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Emerald Lake State Park
State Park

Emerald Lake State Park

Dorset, New York
4.6 (704 reviews)

Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.

About Emerald Lake State Park

Campground in New York.

Emerald Lake State Park offers a serene upstate New York camping experience that captures the essence of the region's natural beauty. Located in East Dorset, Vermont just across the border from New York, this state park centers around a pristine alpine lake surrounded by the Green Mountains, creating an idyllic setting for RV travelers seeking both relaxation and outdoor adventure.

The park's crown jewel is Emerald Lake itself, a stunning glacial lake known for its distinctive jewel-toned waters that give the park its name. The lake stretches across 40 acres and provides the perfect backdrop for a wide range of water activities that appeal to families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Swimming in the clear, clean waters is a favorite pastime during warm months, while the lake also welcomes boating, kayaking, and fishing throughout the season. For those who prefer to stay dry, the shoreline offers beautiful spots for picnicking, sunbathing, and simply taking in the mountain views.

Beyond the water, Emerald Lake State Park sits in a region rich with hiking and outdoor exploration opportunities. The surrounding Green Mountains provide access to numerous trails suitable for various skill levels, from gentle nature walks to more challenging ridge hikes. The park itself features trails that wind through forests and along the lakefront, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons, making the park appealing year-round, though fall foliage season draws particularly impressive crowds.

This area of upstate New York appeals especially to travelers who value natural beauty and outdoor recreation without excessive crowds. The park attracts families looking for a traditional camping vacation, couples seeking a peaceful getaway, and outdoor enthusiasts who use it as a base for exploring the broader Green Mountain region. The proximity to small mountain towns means you can easily venture out for dining, shopping, and local attractions while maintaining that peaceful, away-from-it-all feeling that makes camping special.
4.6

Rating

704

Reviews

Park Details

Tips & Tricks

Book Early

Dorset is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.

Check-in Time

Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.

Local Weather

New York weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Dorset.

Explore the Area

Don't miss local attractions near Dorset. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.

Emerald Lake State Park Reviews

Sign in to Review
G
sean lemkey

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by sean lemkey

Overall great campground: Clean facilities, great location and beautiful scenery, but lots of ambient noise and sites don’t have a lot of privacy. We camped here during the early foliage peak and it was gorgeous! Our site (Sumac) had a lean to and was rated a “prime site.” It did have a fantastic view, but ended up being quite noisy as the road (route 7) is only about 100 yards away through the t... Overall great campground: Clean facilities, great location and beautiful scenery, but lots of ambient noise and sites don’t have a lot of privacy. We camped here during the early foliage peak and it was gorgeous! Our site (Sumac) had a lean to and was rated a “prime site.” It did have a fantastic view, but ended up being quite noisy as the road (route 7) is only about 100 yards away through the trees and down the hill. There’s also a train track, which we were reminded of at least twice during the weekend. My other complaint is that the sites really aren’t very private - you can see directly into your neighbors’ sites at almost all of the sites I walked by (including ours). Otherwise, the campground is very clean and well managed. There’s life and firewood available for purchase and very nice / eco friendly trash facilities. Nearby there’s great access to hiking, orchards and restaurants/ diners, and the lake is also very pretty and made for a nice place to cool off after our hike! Overall would recommend, but do your research when picking a site.

