Emerald Lake is a place where you can have a peaceful picnic, watch woodland critters, paddle along the shoreline, or fish. Manchester campers and Dorset campers are some of the most regular guests, as well as RV campers from Danby, as all three towns are just minutes away from the state park. During summer, visitors from all over the state come to unwind and camp in an RV at Emerald Lake State Park. Campers without their own motorhome can rent an RV in Bennington County to make the most of their trip and explore the surrounding area.

During the early 19th century, this area of Dorset became famous for its marble quarries. The marble hype went on for over a century until marble harvesting efforts shifted to West Rutland. The land that's now a beloved state park was purchased by Robert Alfred Shaw, who established his farmstead and lived here until 1957. After Robert died, the state purchased the area and made it into the recreation park everyone loves today.