Camping at Lake Eden Recreation Area and remote, boat-accessible campsites at Green River Reservoir State Park offer different ways to stay overnight. There are also water and forest areas, as well as local history that includes photographs and diary entries by early settlers. When planning, it’s worth looking at the overnight conditions and activities for each place individually.
Camping and Campsites
Lake Eden Recreation Area offers camping for residents and visitors. Reservations are available for campsites, rental of shelters, and overnight spaces for RVs. You can inquire by email at lera@edenvt.org or by phone at (802) 635-7725. A deposit must be received to make a reservation.
Another option is the 27 remote campsites at Green River Reservoir State Park, which is located in the towns of Hyde Park and Eden. They are accessible by boat; the park does not rent boats. If you’re planning to stay at these sites, arrange a boat in advance and don’t count on renting one from the park.
Green River Reservoir: Water and Landscape
Green River Reservoir State Park covers about 5,110 acres of land surrounding Green River Reservoir. The body of water is among the largest undeveloped waters in Vermont and is also the largest devoted exclusively to non-motorized recreation. There are many opportunities for swimming.
These features give the reservoir a clear focus: the size of the surrounding land area, its dedication to non-motorized recreation, and its swimming opportunities each highlight different aspects of the waterside landscape. For travelers looking to plan around a body of water, these are specific features that differ from the hiking and research focuses of the forest areas.
Forest, Trails and Research
Babcock Nature Preserve in Eden includes 1,000 acres of forest, ponds and a bog. The area serves as an outdoor laboratory for research and studies in field biology, ornithology, and environmental and natural sciences. The preserve therefore offers both a variety of landscapes and specific topics in the natural sciences. This distinguishes it from Green River Reservoir, whose description emphasizes non-motorized recreation and swimming.
Long Trail State Forest also extends into Eden and protects the Long Trail for hiking. Cross-country skiing is also possible in the forest. A section of the Catamount Trail runs through Eden. Those distinguishing between these trail references will find two expressly mentioned activities at Long Trail State Forest, while the Catamount Trail reference describes its route through Eden.
Local History in Photos and Diaries
In 1996, the Eden Historical Society published the 175-page history A Walk Through the Garden of Eden about Eden. The book contains old photographs of mills, lakeside cottages, and notable houses, as well as diary entries by early settlers. A reference copy is held at the Town Clerk’s office. The photographs and diaries offer different perspectives: the photographs show buildings and mills, while the entries convey the perspectives of early settlers.
Discover more destinations: Stowe, Hyde Park.
Go to the regional travel overview: Lamoille.
