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

Silver Lake 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.

Can I see photos of campsites at Silver Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Silver Lake State Park has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

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

Silver Lake State Park is open Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.. 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 Silver Lake State Park?

Yes, Silver Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Silver Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Silver Lake State Park: Firewood restriction: no outside-state firewood unless packaged, labeled, and heat-treated (USDA or state-certified). The campground provides fire rings at sites (see park rules) and has no electrical or water hookups.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Silver Lake State Park have?

Silver Lake State Park has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Silver Lake 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 Silver Lake State Park?

Silver Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Silver Lake State Park?

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

Silver Lake State Park

4.54

57 reviews

20 State Park Beach Rd, Barnard, VT 05031

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,394 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Friday of Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Vermont State Parks (ReserveAmerica)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,394 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Friday of Memorial D...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Vermont State Parks (ReserveAmerica)Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Lake State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Day-use and camping fees apply. Park operates Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. The campground has a sanitary station and...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

802-234-9451

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

20 State Park Beach Rd, Barnard, VT 05031

Silver Lake State Park

20 State Park Beach Rd, Barnard, VT 05031

Driving directionsFrom I-89, Exit 3: Travel west on VT 107 for 2.6 miles; turn left onto VT 107 West / VT 12 South and travel for 0.4 miles; make slight left onto North Rd. and travel for 6.7 miles; park entrance is on left. From the West (VT 107 West/VT 12 South split): Turn left onto VT 12 North, travel for 6 miles; turn left onto North Rd. in Barnard Village and travel for 0.2 miles; park entrance is on the right.

Accessible from Interstate 89 (Exit 3) via VT-107 and VT-12, then North Road; clearly signed park entrance off North Road in Barnard.

Weather at Silver Lake State Park

Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake State Park

Summer comes alive at Silver Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, when warm days and cool Vermont evenings create ideal conditions for camping and water recreation. When winter transforms the park into a frozen wonderland, locals return for ice skating and ice fishing on the lake's solid surface. Before planning your swim, be sure to check the current recreational water status to ensure the beach is open and conditions are perfect for your visit.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Vermont foliage and nearby trails/mountain views should make fall very attractive.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.

About Silver Lake State Park

Nestled along 84 acres of pristine water, Silver Lake State Park welcomes families to its sandy shores and peaceful woodland setting. This intimate 35-acre retreat offers the perfect blend of lakeside relaxation and outdoor adventure, from swimming and paddling to fishing and picnicking, all within a welcoming seasonal campground that captures the essence of a Vermont summer.

Campground offers 39 tent/RV sites and 7 lean-to (3-sided shelter) sites.

Historical Significance

Silver Lake State Park was established in 1955 from land donated by Mr. and Mrs. John McDill of Woodstock, Miss Margaret Crosby of Barnard, and Mr. Richard H. Field of Boston. The lake was historically called Stebblings’ Pond and later Barnard Pond before being renamed Silver Lake in 1869; remnants of former farm structures (barn foundation) are present in the campground.

Weather and SeasonsSummer comes alive at Silver Lake from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, when warm days and cool Vermont evenings create ideal conditions for camping and water recreation. When winter transforms the park into a frozen wonderland, locals return for ice skating and ice fishing on the lake's solid surface. Before planning your swim, be sure to check the current recreational water status to ensure the beach is open and conditions are perfect for your visit.

Natural Features and ScenerySilver Lake's northern shoreline unfolds into an inviting sandy beach that draws families to its gentle waters, while the surrounding woodlands create a tranquil backdrop for your lakeside escape. Paddle quietly along the wooded shore in search of your favorite fishing spot, or simply relax beneath the shade of trees that frame this 84-acre gem. The spacious picnic pavilion perches above the beach with room for 100 guests, offering stunning lake views, while canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats await those eager to explore every cove and corner of this warm-water paradise.

Geological RegionGreen Mountain National Forest — Moosalamoo region (Green Mountains)

Scenic ViewsSandy beach and lake views with wooded shoreline; views focused on the lake and surrounding forested parkland.

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Amenities available

Two restrooms in the camping area with running water and token-operated hot showers; sanitary station (dump station) but no site hookups. Snack bar, picnic pavilion (seats up to 100 with 2 grills and picnic tables), numerous picnic tables, playground, large grassy day-use area, boat/canoe/pedal-boat/row-boat rentals, and a beach wheelchair available by request. Pets are allowed in the park but not on the sandy beach or designated swimming area.

Showers

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sandy swimming beach with lifeguarded day-use area (check recreational water status page for conditions), boating with on-site rentals, fishing for warm-water species, and park-led nature programs and interpretive activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

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 to USDA (or state) certification. Visitors should review recreational water status for swim conditions and beach closures; occasional motorboats operate on the lake.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

57 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Visitors rate the park highly for its sandy beach, family-friendly facilities, well-maintained grounds, and friendly staff. A small number of visitors note issues with restroom/shower cleanliness and would like more trash receptacles.

Review Summaries

Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Sandy swimming beach and beach area; family-friendly playground and picnic areas; boat and paddlecraft rentals; well-kept grounds and helpful staff; reservable picnic pavilion; availability of a...

Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Call the park to reserve or check availability of the beach wheelchair; check the recreational water status page before swimming; the picnic pavilion can be reserved for large groups via the park.

Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

Absolutely gorgeous. | Lovely beach. | Clean, quiet and beautiful views. | Bathrooms were gross (namely the showers). | Very kind, welcoming, and informative.

Based on 57 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Families with young kids who want a true beach day built into their campsite: swimming, kayak and pedal-boat rentals, and a reservable pavilion for up to 100 people are all on the same small lake, with over 70 miles of Moosalamoo trails nearby when anyone needs to burn more energ

Skip if

RV campers expecting hookups will find none here, and declining recent reviews point to restroom and shower cleanliness that can be hit or miss. No potable water at sites either, and the 0.6-mile carry-in from the trailhead rules out heavy rigs entirely.

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