Lake Claiborne State Park Travel Guide

Lake Claiborne is known as a place to fish and boat. We rented canoes for a day and we were able to keep them for a full 24 hrs because we were overnight campers, not day-use people. There was a boat dock about 100 ft from our cabin so we tied the canoes up there during the day. This allowed us the chance to get in an early-morning canoe trip as well...a lot of fun! There were a number of motorboats on the lake but everyone respected each other and gave us plenty of berth. We really enjoyed this part of our stay.

What can I say other than you've just GOT to build a fire in the fire pit and enjoy it by night, roasting marshmallows, making s'mores, enjoying the night time sounds and smells? No outdoor trip is complete with at least some of that.

Luggage and bags: If you're renting a cabin, all you need to bring is food and towels and soaps. Bed linen and cooking utensils are all provided. Tent camping is a whole other story--but if you've done it before you'll know what to bring.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: If you're there "off-season" then bring a jacket because the evenings and early mornings can be pretty cool. The cabins have wood heat or central heat and there are outside fire pits. There is also central air for the hot summer days.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: A first aid kit is always a good thing to have when you're in the woods, but keep it simple. In this park you have medical attention from the Rangers if you need it. You need to bring your usual toiletries such as soap and shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. Nothing new there!

Photo Equipment: How can you go anywhere now without a camera AND be a VT member???? Yes, cameras are a must--we took over 300 pictures between the two of us.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: The usual is needed for the beach---a beach blanket, beach chairs, although there are benches on the perimeter of the beach near the picnic tables. At least half the beach is shady much of the day, but summers in LA are HOT, so be prepared.

Favorite thing: The one lasting memory I have of our time in this park other than being able to spend it with my family, is the beauty around us. The pictures don't do it justice because we couldn't fit all of the lake into one shot easily---it's big and gorgeous and peaceful and awe-inspiring. If you want to "get away from it all" go here during the spring or fall months when it's not crowded. I can only imagine it's very popular during summer vacation and is probably loud during those times.