Button Bay State Park

Introduction of Button Bay State Park

The 253-acre Button Bay State Park, located in northern Vermont on the shores of Lake Champlain, is a popular year-round destination for activities, particularly for summer family fun.

This small park has a lot to offer visitors looking for a weekend getaway in picturesque New England. A short walk takes visitors to a stunning rocky viewpoint on Lake Champlain’s shore, where they can get their feet wet, let the dog chase some sticks in the lake, and look for some of the park’s unique stone button-shaped concretions.

. Visitors can use the boat launch near the campground to explore the beautiful and historically significant Lake Champlain. Those without their own boat can rent canoes, kayaks, and rowboats from the park. The fishing is excellent all year, and the park is even ploughed in the winter for easy ice fishing access. During the winter, the park is a popular destination for ice skating, skiing, snowmobiling, and snow tent camping.

RV visitors will find plenty to do and see at Button Bay State Park, whether they visit for the day or stay for several nights.

Button Bay State Park Camping

The camping area is mostly open and grassy, with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains to the west. There are 73 RV/tent sites with no hookups, as well as 13 lean-tos and two cabins. There are flush toilets, hot showers ($), and a dump station. A limited amount of generator use is permitted. There is a playground and a swimming pool with lifeguards at the park. Ice and firewood are available for purchase.

Button Bay State Park Activities

Bike Riding

The park’s roads are nice and level, making it simple to explore the surrounding area by bike. The Basin Harbor Lodge is only a mile north, and the farmland in between is breathtaking. Visitors should bring water with them because the region can be quite humid, especially when the sun is shining. There are no other businesses within many miles, so cyclists should bring whatever supplies they may require for the round trip.

Button Bay Nature Center

A small Nature Center in the park, staffed on a regular basis by well-educated interpretive guides, allows visitors to get a good look at some real Button Bay buttons. These fascinating geological formations resemble actual buttons and look like rocks with holes drilled in them. Button Bay State Park’s geology, flora, and fauna are all unique, and visitors will enjoy learning about them. Only from May to October is the Visitor Center open.

Boating

Right by the boat launch, the State Park rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats. This narrow section of Lake Champlain is frequently calm enough to see deep into the water, and visitors can safely travel all the way to and from New York. Paddling north to Basin Harbor and back is a popular park activity. Anglers can also rent these boats to explore the lake’s best fishing spots.

Ice Fishing

Button Bay State Park is open to the public all year, and during the winter, the city ploughs the access to the boat launch area to allow ice fishermen to fish on the lake. During the winter, the ice becomes quite thick, allowing visitors to enjoy a safe day of ice fishing. Anglers can catch a variety of fish, including small and largemouth bass, northern pike, and several trout species. Visitors should check with the VFWD for current regulations and conditions on Lake Champlain before going fishing.

Ice Skating

Vermont is no stranger to cold and snow, and New England winters can be especially harsh. However, some of the season’s most popular activities can only be enjoyed once temperatures fall well below freezing. During the winter, Lake Champlain freezes solid, making ice skating possible. Beginning at the ploughed boat launch, experienced skaters can explore miles of the peaceful lake. Ice skaters should exercise caution because this lake is also popular for ice fishing, and the holes left by fishermen may not completely freeze over, resulting in irregularities in the ice.

Button Bay State Park Location

The park is in the small town of Ferrisburgh, Vermont, about an hour south of Burlington. Traveling to the park is a scenic drive along state highways and local roads. The roads within the park are well-marked, but there are several tight turns, particularly near the campground, that make larger rigs difficult to navigate. One nice feature of the campground is that the road widens on the loops to allow for two-way traffic. There are no gravel or cement pads to indicate where campers should park their vehicles, so visitors are free to park their vehicles on any of the grassy areas surrounding their designated site. Many visitors will benefit from levellers.Be cautious and drive slowly when driving in the park. Keep an eye out for any wildlife, hikers, or children who may be nearby.

Parking

Parking is not available

Punlic Transport

Public Transport is available