Basin Harbor Resort spreads across 700 private acres of lakefront terrain on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain near Vergennes, Vermont—a city recognized as the smallest incorporated city in the United States. Open seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, the resort has operated as a family destination for more than 130 years, maintaining a collection of New England-style lake cottages and a main inn building distributed through pine-shaded grounds along the water's edge. The private marina accommodates boats up to 55 feet, and a freshwater beach provides direct swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoe access on Lake Champlain's sheltered Ferrisburgh Bay. An 18-hole golf course winds through the resort's meadows with lake-view terrain, rated among Vermont's finest resort layouts. The main dining room handles dinner and Sunday brunch with a Vermont-ingredient focus; a casual lakeside grill manages lunch during the season. Tennis courts, bocce, lawn games, a fitness center, and a structured children's activity program fill the daytime calendar. A Modified American Plan (MAP) bundling dinner and breakfast with accommodation is available and popular for multi-night stays. Small Red Fox Field airstrip adjacent to the property accepts private aircraft, with advance coordination required. The Shelburne Museum, one of North America's foremost folk art collections, is 20 miles north, and the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is 25 miles north in Burlington.
Room types
- Cottages ($200–450/night USD, MAP meal plan available)
- Inn Rooms ($180–320/night USD)
- New England-style cottages with lake views
Amenities
- Private Lake Champlain marina
- Freshwater beach
- Golf course
- Swimming pools
- Tennis
- Restaurant
- Children's programs
- Open mid-May through October
Location
4800 Basin Harbor Rd, Vergennes, VT 05491
44.1697, -73.3440 View on map
Highlights
- 700 acres of private Lake Champlain shoreline with marina and freshwater beach
- New England-style lake cottages spread through pine-shaded resort grounds
- 18-hole golf course with Lake Champlain views rated among Vermont's best resort layouts
- Family resort operating for over 130 years with structured children's programs
- Modified American Plan (MAP) available, bundling breakfast and dinner
Tips for visiting
- Reserve waterfront cottages at least six months ahead for July and August stays—availability is very limited
- The MAP meal plan provides strong value for multi-night guests planning to dine on-site most evenings
- The private marina accommodates vessels up to 55 feet; reserve a slip in advance if arriving by boat
- Vergennes town center, 3 miles away, has local restaurants and a Saturday farmers market in season
- The resort's small airstrip accepts private planes by advance arrangement—contact the property for procedures
Accessibility
Basin Harbor Resort's cottage accommodations and wooded terrain present mobility challenges; paved paths are limited in some areas. Guests with accessibility requirements should contact the resort directly to identify the most suitable cottage options near accessible pathways.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Basin Harbor Resort open?
The resort operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. Exact dates vary slightly by season; confirm with the property before booking.
What types of accommodations are available?
Basin Harbor offers New England-style lake cottages in a range of configurations—from single-room cottages to multi-bedroom options—as well as main inn rooms.
Is the golf course open to outside players?
The course accepts outside guests when resort capacity allows. Calling ahead is recommended, as resort guests receive priority tee times.
Are children well accommodated at Basin Harbor?
Yes. Basin Harbor is a family-oriented resort with a dedicated children's activity program, beach access, lawn games, and recreational facilities appealing to guests of all ages.