Top 6 Lakes around Stowe
Best lakes around Stowe offer diverse natural and historical attractions. The region features a landscape with various bodies of water, including reservoirs and natural lakes. These areas provide opportunities for exploring natural reserves and historical sites. Visitors can find a mix of serene waterscapes and structured garden features.
Best lakes around Stowe
- The most popular lakes is Stony Stratford Nature Reserve, a trail that is a habitat for breeding and over-wintering birds, as well as various dragonfly species. It…
Last updated: May 5, 2026
Stony Stratford Nature Reserve
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Palladian Bridge at Stowe
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Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins
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Foxcote Reservoir
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Octagon Lake
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Lying in a rolling Buckinghamshire landscape of arable fields, pasture and woodland, Foxcote Reservoir is the kind of place that rewards patient visitors. Created in 1956 by damming a small tributary of the River Great Ouse, this site has become important for the numbers of wintering waterfowl, especially wigeon and coot. https://www.bbowt.org.uk/nature-reserves/foxcote-reservoir
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Public school-boy favourite for stone-skipping and a spot of fishing on the sly. We had a picnic on the bank - it's a lovely place.
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The Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is a beautiful nugget of countryside with cleared islands and renovated bird hides connected by footpaths. The nature reserve offers nesting grounds and thriving wetland habitats for wildfowl and waders such as Kingfishers. Make sure to take advantage of the picturesque lake with its dipping platform, known for its vibrant dragonflies and damselflies.
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Beautiful lake at the bottom of Stowe Gardens by the main entrance. There is accessible paths all the way around too.
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One of the first areas of the garden that visitors may encounter is the Octagon Lake and the features associated with it. The lake was originally designed as a formal octagonal pool, with sharp corners, as part of the seventeenth century formal gardens. Over the years, the shape of the pond was softened, gradually harmonising it within Stowe's increasingly naturalistic landscape. Source: Wikipedia
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A very prominent Palladian bridge in the park, it is one of the highlights of this property.
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A beautiful part of the wider Ouse Valley Park, Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is a great place to see breeding and over-wintering birds, as well as many dragonfly species. Created in 1979 from the gravel workings used in the building of the nearby A5, the reserve comprises five lakes and 57 acres (23 ha) of wet meadow. It is owned and operated by the Parks Trust. Two hides allow you to spot various bird species, depending on the time of year. Terns, oystercatchers and lapwings nest on the islands between March and June. It’s a good place to see a number of raptors, including kestrels, sparrow-hawks, buzzards and red kites. It is not uncommon to spot ospreys on autumn passage.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes for swimming near Stowe, Vermont?
For excellent swimming, consider Lake Elmore, often called 'The Beauty Spot of Vermont,' which features a large, sandy beach and facilities. Waterbury Reservoir also offers crystal-clear water and sandy beaches, perfect for a refreshing dip. For a more natural, riverine experience, Ranch Brook in Stowe is a great spot for cooling off.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Stowe?
Yes, several lakes near Stowe are great for families. Lake Elmore State Park at Lake Elmore offers a sandy beach, snack bar, and boat rentals, making it ideal for a family day out. Waterbury Reservoir is another excellent choice with sandy beaches and calm waters suitable for children.
Which lakes near Stowe are good for paddling activities like kayaking or paddleboarding?
Waterbury Reservoir is a favorite for paddling, offering rentals for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Lake Elmore also provides opportunities to explore its shores by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. For a tranquil, undeveloped experience, Green River Reservoir is designated as a 'quiet' lake, allowing only electric motors up to 5 mph and human-powered watercraft.
Where can I find a quiet, undeveloped lake experience near Stowe?
For a pristine and undeveloped experience, head to Green River Reservoir. This 653-acre lake is part of an undeveloped state park and is designated as a 'quiet' lake, perfect for tranquil paddling and exploring remote campsites.
Are there any lakes near Stowe with hiking trails?
Yes, Lake Elmore State Park offers hiking trails in addition to its water activities. While not directly on a lake, Ranch Brook in Stowe is part of a conserved hardwood forest with recreation trails open to the public for hiking.
What kind of fish can I expect to catch in the lakes near Stowe?
Anglers visiting Lake Elmore can find various fish species, including smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike.
Is there a lake near Stowe where I can camp remotely?
Green River Reservoir is a unique spot where you can paddle to remote, undeveloped campsites that dot the lake, offering a true wilderness camping experience.
What is the best time to visit the lakes near Stowe for swimming?
The summer months are generally the best time to visit the lakes near Stowe for swimming, when the water is warmest and facilities like those at Lake Elmore State Park and Waterbury Center State Park are fully operational.
Are there any unique swimming spots near Stowe, beyond typical lakes?
Yes, Ranch Brook, located on the Adams Camp property in Stowe, offers a more natural, riverine swimming experience. It's a shady spot perfect for cooling off and picnicking. Additionally, Bootlegger's Basin at Smuggler's Notch Resort is a man-made pond open for public swimming in the summer evenings, offering unique views of Mount Mansfield.
What historical significance do any of the lakes near Stowe have?
Waterbury Reservoir has historical significance as a man-made lake created by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s for flood protection, showcasing a piece of American engineering history.
Can I rent boats or other watercraft at the lakes near Stowe?
Yes, boat rentals are available at Lake Elmore State Park on Lake Elmore. Similarly, you can find rentals for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding at Waterbury Reservoir.
Are there any lakes near Stowe that are less crowded?
For a less crowded and more tranquil experience, Green River Reservoir is an excellent choice due to its 'quiet' lake designation and undeveloped state park status, which naturally limits the number of motorized boats and visitors seeking a bustling atmosphere.
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