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Emerald Lake State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Emerald Lake State Park.

Transportation

When visiting Emerald Lake State Park there are several transportation options available. The most convenient way to travel is by private vehicle. The park has two entrances and visitors can access the park from either Route 100 or Route 11. RV renters should be aware of the park’s restrictions on rig sizes. The maximum length for RVs is 40 feet and the maximum width is 10 feet. Visitors should also check for any road closures or construction before heading to the park.

Emerald Lake State Park offers designated RV parking areas for visitors with recreational vehicles. Overnight parking is only allowed within these designated areas and it is recommended to utilize alternative transportation methods for exploring the park. RV camping is a popular choice for visitors to the park providing a comfortable basecamp for outdoor adventures.

Emerald Lake State Park provides several transportation options for visitors to explore the park without relying on personal vehicles. Walking paths and shuttle buses are available for transportation throughout the park making it easy to access popular destinations and trailheads.

Top Campsites in Emerald Lake State Park

Emerald Lake State Park is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts and it’s no surprise that the campsites within the park fill up quickly. If you’re planning a trip to the area and want to secure a spot here are the top 4 most popular campsites that require reservations

Emerald Lake Campground

This is the largest and most popular campground within the park with 88 sites available for reservation. The campground offers a variety of amenities including flush toilets showers and a dump station. There are also several hiking trails nearby and the lake is just a short walk away. The campground is open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend and it can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length. Pets are welcome but they must be leashed at all times.

Waterfront Campground

As the name suggests this campground is located right on the water’s edge offering stunning views of Emerald Lake. There are 36 sites available for reservation and they fill up quickly so be sure to book early. The campground offers flush toilets and showers as well as a boat launch and fishing pier. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length are permitted and pets are welcome.

Echo Lake Campground

This campground is located a short drive from Emerald Lake but it’s still within the park boundaries. There are 50 sites available for reservation and the campground offers flush toilets and showers. There are several hiking trails nearby and the lake is just a short walk away. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length are permitted and pets are welcome.

Aspen Grove Campground

This campground is located just outside the park boundaries but it’s still a popular choice for campers who want to be close to Emerald Lake. There are 50 sites available for reservation and the campground offers flush toilets and showers. There are several hiking trails nearby and the lake is just a short drive away. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet in length are permitted and pets are welcome.

If you’re looking for a more spontaneous camping experience Emerald Lake State Park also offers several first-come-first-served campsites. Here are 3 options to consider

Bear Creek Campground

This campground is located just outside the park boundaries but it’s still a popular choice for campers who want to be close to Emerald Lake. There are 12 sites available on a first-come-first-served basis and the campground offers vault toilets and potable water. RVs and trailers up to 25 feet in length are permitted and pets are welcome.

La Branche Campground

This campground is located on the southeast side of the lake and offers 13 sites on a first-come-first-served basis. There are vault toilets and potable water available and the campground is open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. RVs and trailers up to 25 feet in length are permitted and pets are welcome.

Salisbury Pond Campground

This campground is located about 10 miles south of Emerald Lake and offers 8 sites on a first-come-first-served basis. There are vault toilets and potable water available and the campground is open from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. RVs and trailers up to 25 feet in length are permitted and pets are welcome.

If the campsites within Emerald Lake State Park are full there are still several alternative camping options in the area. Here are a few to consider

Private Campgrounds

There are several private campgrounds located near Emerald Lake including the Mountain View Campground and the Lone Pine Campsites. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities including full hookups showers and laundry facilities.

Backcountry Camping

If you’re up for a more rugged camping experience there are several backcountry camping options available in the nearby Green Mountain National Forest. A permit is required for backcountry camping and there are several regulations that campers must follow to protect the environment.

Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed in some areas of the Green Mountain National Forest but it’s important to follow Leave No Trace principles and camp in designated areas to minimize impact on the environment.

Emerald Lake State Park is a paradise for outdoorsy RV campers offering a plethora of recreational activities that cater to adventure seekers. Here are the top five activities that attract RV campers to the park

Hiking the Emerald Lake Trail


The Emerald Lake Trail is a popular hiking trail that takes you around the stunning Emerald Lake. The trail is about 1.7 miles long and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the lake. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow making it perfect for families and beginners.

Fishing at Emerald Lake


Emerald Lake is a fisherman’s paradise with rainbow brook and brown trout swimming in its crystal-clear waters. The lake is open for fishing from April to October and fishing licenses can be obtained from the park office. The best fishing spots are along the shore and the park provides fishing equipment rentals.

Biking the Jonesville Trail


The Jonesville Trail is a 2.5-mile mountain biking trail that offers challenging terrain for experienced bikers. The trail winds through the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Bikers can rent bikes from the park office.

Boating on Emerald Lake


Emerald Lake is a popular spot for boating with canoes kayaks and rowboats available for rent from the park office. The lake is calm and peaceful making it perfect for a leisurely paddle.

Horseback Riding


Horseback riding is a unique way to explore Emerald Lake State Park. The park offers guided horseback riding tours that take you through the forest and along the lake’s shoreline. The tours are suitable for all levels of experience and reservations are recommended.

Emerald Lake State Park also offers alternative activities for RV campers who prefer more leisurely pursuits. Here are the top five alternative activities that attract RV campers to the park

Sightseeing at the Falls of Lana


The Falls of Lana is a beautiful waterfall located near Emerald Lake. The falls are accessible via a short easy hike and offer a stunning view of the cascading water.

