How much does camping cost at Lake Shaftsbury State Park?

Camping fees at Lake Shaftsbury State Park range from $2-$5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lake Shaftsbury State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Lake Shaftsbury State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Lake Shaftsbury State Park?

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is open Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the second Monday in October.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Lake Shaftsbury State Park?

Lake Shaftsbury State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lake Shaftsbury State Park?

Fire policies at Lake Shaftsbury State Park: Each campsite includes a fire ring or fireplace with grill. Do not bring unapproved firewood into the park; only USDA-certified or state-agency heat-treated firewood is allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lake Shaftsbury State Park have?

Lake Shaftsbury State Park has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lake Shaftsbury State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lake Shaftsbury State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lake Shaftsbury State Park?

Lake Shaftsbury State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Lake Shaftsbury State Park?

Popular activities at Lake Shaftsbury State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Lake Shaftsbury State Park

4.57

7 reviews

262 Shaftsbury State Park Rd, Shaftsbury, VT 05262

Summer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping Vermont

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

$2 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Friday of Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on Vermont State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

853 ft

Price

$2 - $5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Friday of Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Book on Vermont State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Lake Shaftsbury State Park

$2.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day-use admission reported as $5 per adult and $2 per child. Sources do not specify nightly campsite fees; group lean-tos and a waterfront cottage...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

802-375-9978

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Campground Map

262 Shaftsbury State Park Rd, Shaftsbury, VT 05262

Lake Shaftsbury State Park

262 Shaftsbury State Park Rd, Shaftsbury, VT 05262

Nearby places

Bennington — ~10 miles

Weather at Lake Shaftsbury State Park

Best Time to Camp at Lake Shaftsbury State Park

Your Lake Shaftsbury adventure awaits from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the second Monday in October, capturing Vermont's most glorious weather—from late spring warmth through the spectacular fall foliage season. Day-use areas welcome visitors from 10:00 AM until sunset, while swimming and boat rentals operate throughout the warmer months of the season. Plan accordingly, as these seasonal amenities make the most of Vermont's beautiful but brief summer window.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Park 'comes alive' Memorial Day through Oct; summer is star season for beach and water fun.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the second Monday in October.

About Lake Shaftsbury State Park

Nestled in the Green Mountains, Lake Shaftsbury State Park spans 84 scenic acres where crystal-clear waters meet sandy shores. Whether you're lounging on the beach, paddling across the lake with a rental boat, or exploring the tranquil Healing Springs Nature Trail, this Vermont gem offers the perfect escape from late May through mid-October. Choose from 15 cozy lean-tos for group camping or settle into the waterfront cottage that welcomes up to six guests—and yes, your four-legged friends are welcome too!

The park supports group camping with 15 lean-to sites and offers a fully furnished waterfront cottage that sleeps six. The site information and interactive reservation map provide details for reservable sites and facilities.

Historical Significance

The area operated as a private campground/cabin resort before becoming a Vermont state park in 1974.

Weather and SeasonsYour Lake Shaftsbury adventure awaits from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the second Monday in October, capturing Vermont's most glorious weather—from late spring warmth through the spectacular fall foliage season. Day-use areas welcome visitors from 10:00 AM until sunset, while swimming and boat rentals operate throughout the warmer months of the season. Plan accordingly, as these seasonal amenities make the most of Vermont's beautiful but brief summer window.

Natural Features and SceneryLake Shaftsbury sparkles at the heart of this 84-acre woodland sanctuary, where dense forest meets welcoming shoreline. The park's crown jewel is its sandy beach—a rarity in Vermont—perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the refreshing mountain lake. When you're ready to explore, lace up your hiking boots and discover the Healing Springs Nature Trail, a peaceful path that winds around the lake through shaded groves and offers glimpses of local wildlife and the natural beauty that makes Vermont unforgettable.

Geological RegionSouthwestern Vermont

Scenic ViewsWaterfront and lakeside views from the beach and the waterfront cottage; scenic lake and surrounding woods.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsVermont State Parks reservation website (interactive reservation site)

Total Campsites15 campsites

Best CampsitesGroup camping area with 15 lean-to sites in clusters and a fully furnished waterfront cottage that sleeps six (cottage has a deck and grill).

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

The park has a developed sandy beach, restrooms with flush toilets and hot and cold running water, a snack/concession stand, picnic areas and a reservable pavilion with electricity, grills, and picnic tables. Boat rentals and canoe/kayak access are available; group camping is served by clusters of lean-tos and port-a-let facilities, and a fully furnished waterfront cottage is available to rent.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Lake Shaftsbury offers swimming at a sandy day-use beach, non-motorized boating with rentals available, hiking on the Healing Springs Nature Trail, fishing for species such as rainbow trout, perch and panfish, and picnicking including a large reservable pavilion. Group camping with lean-tos is a highlighted activity for scouts, churches, and other organizations.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDo not bring firewood into Vermont state parks from outside the state unless it is packaged, labeled, and heat-treated. Check the recreational water status page for swim conditions and any beach closures.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

7 reviews

Top-Rated

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor feedback is largely positive, praising the clean, scenic lake and sandy beach, available non-motorized boat rentals, playground, and well-maintained facilities. Reviews commonly note the park is family- and group-friendly, with occasional complaints about limited campsite options and facility limitations.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean sandy beach, non-motorized boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats), playground and picnic facilities, reservable pavilion with electricity and grills, scenic lake and mountain...

Based on 7 reviews

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Go if

Families and scout troops who can snag a group lean-to cluster or the waterfront cottage will get the most out of this place: sandy beach, boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards), playground, and a reservable pavilion already wired with electricity.

Skip if

Solo campers or couples expecting a private tent site will find slim pickings here. No showers, no hookups, and the whole setup leans hard toward group-oriented lean-tos rather than individual sites.

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