G
sean lemkey

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by sean lemkey

Overall great campground: Clean facilities, great location and beautiful scenery, but lots of ambient noise and sites don’t have a lot of privacy. We camped here during the early foliage peak and it was gorgeous! Our site (Sumac) had a lean to and was rated a “prime site.” It did have a fantastic view, but ended up being quite noisy as the road (route 7) is only about 100 yards away through the t... Overall great campground: Clean facilities, great location and beautiful scenery, but lots of ambient noise and sites don’t have a lot of privacy. We camped here during the early foliage peak and it was gorgeous! Our site (Sumac) had a lean to and was rated a “prime site.” It did have a fantastic view, but ended up being quite noisy as the road (route 7) is only about 100 yards away through the trees and down the hill. There’s also a train track, which we were reminded of at least twice during the weekend. My other complaint is that the sites really aren’t very private - you can see directly into your neighbors’ sites at almost all of the sites I walked by (including ours). Otherwise, the campground is very clean and well managed. There’s life and firewood available for purchase and very nice / eco friendly trash facilities. Nearby there’s great access to hiking, orchards and restaurants/ diners, and the lake is also very pretty and made for a nice place to cool off after our hike! Overall would recommend, but do your research when picking a site.

G
sean lemkey

Mar 18, 2026

4.0

Google Review by sean lemkey

Overall great campground: Clean facilities, great location and beautiful scenery, but lots of ambient noise and sites don’t have a lot of privacy. We camped here during the early foliage peak and it was gorgeous! Our site (Sumac) had a lean to and was rated a “prime site.” It did have a fantastic view, but ended up being quite noisy as the road (route 7) is only about 100 yards away through the t... Overall great campground: Clean facilities, great location and beautiful scenery, but lots of ambient noise and sites don’t have a lot of privacy. We camped here during the early foliage peak and it was gorgeous! Our site (Sumac) had a lean to and was rated a “prime site.” It did have a fantastic view, but ended up being quite noisy as the road (route 7) is only about 100 yards away through the trees and down the hill. There’s also a train track, which we were reminded of at least twice during the weekend. My other complaint is that the sites really aren’t very private - you can see directly into your neighbors’ sites at almost all of the sites I walked by (including ours). Otherwise, the campground is very clean and well managed. There’s life and firewood available for purchase and very nice / eco friendly trash facilities. Nearby there’s great access to hiking, orchards and restaurants/ diners, and the lake is also very pretty and made for a nice place to cool off after our hike! Overall would recommend, but do your research when picking a site.

G
Shaun Epstein

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Shaun Epstein

We had an amazing visit. The views of the lake from the trail were absolutely stunning and made the hike so worth it. We took the Lake Trail starting from the parking lot, which was beautiful and peaceful. One word of caution: the trail shows as ending on the map, and it’s tempting to make a left turn to continue around the lake and follow the railroad tracks back. While you can walk along the tr... We had an amazing visit. The views of the lake from the trail were absolutely stunning and made the hike so worth it. We took the Lake Trail starting from the parking lot, which was beautiful and peaceful. One word of caution: the trail shows as ending on the map, and it’s tempting to make a left turn to continue around the lake and follow the railroad tracks back. While you can walk along the tracks and eventually make it back, it is an active railroad and not really a safe or official route. We tried it and it was a bit scary at times. I’d strongly recommend turning back and returning the way you came rather than attempting to loop around. Overall, a gorgeous park and a wonderful spot to hike, just keep that trail ending in mind!

G
Shaun Epstein

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Shaun Epstein

We had an amazing visit. The views of the lake from the trail were absolutely stunning and made the hike so worth it. We took the Lake Trail starting from the parking lot, which was beautiful and peaceful. One word of caution: the trail shows as ending on the map, and it’s tempting to make a left turn to continue around the lake and follow the railroad tracks back. While you can walk along the tr... We had an amazing visit. The views of the lake from the trail were absolutely stunning and made the hike so worth it. We took the Lake Trail starting from the parking lot, which was beautiful and peaceful. One word of caution: the trail shows as ending on the map, and it’s tempting to make a left turn to continue around the lake and follow the railroad tracks back. While you can walk along the tracks and eventually make it back, it is an active railroad and not really a safe or official route. We tried it and it was a bit scary at times. I’d strongly recommend turning back and returning the way you came rather than attempting to loop around. Overall, a gorgeous park and a wonderful spot to hike, just keep that trail ending in mind!

