Vermont's Day-Use State Park Offers Fishing, Boating, And Swimming On Lake Champlain

Covering just 54 acres of mainland-connected land on North Hero Island, Knight Point State Park offers visitors a quick nature fix with direct access to Lake Champlain.

While the park was formally established in 1978, its roots trace back to 1785 according to reporting by Islands. Visitors exploring the grounds encounter an old staff residence featuring a reconstruction of the 1790 Knight Tavern alongside an 1845 brick addition with a two-story porch.

Water recreation drives much of the visitor experience on the lake. Although the park lacks a boat ramp, guests are free to hand-launch car-top vessels such as kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, or rent kayaks on-site.

Anglers target several varieties of bass, salmon, and lake trout inhabiting the lake. Largemouth bass fishing peaks in late spring, early summer, and early fall, while smallmouth bass are best caught between April and May, as well as October and November.

Those seeking a beach day can utilize a sandy stretch featuring shallow water suitable for wading. “You can walk about 40 yards out into the lake to be chest-deep for an average adult,” noted one visitor, while another said that “the water is no more than waist-deep for ages,” according to Islands.

Beyond the water, the 54-acre park features a 1-mile loop hike starting from the parking lot. The easy path leads toward a shoreline designated as a State Natural Area, showcasing a diverse array of rare flora and mature trees including oaks, maples, hickories, and cedars.

Additional amenities include grassy picnic areas, a pavilion available for rent that accommodates up to 100 guests, accessible restrooms, and four pickleball courts situated at the back of the parking lot with room for 16 players simultaneously.

Knight Point State Park is located less than 10 minutes from North Hero, while the drive from Burlington takes approximately 35 minutes.

Worth a look