Camping
Day use
THINGS TO DO
Camping
Hiking
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Biking
Park Events & Programs
Venture Vermont
Winter Activities
Other Activities
Family Fun
Enjoying Nature
Barton, VT 05822
Fee Area: Day Use/Camping fees apply
Cabins/ Cottages: 1 cottage available to rent
Pets are not permitted at this park.
Park Updates & Alerts
- Firewood is not to be brought to parks UNLESS the wood is packaged, labeled as having been heat treated, and certified by USDA or the appropriate state department of agriculture. For more info, click here.
- Check for beach closures and latest swimwater test results for this location.
Off VT 16 at north end of Crystal Lake in Barton..
Playground: There is a playground onsite.
Swimming: There is a designated swimming area on the beach.
Boating: Boats are welcome at the park, though there is no boat launch. Boats are also available to rent through the park.
Stand-up Paddleboarding: SUP's are available to rent through the park.
Fishing: Trout, perch, pickerel, small-mouth bass and panfish can be found in Crystal Lake.
Picnicking: There are nearly 80 picnic tables scattered throughout the park.
Stand-up Paddle Boarding: SUP's are available to rent.
Horseshoes: There is a horseshoe pit at the park.
Welcome
Crystal Lake is approximately three miles long and about one mile in width. In some places it is known to be more than 100 feet deep. It is a glacial lake beautifully situated among rough-hewn mountain sides.
The beach area has almost a mile of sandy shoreline with a marked swimming area. The large, historic, granite bathhouse has restrooms, changing areas, and a concession stand. There are approximately 40 free-standing charcoal grills, nearly 80 picnic tables, rental boats and canoes, and lots of parking space.
History
In 1759, during the French and Indian War, Roger's Rangers were chased into the Crystal Lake/Barton area. It is believed that Robert Roger was familiar with this area at the age of fifteen, and that he participated in and helped lead the raid on St. Francis in Canada.
At one time, there was a granite quarry on the east side of Crystal Lake. Near the turn of the century, steamboats barged stones across the lake. The park's beach house was made of granite quarried beside the lake. It was constructed in the late thirties by the CCC. It has a very unusual architectural design and received prominent recognition the year it was built.
The Crystal Lake Cottage
There is a cottage at Crystal Lake that is available to rent. The cottage accommodates up to 6 people. There is one bedroom with a double bed and bunk bed set, and a sleeper sofa in the living/dining room. There are no house keeping services so bring your own towels, linens, pillows and bedding. The living/dining room includes a complete kitchen with toaster, microwave, coffee maker, cookware and dining dishes. The bathroom comes with a shower. There is electric heat, a front porch, and a canoe for your use.
Please note: This cottage is not in a remote setting - it is located within the village of Barton. Sometimes on Saturday nights you can hear music from the local tavern. That said, there is waterfront access to one of the best lakes in Vermont.