Harriman Reservoir – also known as Lake Whitingham – is the largest body of water entirely within Vermont. Over 2,000 acres of deep, clean water stretching eight miles through forested mountains, with 28 miles of winding shoreline. And the best place to swim in it is Wards Cove, a public beach and picnic area just a few minutes south of Wilmington village.
If you’re staying near Mount Snow and looking for a lake day, this is the spot.
Getting There
From Wilmington, take Route 100 south. About one mile past the junction of Routes 100 and 9, look for a sign on the right for Flames Stables. Turn right onto Boyd Hill Road and follow the dirt road down to the lake. From Valley View Villa in West Dover, the drive takes about 15 minutes.
What You’ll Find
Wards Cove sits in a protected inlet on the reservoir’s eastern shore. The setup is simple but has everything you need for a full day.
🏖️ A small rocky beach at the water’s edge – wade in gradually or jump off the dock
🌳 A shaded grassy picnic area on the hill above the beach with tables and grills
🚤 A small boat ramp and dock for launching kayaks, canoes, or small boats
🚻 Portable restrooms available in summer (typically removed after Labor Day)
🅿️ Free parking in a gravel lot at the top of the hill
There are no lifeguards on duty, no snack bar, and no rental equipment – bring everything you need. The simplicity is part of the appeal. This isn’t a manicured resort beach – it’s a quiet Vermont lake cove surrounded by forest.
The Water
Harriman Reservoir is spring-fed and deep – up to 180 feet at its deepest point. The water is clear and clean, though it stays cool even in midsummer. By late July and August, surface temperatures warm enough for comfortable swimming, but you’ll still feel that Vermont chill when you go under. Kids tend to be braver about it than adults.
The cove itself is calm and protected from boat wake, making it a safe spot for families with young swimmers. The reservoir has a 45 mph speed limit for motorboats on the main body, but Wards Cove stays mellow.
Beyond Swimming
A lake day at Wards Cove doesn’t have to be just swimming. The boat ramp makes it an easy launch point for kayaks and paddleboards – from here you can paddle south into quieter stretches of the reservoir or explore the shoreline. If you didn’t bring your own gear, Paddle Time VT offers rentals on the reservoir.
Fishing is another option. Harriman holds smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. Cast from shore or paddle out to find your own spot. A Vermont fishing license is required.
For a longer day, combine Wards Cove with a visit to Harriman Reservoir’s other access points. The Mountain Mills boat launch on the west side provides access to different sections of the lake.
When to Go
The gates to Wards Cove open in late May and close in early October, though exact dates vary by year. Peak season runs July through Labor Day weekend, when the water is warmest and the facilities are fully set up.
🌅 Best time of day: arrive by mid-morning to claim a picnic table in the shade. By early afternoon on summer weekends, parking fills up.
☀️ Best months: July and August for swimming. June and September are quieter but cooler.
🐕 Dogs are generally tolerated but keep them leashed and be considerate of other families.
A Full Summer Day
Pair a morning at Wards Cove with lunch in Wilmington – Village Roost Cafe and Cup N Saucer are both a short drive away. Or grab ice cream at Wahoo’s on Route 100 on the way back to your rental. After a day on the water, the hot tub and fire pit at Valley View Villa are the perfect way to close out a Vermont summer evening.
Explore more outdoor adventures on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a swimming area at Harriman Reservoir?
A: Yes. Wards Cove is the main public swimming area at Harriman Reservoir, a protected cove on the eastern shore with a small rocky beach, a dock, and a grassy picnic area. It sits a few minutes south of Wilmington village and about 15 minutes from Valley View Villa.
Q: Is swimming at Harriman Reservoir free?
A: Parking and beach access at Wards Cove are free. There is no gate fee, no snack bar, and no rental equipment, so bring your own towels, chairs, and food for the day.
Q: Are there lifeguards at Wards Cove?
A: No. There are no lifeguards on duty, so families with young children should keep a close eye on swimmers. The cove is calm and protected from boat wake, which makes it one of the safer spots for kids on the reservoir.
Q: How cold is the water for swimming?
A: The reservoir is spring-fed and deep, so it stays cool even in midsummer. Surface temperatures warm up enough for comfortable swimming by late July and August, though you will still feel a Vermont chill when you go under.
Q: When is the best time to swim at Wards Cove?
A: The gates open in late May and close in early October, with July and August offering the warmest water. Arrive by mid-morning on summer weekends to claim a shaded picnic table before the lot fills.
