Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA
Fairlee, Vermont
Verified · 3 independent sources
- WATER
- lake
- ACCESS
- Designated swim area
- FEE
- Free
- SEASON
- Best in summer
About Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA
Treasure Island is the Town of Thetford's official fee-based town beach on Lake Fairlee, straddling the West Fairlee/Fairlee town line at 2967 Rt 244. Despite the name, it is not a true island but a small sand beach on a peninsula, purchased by Thetford in 1972 and still run by the town's Recreation Department. The swimming hole offers guarded swimming in the lake plus kayak/canoe/pedal-boat rentals and a pickleball court.
The beach sits on the shore of 462-acre Lake Fairlee, which spans the towns of Thetford, Fairlee, and West Fairlee in the Vermont uplands near the Connecticut River valley. The site is described by the town as a beach at the water's edge with an adjoining peninsula locals call 'the island,' and the surrounding 11.5-acre property has both sunny and shaded areas and documented wildlife (including beaver activity).
Swimming at Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA
A small, clean, sandy swimming beach with shallow, gently sloping entry that reviewers describe as family-friendly; a certified lifeguard is on duty most hours the beach is open. Beach space is limited, so it can feel crowded on busy summer days.
How to get to this swimming hole
Located at 2967 Rt 244, West Fairlee, VT 05083, on the shore of Lake Fairlee near Ely, West Fairlee, and Fairlee village.
The walk in
No real hike here. The water is a short walk from where you park. This is a drive-up official town beach at 2967 Rt 244 (West Fairlee/Fairlee line), visitors park and walk directly from the lot to the sand; no trail or hike is involved.
Plan your visit
Bringing kids
Good for kids
Official town beach with a certified lifeguard on duty most operating hours, a shallow sandy entry, and kid-focused programming (weekly swim lesson sessions and a Wednesday 'Beach Story Time' for young children), per the Town of Thetford's facility page.
Parking
Lot
Vehicles enter through a gate shack where day/season passes are checked (card or check only, no cash), implying an on-site lot at the beach entrance off Rt 244; exact lot size or a parking-specific fee (separate from the beach admission pass) is not documented in the sources reviewed.
Restrooms
Yes
Two sets of public bathrooms with attached changing rooms on site, per the official Thetford Recreation facility page.
Hours
Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10am-7pm; weekends-only in the early season (through about June 13) before switching to daily operation, per the Town of Thetford facility page.
On the water
Restrictions: At Treasure Island itself, only the town's rental pedal boats/kayaks/canoes and similar hand-carried craft are used from the beach; there is no motorboat launch at this site (motorized boats use the separate Vermont Fish & Wildlife access area/launch also on Rt 244 in West Fairlee). Lake-wide, wakesports (wake-enhanced boat wake surfing/boarding) were banned on Lake Fairlee as of June 11, 2026 under new VT DEC Use of Public Waters rules; regular powerboats must stay at no-wake speed within 200 feet of other lake users.
Rental pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes are available directly at the beach for a flat per-session fee (see rentals).
Rentals nearby
Pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes, rented directly at the beach
Prices: $5 per rental session
On site at Treasure Island beach, 2967 Rt 244, West Fairlee, VT · Same as beach operating hours: 10am-7pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Backstory
The Town of Thetford purchased the 11.5-acre Treasure Island parcel in 1972; it has since been run as the town's public beach, with an active Lake Fairlee Association Treasure Island Committee overseeing maintenance and a master plan for improvements.
Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA: FAQ
Does Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA charge a fee?
Day and season passes required for both residents and non-residents (rates not published as text on the official pages; sold at the Treasure Island gate shack by card or check only, no cash). Thetford residents and Thetford library cardholders can get some passes free via the Latham Library and West Fairlee Public Library.
Is Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA kid friendly?
Official town beach with a certified lifeguard on duty most operating hours, a shallow sandy entry, and kid-focused programming (weekly swim lesson sessions and a Wednesday 'Beach Story Time' for young children), per the Town of Thetford's facility page.
Do I need to hike to reach Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA?
No significant hike is required. The swimming area is close to parking and access.
Where do I park for Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA?
Vehicles enter through a gate shack where day/season passes are checked (card or check only, no cash), implying an on-site lot at the beach entrance off Rt 244; exact lot size or a parking-specific fee (separate from the beach admission pass) is not documented in the sources reviewed.
Can I bring a kayak or paddleboard to Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA?
Rental pedal boats, kayaks, and canoes are available directly at the beach for a flat per-session fee (see rentals).
When is the best time to visit Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA?
Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day), consistent with the official operating season.
What are the rules at Treasure Island - Thetford, VT, USA?
Beach staff will clear the water, beach, and grass areas immediately in bad weather and may bar non-compliant visitors for the remainder of the season. Open only Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10am-7pm (weekends only in early season).
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