G
Shaun Epstein

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Shaun Epstein

We had an amazing visit. The views of the lake from the trail were absolutely stunning and made the hike so worth it. We took the Lake Trail starting from the parking lot, which was beautiful and peaceful. One word of caution: the trail shows as ending on the map, and it’s tempting to make a left turn to continue around the lake and follow the railroad tracks back. While you can walk along the tr... We had an amazing visit. The views of the lake from the trail were absolutely stunning and made the hike so worth it. We took the Lake Trail starting from the parking lot, which was beautiful and peaceful. One word of caution: the trail shows as ending on the map, and it’s tempting to make a left turn to continue around the lake and follow the railroad tracks back. While you can walk along the tracks and eventually make it back, it is an active railroad and not really a safe or official route. We tried it and it was a bit scary at times. I’d strongly recommend turning back and returning the way you came rather than attempting to loop around. Overall, a gorgeous park and a wonderful spot to hike, just keep that trail ending in mind!

G
Ben Reyes

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Ben Reyes

Great Lake with clear waters and incredibly fast / great cell service from the beach / lake. Some campsites get spotty reception. So if you’re looking for a place to be in nature but also get a little bit of work done, this is one of the best locations to do this in! On Verizon speed test I was getting 915 down and 64 mbps up! T-Mobile also has equally good service.

G
Ben Reyes

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Ben Reyes

Great Lake with clear waters and incredibly fast / great cell service from the beach / lake. Some campsites get spotty reception. So if you’re looking for a place to be in nature but also get a little bit of work done, this is one of the best locations to do this in! On Verizon speed test I was getting 915 down and 64 mbps up! T-Mobile also has equally good service.

G
Ben Reyes

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Ben Reyes

Great Lake with clear waters and incredibly fast / great cell service from the beach / lake. Some campsites get spotty reception. So if you’re looking for a place to be in nature but also get a little bit of work done, this is one of the best locations to do this in! On Verizon speed test I was getting 915 down and 64 mbps up! T-Mobile also has equally good service.

G
Kathryn Carter

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Kathryn Carter

Fantastic camping experience, extremely family friendly. Accessible sites, bathrooms, beach access, and saw all bodies of different abilities use the park! So many sweet dogs, not allowed on beach but other areas, and several hiking trails available. The best part is the clear, shallow water that makes you feel safe enough to walk out to the island. Perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking! Fishin... Fantastic camping experience, extremely family friendly. Accessible sites, bathrooms, beach access, and saw all bodies of different abilities use the park! So many sweet dogs, not allowed on beach but other areas, and several hiking trails available. The best part is the clear, shallow water that makes you feel safe enough to walk out to the island. Perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking! Fishing was popular, snack bar takes Apple Pay, plenty of parking. Can’t recommend enough, we will be back for our third girls trip next year!🛶🌲🏕️🎣

G
Kathryn Carter

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Kathryn Carter

Fantastic camping experience, extremely family friendly. Accessible sites, bathrooms, beach access, and saw all bodies of different abilities use the park! So many sweet dogs, not allowed on beach but other areas, and several hiking trails available. The best part is the clear, shallow water that makes you feel safe enough to walk out to the island. Perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking! Fishin... Fantastic camping experience, extremely family friendly. Accessible sites, bathrooms, beach access, and saw all bodies of different abilities use the park! So many sweet dogs, not allowed on beach but other areas, and several hiking trails available. The best part is the clear, shallow water that makes you feel safe enough to walk out to the island. Perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking! Fishing was popular, snack bar takes Apple Pay, plenty of parking. Can’t recommend enough, we will be back for our third girls trip next year!🛶🌲🏕️🎣

