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Lake Carmi, Vermont, USA

Also known as:  Franklin Pond

Lake Carmi represents the mental picture most have of a northern New England ‘camp’ lake. Hidden just south of the Canadian border in Vermont’s Islands and Farms Region, Lake Carmi holds over 200 seasonal cottages or ‘camps’ along its 7.5-mile shoreline. Lake Carmi State Park lays claim to another portion of the shore, while Franklin Bog Wetland anchors a portion of the south shore. There are some…
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    • All About Lake Carmi, VT

    Lake Locations: USA - US New England Region - Vermont - Islands and Farms Region, VT -

    Lake Carmi represents the mental picture most have of a northern New England ‘camp’ lake. Hidden just south of the Canadian border in Vermont’s Islands and Farms Region, Lake Carmi holds over 200 seasonal cottages or ‘camps’ along its 7.5-mile shoreline. Lake Carmi State Park lays claim to another portion of the shore, while Franklin Bog Wetland anchors a portion of the south shore. There are some year-round residences on the lake, but new zoning regulations do not encourage permanent residences in an effort to protect water quality. Many of the camps have been in the same family for generations, and property owners present a strong sense of community. The Lake Carmi Campers Association, in existence since the 1950s, was instrumental in having a dam built across the outlet in 1966 to regulate the lake level. The still-active association publishes newsletters for members several times a year. The dam was rebuilt in 1970 a half-mile downstream of the outlet creek at the mill pond. The resultant stable water level protects the viability of the Franklin Bog, the third largest peat bog in Vermont.

    The 1400-acre lake is relatively shallow and warms quickly, making it ideal for swimming. Summer residents and visitors enjoy sailing, water skiing, jet skiing, pontooning, windsurfing, canoeing and kayaking. Always a fine warm-water fishery, anglers pursue northern pike, walleye, perch, smallmouth bass and panfish. The lake itself is owned by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation and stocked on a regular schedule. Increased attention to environmental conditions and natural habitat has encouraged nearly 60 mating pairs of loons to call Lake Carmi home for the past several years. A variety of ducks, geese and such large water dwellers as great blue heron and bald eagles are regularly seen at the lake. The state cautions summer residents not to feed these water birds as it upsets the natural balance. Winter brings fewer visitors for ice fishing, skating and winter trekking on the ice to observe wildlife that winter here. Especially enjoyable is an early morning hike around the lake margins after a fresh snow to see what has passed that way recently. Children enjoy learning about the various tracks and the habits of these hardy winter lake inhabitants.

    Lake Carmi State Park provides a place for non-camp residents and visitors to access both the water and the surrounding countryside. With 588 acres, the park allows visitors to camp, swim, picnic and enjoy boating and fishing using the park as an entry point. The park is well-supplied with hiking trails and nature viewing. The park also holds a playground and rents boats during the summer months. In winter, the park’s trails are available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing even though the park is officially closed. Parts of the park are available for hunting in season.

    Even in winter, some Lake Carmi camps are in use as convenient lodgings for nearby ski areas such as Jays Peak, Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch – all within about a half-hour’s drive. Vermont has a large network of groomed snowmobiling trails. Local snowmobile clubs always welcome new visitors and can provide maps and organized runs. The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge near Swanton provides 6,729 acres including most of the Missisquoi River delta where it flows into Missisquoi Bay. The refuge attracts large flocks of migratory birds and is highly prized by bird watchers. The Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail passes nearby in South Franklin and offers over 26 miles of limestone-surfaced trailway for walking, bicycling, skiing, horse riding, snow shoeing and snowmobiling. The occasional bout with ‘cabin fever’ can be cured with a trip to St Albans, 20 miles away. Here, the Lake Carmi visitor can grab a movie or a special meal at one of the specialty restaurants, shop, browse several galleries or visit the Historical Museum. During the Maple Festival each spring, the museum offers a variety of special events such as a huge antique show.

    Originally named Franklin Pond, Lake Carmi was renamed in 1910 by the Vermont State legislature in honor of a former Senator and Franklin resident, Carmi Marsh. By this time, the lake was known as a resort location, popular for Adirondack-style camps and resort hotels. The lake was well-known for Thursday night dances which attracted young dancers from the surrounding area and St Albans, 20 miles away. By the 1940s, the lake boasted a bowling alley and roller skating rink. Many of the returning yearly campers attended these activities in their youth and are always willing to regale the visitor with stories of Lake Carmi’s Past.

    Vacation rentals are abundant at Lake Carmi. A loose association of rental owners keeps the locals abreast of which camp might be available even when they are themselves completely booked. The surrounding area is supplied with a number of bed-and breakfasts and country inns set among the dairy farms. The larger towns have hotels available, and Lake Carmi State Park has a limited number of camping cabins available for rent. Some real estate is available as camps are sold, and off-water property is often found in the area. A better New England north-country location can’t be found for your next vacation. Make your plans for a Lake Carmi vacation now. You’ll remember it for a lifetime.

    Things to Do at Lake Carmi

    These are some activities in the Lake Carmi, VT area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Ice Fishing
    • Boating
    • Sailing
    • Swimming
    • Canoeing
    • Kayaking
    • Jet Skiing
    • Water Skiing
    • Camping
    • Picnicking
    • Cabin Rentals
    • Hiking
    • Biking
    • Cross-Country Skiing
    • Snowmobiling
    • Horseback Riding
    • Hunting
    • Wildlife Viewing
    • Birding
    • National Wildlife Refuge
    • State Park
    • Museum
    • Playground
    • Antiquing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Carmi?

    Lake Carmi has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Bass
    • Black Bass
    • Northern Pike
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Smallmouth Bass
    • Walleye
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Carmi

    If you’re considering a Lake Carmi lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

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    More Sites to Book a Lake Carmi Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Carmi lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Carmi Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Dammed

    Water Level Control: Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation

    Surface Area: 1,402 acres

    Shoreline Length: 8 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 436 feet

    Average Depth: 13 feet

    Maximum Depth: 33 feet

    Water Volume: 18,226 acre-feet

    Completion Year: 1970

    Drainage Area: 7,710 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Eutrophic

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