Swim at Plattsburgh City Beach on Lake Champlain Together
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Why Rent On Lake Champlain - Clinton County
Lake Champlain stretches 120 miles along the New York-Vermont border from Whitehall to the Canadian line, and the Clinton County section of its New York shore encompasses some of the most historically significant and naturally beautiful lake country in the American Northeast. Fort Ticonderoga, the Adirondack backdrop, and the fertile Champlain Valley agricultural landscape give the western shore a depth that the lake’s reputation for recreation only partially captures. A lakefront vacation home near Plattsburgh or Westport puts your family on a lake whose scale and historical weight are both genuinely impressive.
Boating, Sailing, and the Champlain Valley
Lake Champlain supports a full water sports calendar: sailing, powerboating, fishing, kayaking, and paddling across a surface whose width varies from less than a mile to more than 12 miles depending on latitude. The fishing is diverse and productive, with walleye, northern pike, bass, and lake trout all present in the main lake and its bays. The mountain backdrop of the Green Mountains to the east and the Adirondacks to the west frames the lake in a visual context of extraordinary scale.
Fort Ticonderoga and the Military History
Fort Ticonderoga at the lake’s southern narrows is one of the most historically significant military sites in North America, having changed hands between France, Britain, and the new American republic across the 18th century in engagements that shaped the outcome of both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The fort’s daily programs, museum collections, and seasonal reenactments are among the finest living history experiences in the Northeast.
The ECHO Leahy Center and Burlington’s Cultural Energy
The ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, accessible by ferry from the New York shore, provides interactive science and natural history programming focused on the lake’s extraordinary ecosystem, which includes 89 species of fish and the Lake Champlain monster, Champ, whose sightings have been reported since Samuel de Champlain’s 1609 journals. The Burlington waterfront, the Church Street marketplace, and the University of Vermont’s campus and museums add a full-day urban destination accessible from a lakeside New York rental.
A Historic Great Lake at the Edge of the Adirondacks
A vacation rental near Lake Champlain in Clinton County gives your family one of the most historically layered and visually dramatic lake environments in the United States. Properties with lake views, full kitchens, private docks, and outdoor space facing the Green Mountains across the water suit families who want the Adirondacks behind them and Vermont in front of them with 120 miles of extraordinary lake in between.
- Surface area (mi)
- 771.12
- Max depth (ft)
- 400.26
- Elevation (ft)
- 298.56
- Shoreline length (mi)
- 587.2
Popular activities
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Canoeing
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Cross-country Skiing
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Marinas on Lake Champlain - Clinton County
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Lake Champlain - Clinton County has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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Yes, the beaches in Lake Champlain – Clinton County are generally safe for swimming, but they can be closed due to high levels of E. coli bacteria or cyanobacteria. Water quality is regularly tested during the summer months to ensure safety.
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Lake Champlain – Clinton County is a popular destination because of its scenic trails and historic sites. The area features more than five miles of scenic trails in the Adirondack Forest, including spots like Rainbow Falls and Elephant’s Head. It also has attractions like the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain and the Shelburne Museum, which offer educational and cultural experiences.
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No, you cannot fish in Lake Champlain’s South Bay with a Vermont fishing license. South Bay is located in New York and is excluded from the reciprocal fishing agreement between New York and Vermont. You must have a New York fishing license to fish in South Bay.
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The best beach for families at Lake Champlain in Clinton County is Bulwagga Beach in Port Henry. It is a public beach with a sandy area suitable for swimming and other family activities. It also offers a scenic view of the lake.
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Towns near Lake Champlain in Clinton County that offer water recreation opportunities include Plattsburgh, Peru, and Ticonderoga. These towns have public boat launches and marinas, providing access for boating, fishing, and other water activities. The Lake Champlain Islands Complex, which includes several islands, is also accessible from these areas.