G
Kathryn Carter

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Kathryn Carter

Fantastic camping experience, extremely family friendly. Accessible sites, bathrooms, beach access, and saw all bodies of different abilities use the park! So many sweet dogs, not allowed on beach but other areas, and several hiking trails available. The best part is the clear, shallow water that makes you feel safe enough to walk out to the island. Perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking! Fishin... Fantastic camping experience, extremely family friendly. Accessible sites, bathrooms, beach access, and saw all bodies of different abilities use the park! So many sweet dogs, not allowed on beach but other areas, and several hiking trails available. The best part is the clear, shallow water that makes you feel safe enough to walk out to the island. Perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking! Fishing was popular, snack bar takes Apple Pay, plenty of parking. Can’t recommend enough, we will be back for our third girls trip next year!🛶🌲🏕️🎣

G
Danielle

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Danielle

Absolutely stunning lake that I wish we had more time at. Stumbled upon Emerald Lake on our way back home to Rhode Island and we were disappointed we hadn't found it earlier during our weekend getaway. It's $5/person (adult) for entry, and no dogs allowed (in the "day use" areas, which includes the beach.) Decent amount of parking for beach area with a short, pretty walk. Several walking trails,... Absolutely stunning lake that I wish we had more time at. Stumbled upon Emerald Lake on our way back home to Rhode Island and we were disappointed we hadn't found it earlier during our weekend getaway. It's $5/person (adult) for entry, and no dogs allowed (in the "day use" areas, which includes the beach.) Decent amount of parking for beach area with a short, pretty walk. Several walking trails, which we didn't have time to check out but no doubt they were enjoyable. Amenities include paddle boat & kayak rental, several picnic tables, and a sparkling clean restroom. The lake itself is fairly shallow, with beautifully clean, warm water and no typical lake "ickies" at the bottom. The Green Mountains serve as a gorgeous backdrop to the sparkling water. Can't wait to go back and spend lots of time!

G
Danielle

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Danielle

Absolutely stunning lake that I wish we had more time at. Stumbled upon Emerald Lake on our way back home to Rhode Island and we were disappointed we hadn't found it earlier during our weekend getaway. It's $5/person (adult) for entry, and no dogs allowed (in the "day use" areas, which includes the beach.) Decent amount of parking for beach area with a short, pretty walk. Several walking trails,... Absolutely stunning lake that I wish we had more time at. Stumbled upon Emerald Lake on our way back home to Rhode Island and we were disappointed we hadn't found it earlier during our weekend getaway. It's $5/person (adult) for entry, and no dogs allowed (in the "day use" areas, which includes the beach.) Decent amount of parking for beach area with a short, pretty walk. Several walking trails, which we didn't have time to check out but no doubt they were enjoyable. Amenities include paddle boat & kayak rental, several picnic tables, and a sparkling clean restroom. The lake itself is fairly shallow, with beautifully clean, warm water and no typical lake "ickies" at the bottom. The Green Mountains serve as a gorgeous backdrop to the sparkling water. Can't wait to go back and spend lots of time!

G
Danielle

Mar 18, 2026

5.0

Google Review by Danielle

Absolutely stunning lake that I wish we had more time at. Stumbled upon Emerald Lake on our way back home to Rhode Island and we were disappointed we hadn't found it earlier during our weekend getaway. It's $5/person (adult) for entry, and no dogs allowed (in the "day use" areas, which includes the beach.) Decent amount of parking for beach area with a short, pretty walk. Several walking trails,... Absolutely stunning lake that I wish we had more time at. Stumbled upon Emerald Lake on our way back home to Rhode Island and we were disappointed we hadn't found it earlier during our weekend getaway. It's $5/person (adult) for entry, and no dogs allowed (in the "day use" areas, which includes the beach.) Decent amount of parking for beach area with a short, pretty walk. Several walking trails, which we didn't have time to check out but no doubt they were enjoyable. Amenities include paddle boat & kayak rental, several picnic tables, and a sparkling clean restroom. The lake itself is fairly shallow, with beautifully clean, warm water and no typical lake "ickies" at the bottom. The Green Mountains serve as a gorgeous backdrop to the sparkling water. Can't wait to go back and spend lots of time!

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