Things To Do
Lake Champagne has its own 3-acre swimming pond right on site, but central Vermont has plenty more water to explore, from the White River's swimming holes and trout streams to state-park beaches and remote paddling, all within 45 minutes.
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 main stem all flow within easy reach of the campground, supporting swimming, fishing, tubing, and paddling. Water quality note: contact the White River Partnership at (802) 763-7733 for current conditions, especially after heavy rain.
The closest fishing water to the campground. The Second Branch flows from Williamstown through Brookfield and Randolph to join the main river in Royalton. Access points along Route 14, with covered bridges in the Randolph area marking good spots. Holds rainbow and brown trout, with stocked sections for put-and-take fishing early in the season.
Brown trout water, especially upstream from where it meets the main stem. The Third Branch rises in the Roxbury area, flows through Braintree, clips a corner of Randolph, and enters Bethel.
Multiple swimming spots along the White River near South Royalton village, accessible from the Chelsea Street bridge area. Popular with locals for swimming and casual tubing. As with all river swimming, check water levels and use caution, conditions change with recent rainfall.
A maintained river access point on the White River with stone stairs down to the water. Managed by the Vermont River Conservancy with improved parking. Swimming, fishing, and put-in for paddling.
A beautiful stream running past historic covered bridges, with brook trout, browns, and rainbows. The First Branch through Tunbridge and Chelsea is classic small-stream Vermont trout fishing.
The main stem is bigger water than the branches, Vermont's longest undammed river with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. A fly-fishing-only section runs from Cleveland Brook to Linnieville Brook in Bethel, check Vermont Fish & Wildlife for current regulations and access points.
The entire main stem of the White River is a paddling corridor, managed by the White River Partnership. Sections range from Class I (flatwater, beginner-friendly) to Class III (experienced paddlers only). Multiple put-in and take-out points along Routes 100 and 107. The Partnership publishes a water trail map with access points and difficulty ratings.
A scenic 25-acre lake in the village of Brookfield, best known for the Floating Bridge, the only one east of the Mississippi. The bridge sits directly on the water's surface and is a Vermont landmark. Bring your own boat for a mellow flatwater paddle, no rentals on-site. Swimming access around the lake. Worth a visit even if you're not getting in the water.
An 84-acre lake in the hills of Barnard with a sandy swimming beach, shallow wading area for small kids, and boat rentals (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards). Surrounded by forest with picnic areas and restrooms. Fish from the state park shore or rent a boat, warmwater species including perch and bass. One of the closest and most complete lake destinations to the campground: swimming, fishing, and paddling all in one spot.
One of Vermont's most popular natural swimming holes, deep, clear pools carved into rock ledges along the Mad River. Multiple levels with calm pools for wading and higher rocks that attract cliff jumpers. Rocks are slippery year-round; use caution.
A peninsula park on the Waterbury Reservoir with a swimming area, boat rentals, and picnic facilities. The reservoir is large enough for serious paddling with undeveloped shoreline and multiple fingers to explore. Remote backcountry campsites accessible by water. Combine with a stop in Waterbury village.
653 acres of water with 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline, one of the most remote-feeling paddles in Vermont. Internal combustion motors are prohibited; electric motors are allowed at no-wake speed. Backcountry campsites accessible only by water. Arrive early: parking is limited and the park closes to new entries once full. A longer drive than our usual recommendations, but there's nothing else like it in the state.
All drive times measured from Lake Champagne Campground, 53 Lake Champagne Dr., Randolph Center, VT 05061.
A Vermont fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older (short-term tourist licenses available from Vermont Fish & Wildlife).
Info verified February 2026. Water levels and conditions change quickly, check the White River Partnership for river conditions and Vermont State Parks for lake and beach info.
2026 Season · May 15 – October 12