
Sand Bar State Park
A unique Lake Champlain beach park featuring an exposed sandbar at low tide, perfect for families and boaters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Exposed sandbars for maximum fun

Sand Bar State Park
Best Time
Exposed sandbars for maximum fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Lake Champlain beach park featuring an exposed sandbar at low tide, perfect for families and boaters.
"Fantastic state park, well-run and family-friendly with clean, clear water."

🎯 Check Tide Charts First!
The sandbar is only accessible at low tide. Don't miss out by not checking!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The lakebed can have stones and plants. Water shoes offer comfort and protection.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Famous Sandbar
Lake Champlain
Exposed sandbars create a unique beach party vibe, perfect for boating and swimming.

Family-Friendly Waters
Beach Area
Shallow, warm, and gentle waters make it ideal for young children to play safely.

Watercraft Rentals
Beach Concession
Rent kayaks and paddleboards for a fun day exploring the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Check the Tides!
Staffing & Amenities: Manage Expectations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Charts First!
The sandbar is only accessible at low tide. Don't miss out by not checking!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The lakebed can have stones and plants. Water shoes offer comfort and protection.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy meals with a view at the picnic tables. Grills are available too!
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Fun
Rentals are available for exploring the lake. Call ahead to confirm availability.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Charts First!
The sandbar is only accessible at low tide. Don't miss out by not checking!
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
The lakebed can have stones and plants. Water shoes offer comfort and protection.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy meals with a view at the picnic tables. Grills are available too!
🛶 Kayak & Paddleboard Fun
Rentals are available for exploring the lake. Call ahead to confirm availability.
🐶 Dogs Welcome (Leashed)
Well-behaved, leashed dogs can join the fun, especially on the grassy areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sand Bar State Park offers a unique sandbar experience on Lake Champlain, praised for its shallow, warm waters ideal for young families and boaters. While some visitors note occasional issues with amenities, staffing, and natural beach conditions, the park's scenic beauty and recreational opportunities make it a worthwhile destination.
"It’s not bad but it’s not amazing. I grew up swimming in Lake Erie so I don’t have a problem swimming in lakes. I couldn’t do this one though lol. The grass (or seaweed?), the smell, & all the seagulls. The bathroom is out or something. Only a port-a-potty. You can rent kayaks and stuff. The sand is okay. Lots of trees and shade. Volleyball. Multiple picnic tables and grills. $5 a person. Decent size parking lot. I can see this being a great place for families. Nice views."
Katie Robb
"What a fantastic state park that is well run, family friendly, and spacious. The sand bottom of the lake is stone free and the water is clean and clear. We rented a kayak for a reasonable rate and the state park employees were friendly and helpful.
We're from Pennsylvania, which also loves their state parks, and it's nice to see Vermont believes the same."
Aaron Buckwalter
"We had nice views of the lake, the mountains and the watergrass. Water was retreating due to dry summer. People did not leash their dogs but thankfully the place was almost empty. Unfortunately, people left their trash at various sites."
Frank Peinemann
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sand Bar State Park is located on Lake Champlain. It's accessible by car, with a decent-sized parking lot. The park is a scenic drive from central Vermont, making it a good road trip destination.
Yes, it's a well-known state park. Use GPS navigation to guide you directly to the park entrance. The drive itself is part of the experience.
There is a decent-sized parking lot available for visitors. Be aware that on busy days, it can fill up, especially during peak summer hours.
Public transportation options to Sand Bar State Park might be limited. It's generally recommended to travel by car, especially if you plan on renting boats or bringing a lot of gear.
Yes, there is an entrance fee, typically around $5 per person. This fee helps maintain the park's facilities and natural beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Vermont State Parks website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times, especially outside of peak summer season.
The entrance fee is typically $5 per person. This fee grants you access to the beach, picnic areas, and other park amenities.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. However, for group events or specific rentals, it's advisable to contact the park management in advance.
Discounts may be available for certain groups or through state park passes. Inquire at the entrance or check the Vermont State Parks website for details.
On very busy days, the parking lot may reach capacity. Arriving early, especially on weekends and holidays, is recommended to ensure entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The sand is described as okay, with a sand bottom that is mostly stone-free in the swimming areas. Some visitors note that parts of the beach can be affected by seaweed or goose droppings.
The water is generally warm, shallow, and clean. It's particularly good for young children as it stays shallow for a considerable distance. However, some adults find the lack of deep areas and presence of lake plants less ideal for swimming.
Yes, there are changing facilities available. However, some reviews mention that during certain times, only port-a-potties might be available.
You can swim, sunbathe, rent kayaks and paddleboards, have picnics, and play volleyball. There's also a playground area for children.
Yes, kayak and paddleboard rentals are typically available at reasonable rates. However, availability can be impacted by staffing levels.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and utilize the picnic tables and grills available throughout the park.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is highly recommended. It's a great way to enjoy a meal with a view of the lake.
Yes, the park offers multiple picnic tables and grills, making it a perfect spot for a family barbecue or a leisurely lunch.
Classic picnic fare like sandwiches, salads, fruits, and snacks are popular. For grilling, burgers, hot dogs, and corn on the cob are great choices.
While there are no vendors within the park, you can find convenience stores and supermarkets in nearby towns before heading to the park.
📸 📸 Photography
The exposed sandbars during low tide offer unique photographic moments. The lake views, especially during sunrise or sunset, are also stunning. The playground and picnic areas provide charming family photo ops.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with park authorities regarding any restrictions on drone operation before flying.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography, with softer light and fewer harsh shadows. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly beautiful over Lake Champlain.
The sandbar itself is the main attraction. The stone building, though sometimes locked and overgrown, could offer a rustic photographic element. The natural shoreline and trees also provide scenic backdrops.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lake views and sandbars. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife, and a polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
🚤 Boaters and Water Sports Enthusiasts
🏞️ Nature Lovers and Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Elusive Sandbar Experience
However, the 'sandbar' experience is entirely dependent on the water levels. Visitors are strongly advised to check the tide charts before planning their visit. Arriving during high tide can mean the sandbar is completely submerged, leading to disappointment. The best time to visit for this specific experience is during low tide, when the sand stretches out, offering ample space for sunbathing, playing, and enjoying the lake from a new perspective.
Social media often showcases the vibrant atmosphere of the sandbar, with boats anchored and people enjoying the water. It's a popular spot for boaters and those looking for a more social beach experience than a typical shoreline. Remember that the sand itself can vary, and while generally pleasant, some visitors note the presence of seaweed or other natural elements.
Family Fun and Gentle Waters
Beyond the water, the park offers a playground area, providing additional entertainment for kids. The presence of picnic tables and grills further enhances the family-friendly atmosphere, allowing for relaxed meals and gatherings. Many reviews point out that this park is ideal for families with kids under 5 due to the safe swimming conditions and available amenities.
While the shallow nature is a boon for little ones, some adult visitors find it less ideal for swimming laps or experiencing deeper water. However, the overall consensus is that for a family day out with young children, Sand Bar State Park provides a secure and enjoyable environment.
Navigating Park Amenities and Staffing
Several visitors have noted that the park sometimes operates with minimal staff, which can impact services. For instance, a lack of staff has led to the inability to rent kayaks or paddleboards, which is a primary draw for some visitors. This can be frustrating, especially if you've traveled specifically for these activities. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm rental availability and staffing levels if these are crucial to your visit.
Despite these potential drawbacks, many reviewers praise the park's overall management and the friendliness of the staff when they are present. The sand bottom is often described as clean and free of stones in the swimming areas, and the water is generally clear. The park's natural beauty and the opportunity for water activities remain significant draws.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit