Basin Harbor on Lake Champlain: A Vermont Summer Resort I Keep Thinking About

I’ve watched Dirty Dancing more times than I care to admit. And while Patrick Swayze certainly had something to do with that, I’ve always loved the idea of a summer vacation at a sprawling lakeside resort. Days filled with swimming, lawn games and activities you could join on a whim. Evenings spent around a campfire or having dinner with friends. No real reason to get in the car once you’ve arrived.

Then came season two of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, with the family’s summer getaway to Steiner Resort in the Catskills. And once again, I found myself wishing there were more places where you could spend an entire week doing little more than enjoying the outdoors.

So when Basin Harbor invited me for a summer stay, I was pretty excited.

I’ve spent countless summer weekends boating on Lake Champlain, but this was an opportunity to explore a different part of the lake and experience one of Vermont’s oldest family resorts.

And yes, I fully intended to live out my own Dirty Dancing meets Mrs. Maisel vacation.

What I loved most about Basin Harbor was having so many activities right outside our cottage door, with no pressure to do any of them. We could play badminton, spend time on the lake, have a leisurely lunch or sit outside and enjoy the views.

I left wishing we’d booked a longer stay.

Basin Harbor: A Vermont Summer Tradition Since 1886

Located on 700 acres along Lake Champlain, just outside Vergennes, Basin Harbor has been welcoming summer vacationers since 1886.

The resort was founded by Ardelia Beach and has remained in the Beach family for generations. Today, it’s part of Historic Hotels of America, with a history that stretches back 140 years.

I love that families have been returning here for generations, sometimes staying in the same cottages year after year. There aren’t many places where you can find that sense of tradition anymore.

The property feels more like a small summer community than a conventional hotel. Cottages are scattered across the grounds, with gardens, walking paths, a golf course, restaurants and a beautiful stretch of Lake Champlain shoreline.

And the views across the lake toward the Adirondacks are spectacular.

Staying in a Cottage at Basin Harbor

Basin Harbor has 74 individual cottages, along with guest rooms in several lodge buildings. The cottages range from studios to three-bedroom accommodations, and many were originally designed according to the preferences of the families who vacationed here decades ago.

That history is reflected in the accommodations. No two cottages have exactly the same layout, and while many have been renovated, they still have the character of traditional Vermont summer cottages.

One detail I love? There are no televisions in the cottages.

Bring a book, a deck of cards or something you’ve been meaning to read for months. You probably won’t miss the television anyway.

We stayed in Westwind, a one-bedroom cottage on the northern end of the property, with a large sitting room and beautiful views of Lake Champlain and the mountains beyond.

The cottage sat above the shoreline, and I loved hearing the waves below us.

Our visit happened to coincide with temperatures in the high 90s, so I was particularly grateful for the air conditioning. But my favorite part of staying in Westwind was waking up early and walking around the property before everyone else was out.

The grounds were quiet, apart from the birds and the occasional guest walking a dog. I loved seeing the gardens in the early morning light and watching the lake before the day’s activities began.

Bring Your Dog to Basin Harbor

Basin Harbor is also wonderfully dog-friendly, which is another reason I’d consider returning.

Dogs are welcome in the cottages, and the resort has a designated dog beach called Fanny’s Beach, where they can swim and play off leash.

There are walking trails throughout the property, and several dining areas have pet-friendly outdoor seating.

During our visit, the resort’s resident golden retrievers, Piper and Rosie, were part of the experience. I loved seeing them around the grounds.

Today, Basin Harbor continues to welcome dogs in its cottages, although pets aren’t permitted in the lodge guest rooms, swimming pool or main guest waterfront areas.

For anyone who struggles with leaving their dog behind on vacation, having a designated swimming area and plenty of outdoor space is a major perk.

Dining at Basin Harbor: The Red Mill & Ardelia’s

One of the things I appreciate about Basin Harbor is that you can spend your entire stay on the property without running out of dining options.

The Red Mill has long been one of my favorite casual restaurants on this part of Lake Champlain. I’ve visited independently of staying at the resort, and I love the relaxed atmosphere.

During our stay, we stopped for a late lunch after spending the morning exploring Fort Ticonderoga across the lake in New York.

I ordered a lobster roll piled with lobster meat and a local beer. After a morning of walking around the fort in the summer heat, it was exactly what I wanted.

We also returned to The Red Mill for dinner, ordering comfort food and enjoying the lively atmosphere.

