Swimming, Fishing & Paddling Close to Lake Champagne Resort

Lake Champagne has its personal 3-acre swimming pond proper on web site, however central Vermont has a lot extra water to discover. The White River system — Vermont’s longest undammed river — runs proper by way of the realm, feeding swimming holes, trout streams, and paddling routes. Add in a handful of lakes and state parks inside 45 minutes, and you have choices for each type of water day.

All drive occasions measured from Lake Champagne Resort, 53 Lake Champagne Drive, Randolph, VT 05060.

Info verified February 2026 — at all times test situations earlier than heading out, particularly water ranges after rain.

Fishing license: Vermont requires a fishing license for anybody 15 and older. Purchase on-line at Vermont Fish & Wildlife or at native sporting items shops. A brief-term vacationer license is offered.

0 minutes | Right right here on the campground

The campground’s personal 3-acre clear swimming pond with a sand seashore and dock, fed by a dammed stream. No driving required — stroll down out of your web site and swim.

Swimming. Good for: A fast dip any time of day.

The White River is Vermont’s longest undammed river — roughly 60 miles of free-flowing water from the Green Mountains to the Connecticut River. Its branches (First, Second, Third) plus the primary stem all stream inside simple attain of the campground. Together they help swimming, fishing, tubing, and paddling.

Water high quality word: Contact the White River Partnership at (802) 763-7733 for present water high quality situations, particularly after heavy rain.

10 minutes | Follows VT Route 14 by way of Randolph

The closest fishing water to the campground. The Second Branch flows from Williamstown by way of Brookfield and Randolph to hitch the primary river in Royalton. Access factors alongside Route 14, with lined bridges within the Randolph space marking good spots. Holds rainbow and brown trout, with stocked sections for put-and-take fishing early within the season.

Fishing. Good for: A fast morning or night session with out driving far.

quarter-hour | Follows Route 12A by way of Braintree to Bethel

Brown trout water, particularly upstream from the place it meets the primary stem. The Third Branch rises within the Roxbury space, flows by way of Braintree, clips a nook of Randolph, and enters Bethel.

Fishing. Good for: Trout fishing near camp.

20 minutes | Access from Chelsea Street bridge, South Royalton

Multiple swimming spots alongside the White River close to South Royalton village, accessible from the Chelsea Street bridge space. Popular with locals for swimming and informal tubing. As with all river swimming, test water ranges and use warning — situations change with current rainfall.

Swimming, tubing. Good for: River swimming, a free afternoon.

20 minutes | South Royalton, on the White River

A maintained river entry level on the White River with stone stairs all the way down to the water. Managed by the Vermont River Conservancy with improved parking. Swimming, fishing, and put-in for paddling.

Swimming, fishing, paddling put-in. Good for: River entry with good services.

22 minutes | Follows Route 110 from Chelsea by way of Tunbridge to Royalton

A gorgeous stream operating previous historic lined bridges, with brook trout, browns, and rainbows. The First Branch by way of Tunbridge and Chelsea is basic small-stream Vermont trout fishing.

Fishing. Good for: Scenic stream fishing, brook trout, lined bridge surroundings.

half-hour | Follows Routes 100 and 107 by way of Rochester, Stockbridge, Bethel

The primary stem is larger water than the branches — Vermont’s longest undammed river with brown trout, brook trout, and rainbow trout. A fly-fishing-only part runs from Cleveland Brook to Linnieville Brook in Bethel — test Vermont Fish & Wildlife for present rules and entry factors.

Fishing, paddling. Good for: Experienced anglers, fly fishing (within the restricted part).

The complete primary stem of the White River is a paddling hall, managed by the White River Partnership. Sections vary from Class I (flatwater, beginner-friendly) to Class III (skilled paddlers solely). Multiple put-in and take-out factors alongside Routes 100 and 107. The Partnership publishes a water path map with entry factors and problem rankings.

Paddling. Good for: River paddling at varied ranges, multi-section journeys.

quarter-hour | Route 65, Brookfield | Free

A scenic 25-acre lake within the village of Brookfield, finest recognized for the Floating Bridge — the one one east of the Mississippi. The bridge sits instantly on the water’s floor and is a Vermont landmark. Bring your individual boat for a mellow flatwater paddle — no leases on-site. Swimming entry across the lake. Worth a go to even if you happen to’re not getting within the water.

Swimming, paddling. Good for: A scenic detour, flatwater paddling, images of the floating bridge.

25 minutes | 20 State Park Beach Rd, Barnard

An 84-acre lake within the hills of Barnard with a sandy swimming seashore, shallow wading space for small children, and boat leases (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards). Surrounded by forest with picnic areas and restrooms. Fish from the state park shore or hire a ship — warmwater species together with perch and bass. One of the closest and most full lake locations to the campground: swimming, fishing, and paddling multi functional spot.

Swimming, fishing, paddling (leases out there). Good for: Families with children, a half-day journey, combining actions.

45 minutes | Route 100, 3.5 miles south of Warren village | Free | Parking: dust lot (fills quick on weekends — arrive early)

One of Vermont’s hottest pure swimming holes — deep, clear swimming pools carved into rock ledges alongside the Mad River. Multiple ranges with calm swimming pools for wading and better rocks that appeal to cliff jumpers. Rocks are slippery year-round; use warning.

Swimming. Good for: Adventurous swimmers, a scenic day journey, cliff leaping (at your individual danger).

37 minutes | 177 Reservoir Rd, Waterbury Center

A peninsula park on the Waterbury Reservoir with a swimming space, boat leases, and picnic services. The reservoir is giant sufficient for severe paddling with undeveloped shoreline and a number of fingers to discover. Remote backcountry campsites accessible by water. Combine with a cease in Waterbury village.

Swimming, paddling (leases out there). Good for: A full day journey, combining swimming with paddling.

~70 minutes | 1393 Green River Dam Rd, Hyde Park

Day use: 10am–sundown | (802) 888-1349

653 acres of water with 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline — one of the crucial remote-feeling paddles in Vermont. Internal combustion motors are prohibited; electrical motors are allowed at no-wake velocity. Backcountry campsites accessible solely by water. Arrive early: parking is proscribed and the park closes to new entries as soon as full. This is an extended drive than our common suggestions, however there’s nothing else prefer it within the state.

Paddling. Good for: Experienced paddlers, solitude seekers, a full-day wilderness paddle.

Closest water (underneath 15 min): Lake Champagne swimming pond (on-site), Second Branch White River fishing (10 min), Sunset Lake paddling (15 min)

Best household lake day: Silver Lake State Park (25 min) — seashore, leases, picnic, fishing multi functional spot

Best river swimming: South Royalton (20 min) for straightforward entry, Warren Falls (45 min) for journey

Best fishing near camp: Second Branch (10 min) and Third Branch (15 min)

Best paddling: Green River Reservoir (~70 min, well worth the drive) for wilderness, Silver Lake (25 min) for households, Waterbury Reservoir (37 min) for an enormous water day

Last up to date: February 2026. Water ranges and situations change rapidly — test with the White River Partnership for river situations and Vermont State Parks for lake/seashore data. Vermont fishing license required for ages 15+.