Lake Carmi State Park Campground
Reviewed Nov. 10, 2024

Quiet lakefront camping post Labor Day

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!

SiteT014
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake Carmi State Park Campground by Lee D., November 10, 2024