One of my favorite parts of dining here was talking with the staff. Basin Harbor has long employed people from around the world, and I enjoyed hearing about where our servers were from and what brought them to Vermont for the summer.

For a more formal meal, Ardelia’s offers fine dining in the main lodge, with views overlooking the harbor.

Basin Harbor also hosts seasonal North Dock Dinners, where guests can enjoy themed meals outdoors along Lake Champlain. Additional options include the waterfront food truck and Burgee Bar.

Meal plans are available, ranging from breakfast-only to three meals daily, which can make planning easier for families staying several nights.

I’d recommend making dining reservations ahead of time, particularly during the busiest summer weeks.

So Many Ways to Enjoy Lake Champlain

For me, the biggest draw of Basin Harbor is having Lake Champlain right outside your cottage.

We spend a lot of time boating on the lake during summer, but I loved exploring a section we don’t frequent as often.

The resort offers kayak, canoe, paddleboard and paddleboat access, along with motorboat rentals for guests who want to explore farther.

You can also swim at the designated beach, relax beside the heated outdoor pool or enjoy the water trampoline. And if you prefer someone else to do the navigating, Basin Harbor offers narrated cruises aboard the EScape.

The resort has historically offered shipwreck excursions using underwater camera technology, along with cruises focused on the lake’s history and wildlife. Check the current activity calendar for available tours.

I’d happily spend an entire afternoon on the water, followed by a cocktail overlooking the harbor.

More Activities at Basin Harbor

As much as I love Lake Champlain, there’s plenty to do on land, too.

Basin Harbor has a golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, miles of walking trails, bike rentals and a variety of organized activities. You’ll also find classic summer camp games, including badminton, croquet, volleyball and giant chess.

We spent a few hours playing badminton before dinner, which turned out to be a pretty entertaining way to work up an appetite.

I also loved the oversized Adirondack chairs overlooking the lake. They’re impossible to miss and make a fun photo opportunity.

Families can take advantage of children’s programming, playgrounds and organized activities, while adults can enjoy fitness classes, yoga or simply relaxing outside.

For 2026, Basin Harbor introduced additional activities celebrating its 140th anniversary, including outdoor yoga on the North Dock and expanded arts programming.

I appreciate that you can participate in as much or as little as you’d like. There’s no pressure to fill every hour.

Why I’d Return to Basin Harbor

Our stay was far too short to experience everything Basin Harbor offers.

I’d love to return for several nights, spend more time on the lake and take advantage of the activities we didn’t get to try.

I can also understand why families return year after year. There are plenty of opportunities for kids to entertain themselves, while adults can enjoy some downtime without having to plan every activity.

And even for couples, it’s a wonderful setting for a summer getaway.

I loved waking up in our cottage, wandering through the gardens, playing badminton and ending the day with dinner at The Red Mill.

It reminded me of the summer vacations I grew up watching in movies, where the days seemed to stretch on forever and the biggest decision was what to do next.

What to Know Before You Go

Location

Basin Harbor is located at 4800 Basin Harbor Road in Vergennes, Vermont, along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain.

Season

The resort generally operates from mid-May through mid-October, with activities and dining varying by season.

Accommodations

Choose from 74 cottages, ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts, or guest rooms in the lodge buildings. Cottages vary in size, location and amenities, so review individual descriptions before booking.

Televisions

Basin Harbor maintains its tradition of television-free accommodations. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome in cottages for a daily fee, currently listed at $25 per pet. Lodge guest rooms are pet-free. The resort also has a designated dog beach.

Dining

Options include The Red Mill, Ardelia’s, North Dock Dinners and seasonal waterfront dining. Meal plans are available, and reservations are recommended.

Activities

Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, golf, tennis, pickleball, lawn games, biking and organized resort activities. Some are included with your stay; others have additional fees.

Families

Children’s activities, playgrounds and recreation programs make Basin Harbor a popular multigenerational vacation destination.

Getting There

You can arrive by car, boat or private aircraft. The resort has a marina and private airstrip. Contact the property in advance for docking or arrival arrangements.

Vermont Resident Rates

Basin Harbor offers special lodging rates for Vermont residents with proof of residency. Check current promotions before booking.

Accessibility

Accessible accommodations are available. Contact the resort directly to discuss room locations, mobility needs and access to activities.

Nearby Attractions

Vergennes, Button Bay State Park, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Mount Philo and the surrounding Champlain Valley.

Basin Harbor
4800 Basin Harbor Road
Vergennes, VT 05491
802-475-2311

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