Lake Carmi State Park Campground

General: Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section. Sites/lean-tos are designated premium (lakefront) or non. There is also an ADA-accessible lean-to. Upon check-in, you are given a gate code to enter. 

Site Quality: Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site. Most sites don’t have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt (or mud if it has rained recently). A large wooden picnic table and fire ring complete the site. There are plentiful trees, so each site has at least some shade and some are very shaded. Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees. 

Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower. Cold water only at both the sinks and the shower (at least I didn’t get any hot water). The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can’t imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I’ve experienced in quite some time. But, after I finished, I saw my quarter had been returned. The toilet paper was so thin, it was nearly transparent! 

Activities: Although swimming is allowed, the “beaches” are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming. There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat. There was one very annoying motorboat revving its engine while doing circles in the lake. The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net. There is a short nature trail and one other small walking trail. Nearby is access to the Missisquoi Rail Trail. 

A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading! Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced. We were annoyed by one loud boat so I can’t imagine what it would be like if the lake was filled with boaters. This is why we prefer shoulder-season camping!

Our first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. And while there are many nice campsites to visit in Quebec... we've done them all, within a 2-hour radius. Well, guess what? Lake Carmi in Franklin (Enosburg?) Vermont, is less than 1 1/2 hours from Montreal! I think it must be the closest campsite to Quebec, in Vermont. The drive there was really pleasant too. It wasn't all highway. It took us mostly through very scenic routes in both Quebec, and Vermont.

After booking, I had read some bad reviews about the place - which gave me second thoughts. About the staff being very unpleasant, etc. Well I'm happy to say, that turned out to be absolutely untrue! To say that Kathy, Daniel and really, the entire staff that we met, was very friendly to us, is an understatement. They literally saved our bacon!

It's a long story, but in short... our car broke down at one point, and we had to get it towed. Our phone wouldn't work, and it was by the good graces of the Lake Carmi rangers and staff, and the use of their wireless, that we were eventually able to return back home to Canada.  I don't know what we would have done, if they weren't there to help us! So - big thanks to the amazing staffers at Lake Carmi.

We had reserved a site by the lake, and saw that the campground itself was quite nice. Just acres and acres of lush green forestation. Clean grounds and washrooms. A beautiful sunset over the lake. No electrical 'pollution'. No noise pollution - except for crickets, in the field. Other than the car trouble - quite a pleasant stay! We'll be returning next year.

Since this park is close to where we live, it has become our go to for a quick camping fix. Our family has camped here often. Our latest visit to camp was in July of 2021. July is a busy time of the year for them and most of the sites were taken. We managed to get a handicapped accessible site on the water. Our dog Mia loved the handicapped ramp. 

The park is large with 2 loops that can accommodate campers and tents. They have many leanto sites and a couple of cabins. Sites are spaced out for privacy and seclusion. The large lake is being revitalized by an aeration system which has brought back the use of the 2 nice beaches. The main beach is more for day use but there is a campers beach in loop B. There are 2 boat launches which makes for convenient access to the lake for varied recreation. Walleye fishing has always been good here. Sunsets aren't too bad either.

Since it is a large and busy park, it has been known to get a little rowdy at times. Law enforcement now patrols the park which has helped considerably.

Went with some friends and my girlfriend in July/August of 2021. Long drive for just a weekend. Definitely a long weekend is needed depending on where you are coming from. Gave the feeling of being off the beaten path which was nice and relaxing

The check in process was easy. Given a map with highlighted route to our site. Site was clean and grassy. Very little traffic. Local law enforcement drove through. The sunsets were spectacular.

We had a great time here! We were there during Covid and they did a great job spreading everything out and setting visitor expectations to follow the safety guidelines. We enjoyed biking, hiking, campfires, etc and everyone was so nice and helpful for us, especially since we were first timers.

It was very clean and pleasant.water was great in the early summer when we went,loved it for kayaking.

Came here in the fall with some friends. Dog friendly, cool trails to walk on. The sites were very private. Would love to come back! The sites and bathrooms were also VERY clean. Friendly staff!

Clean bathrooms. No cell service

Beautiful setting on a lake nice sites, many with lean tos. The only major drawback is lack of cell service & power... you can fill up the camper with water on the way in but no sites have any hookups. And there are few that are big enough for large rvs

We camped here with our dog. It was wonderful minus the noise of other campers. If you come here to camp and plan to stay out late go to the office prior to leaving so you can get a pass to avoid a long trek to your campsite.

Pros:

the lake and campsites are beautiful.

The bathrooms were pretty good and cleaned often.

VT state does a great job of keeping the campground very clean

cons:

the beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix.

the lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water

the people that seemed to be attracted to this place were crude, rude and didn’t follow any of the posted rules. Maybe this is a fluke for the week we were there but it was consistent no matter where we were we seemed surrounded by bad attitudes and not a friendly atmosphere.

We will not be going back to this campground.