Nature Watching at the Bird Sanctuary


The Bird Sanctuary is a protected area that is home to a variety of bird species. The sanctuary is located near the park office and offers a peaceful spot for birdwatching.

Photography at the Lake Overlook


The Lake Overlook is a popular spot for photography offering panoramic views of Emerald Lake and the surrounding mountains. The overlook is accessible via a short hike and is the perfect spot for a sunrise or sunset photo.

Picnicking at the Picnic Area


The Picnic Area is a beautiful spot for a picnic with tables and grills available for use. The area is located near the lake and offers stunning views of the water.

Visiting the Nature Center


The Nature Center is a great place to learn about the park’s history wildlife and ecology. The center offers interactive exhibits educational programs and guided hikes.

Season-specific experiences in Emerald Lake State Park

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Emerald Lake State Park especially for RV campers. The park offers a variety of recreational activities landmarks and historical places that attract visitors during this season.

Hiking

The park has several hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. One of the most popular trails is the Emerald Lake Trail which is a moderate hike that takes you to the top of the ridge above the lake. The trail is about 3 miles long and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding peaks.

Location

Emerald Lake Trailhead Emerald Lake State Park

Fishing

Emerald Lake is a popular spot for fishing especially during the spring when the trout are biting. The lake is stocked with rainbow brook and brown trout and fishing is allowed from the shore or from a boat. There is also a fishing pier that is accessible to people with disabilities.

Location

Emerald Lake Emerald Lake State Park

Visiting the Flower Garden

Emerald Lake State Park is home to a beautiful flower garden that is in full bloom during the spring. The garden features a variety of flowers including daisies lupines and columbines. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Location

Emerald Lake State Park Flower Garden

Exploring the Historic Sites

The park is home to several historic sites including the Emerald Lake Lodge which was built in 190

Visitors can take a tour of the lodge and learn about its history including its role as a stopover for stagecoaches traveling between Aspen and Leadville.

Location

Emerald Lake Lodge Emerald Lake State Park

Bird Watching

The park is home to a variety of bird species including hummingbirds eagles and hawks. Spring is a great time to see the birds as they migrate through the area. Visitors can take a guided bird watching tour or explore the park on their own to see the birds in their natural habitat.

Location

Emerald Lake State Park

Summer is another great time to visit Emerald Lake State Park. The park offers a variety of recreational activities landmarks and historical places that attract visitors during this season.

Boating

Emerald Lake is a popular spot for boating especially during the summer. Visitors can rent canoes kayaks or paddleboards and explore the lake at their leisure. The lake is surrounded by mountains and the views are breathtaking.

Location

Emerald Lake Emerald Lake State Park

Horseback Riding

The park offers horseback riding tours that take visitors through the beautiful mountain scenery. The tours are suitable for all ages and skill levels and the guides are knowledgeable about the area’s history and wildlife.

Location

Emerald Lake State Park Stables

Visiting the Continental Divide

The park is located near the Continental Divide which is the boundary between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Visitors can take a scenic drive to the top of the divide and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Location

Continental Divide near Emerald Lake State Park

Hiking to the Waterfalls

The park is home to several waterfalls including the Nymph Haiyaha and Alberta Falls. Visitors can take a hike to the falls and enjoy the beauty of the rushing water. The hikes are moderate to difficult but the views are well worth the effort.

Location

Emerald Lake Trailhead Emerald Lake State Park

Visiting the Rocky Mountain National Park

Emerald Lake State Park is located near the Rocky Mountain National Park which is a popular destination for hiking camping and wildlife viewing. Visitors can take a day trip to the park and explore the beautiful mountain scenery.

Location

Rocky Mountain National Park near Emerald Lake State Park

In the fall Emerald Lake State Park is a popular destination for RV campers seeking seasonal activities. One such activity is hiking the Borghese Vineyard Trail which offers stunning views of the foliage. The trailhead can be found near the park’s entrance. Another popular activity is visiting the historic Plymouth Notch the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge which is a short drive from the park.

For those interested in water activities the park’s namesake Emerald Lake is a great spot for kayaking and canoeing. The lake’s calm waters make it an ideal location for beginners. Fishing is also a popular activity with the lake being stocked with trout in the fall.

The park’s foliage festival is a must-see event featuring local vendors live music and food. The festival is held in the park’s campground and is a great way to experience the local culture.

Lastly the park’s proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest offers ample opportunities for leaf-peeping and wildlife viewing.

During the winter months Emerald Lake State Park transforms into a winter wonderland offering a variety of activities for RV campers. One popular activity is cross-country skiing on the park’s groomed trails which offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Snowshoeing is also a popular activity with rentals available at the park’s visitor center.

Ice fishing is a unique experience on Emerald Lake with the park offering ice fishing shelters for rent. For a more adventurous activity the park’s nearby ski resorts offer downhill skiing and snowboarding.

The park’s annual Winter Fest is a must-see event featuring ice sculptures snowmobile rides and a bonfire. The festival is held in the park’s campground and is a great way to experience the local culture during the winter months.

Lastly the park’s proximity to the Green Mountain National Forest offers ample opportunities for snowmobiling and winter wildlife viewing.

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