West Haven · Vermont · USA
Half Moon Pond State Park Beach
Tucked between wooded hills in West Haven, this state park wraps around a spring-fed pond where the water warms faster than the big lake just miles away. Families stake out sandy patches beneath white pines while loons call from deeper water, their voices echoing off the Green Mountains.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Half Moon Pond State Park Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
- 0%
The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
Tucked between wooded hills in West Haven, this state park wraps around a spring-fed pond where the water warms faster than the big lake just miles away. Families stake out sandy patches beneath white pines while loons call from deeper water, their voices echoing off the Green Mountains.
Photos
8 captures from Half Moon Pond State Park Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Half Moon Pond State Park Beach
West Haven, Vermont, USA
43.6839°, -73.2974°
Top things to do
At Half Moon Pond State Park Beach
Warm Pond Dip
Lifeguard-watched summer swimming area
Paddleboard Tour
Explore beaver lodges upstream
Mossy Loop Trail
One-mile forested perimeter walk
Loon Watch
Early morning calls near shore
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Half Moon Pond State Park Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Half Moon Pond State Park Beach.
Is Half Moon Pond State Park Beach safe for swimming with children?
Half Moon Pond is generally considered safe for family swimming, with a designated beach area and typically calm, shallow waters near the shore. The pond has a sandy bottom and gradual depth increase, making it suitable for young swimmers. Lifeguards are not typically stationed at Vermont state park beaches, so adult supervision is essential. The water quality is monitored regularly during summer months. The protected pond location means minimal waves or currents, creating gentler conditions than Lake Champlain beaches nearby.
What is the best time to visit Half Moon Pond State Park Beach?
The best time for swimming is late June through early September when water temperatures are warmest, typically reaching the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit. The beach area is accessible year-round, with the state park operating a summer season (typically Memorial Day to Columbus Day) when facilities are fully operational. Spring and fall offer beautiful foliage and quieter visits for hiking and picnicking, though swimming is cold. Winter allows for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing around the pond.
