Vermont is make for walking and hiking, to see its beauty slowly
284 Allis State Park Road
Randolph, VT
Phone: 802-276-3175
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
Several ponds nearby offer excellent bass fishing. A loop hiking trail within the park provides a strenuous workout. Baker Pond is nearby on Route 12, two miles west of the park; North and South ponds lie together one mile east of the park; Sunset Lake is in the village of Brookfield, two miles east of Bear Mountain. The villages of Brookfield, Northfield, Randolph and Williamstown are all within a 20-minute drive. There is a fire tower,hiking trails, a large picnic shelter and one rest room. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
22 Cedar Mountain Road
Fair Haven, VT
Phone: 802-265-4242
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
The campground contains 66 campsites including 10 lean-tos. The sites are both wooded and grassy open areas. Some are located along the lakeshore. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. The park has a beach for swimming and a picnic area. An open pavilion-type picnic shelter can be reserved for large gatherings. A snack bar concession and boat rentals (canoe, kayak, row, and pedal) are available at the beach. Several hiking trails, including one to Half Moon State Park, provide great hiking opportunities. There is boating and fishing in Lake Bomoseen, as well as in nearby Glen Lake.
3570 Lake Dunmore Road (Route 53)
Salisbury, VT
Phone: 802-247-5925
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
The park is divided by Route 53. Twenty tent sites and seven lean-to sites are on one side of the highway in a heavily wooded area, and 17 tent sites are located along the perimeter of a grassy open area near the beach. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. The 1,000-foot natural sandy beach, clean, clear Lake Dunmore, and the large open grassy areas make the area very popular for swimming, sunning, or picnicking. Hiking trails to scenic vistas, waterfalls, caves, mountain lakes and streams, as well as an interpretive nature trail, provide outstanding hiking opportunities. There is fishing and boating (canoe, kayak, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals are available at the park) on Lake Dunmore. Day use hours:10 a.m.-9 p.m.
5 Button Bay State Park Road
Vergennes, VT
Phone: 802-475-2377
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
Button Bay, a 253-acre park, is located on a bluff in Ferrisburgh along the 130-mile long Lake Champlain. The camping area is an open, grassy area with 73 sites, including 13 lean-tos. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. The park has a play area and a swimming pool with lifeguards. There is a picnic area and a large open picnic shelter pavilion. Boating (canoe, kayak and rowboat rentals available), fishing, and sailing are popular on Lake Champlain. You can explore Button Point Natural Area, hike the trail, and visit the Nature Center. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
CCC's Camp
Rochester, VT
Phone: 802-767-4261
Visitors to this park will enjoy the boating, canoeing, nature and hiking trails, swimming, and fishing. Hunting for large and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.
855 Coolidge State Park Road
Plymouth, VT
Phone: 802-672-3612
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
A trip to Coolidge State Park is a trip back in time; the park remains essentially the way it was when it was first created in the 1930s. There are 36 lean-to sites and 26 tent/trailer sites in two camping loops. Five restrooms providing modern plumbing; two have hot showers. There are two large picnic shelters, a picnic area, and a play area. There also is a sanitary dump station for RVs, but no hookups. Many day hikes are available in the park. There a several hiking trails, volleyball and a group camping area in the park.
34 Gifford Woods Road
Killington, VT
Phone: 802-775-5354
Season: May 21 - October 19
With its location at the base of Killington and Pico peaks and close proximity to the Appalachian and Long trails, this park is a favorite of hikers. Many through-hikers pass the park on their Appalachian Trail journey from Georgia to Maine. The park is also a popular destination during the fall foliage season for its dramatic autumn colors.
There are four cabins, 22 tent/trailer sites and 20 lean-to sites situated in two camping loops. Each loop has a rest room with modern plumbing and hot showers. There is a trailer sanitary station, but no hookups. Fire and ice are available for sale. A wooded picnic area is located behind the ranger's quarters with a play area.
Green Mountain Club
4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury Center, VT
Phone: (802) 244-7037
Established in 1910 to build the Long Trail, the Green Mountain Club is a private, nonprofit organization with 9,000 members. The GMC is dedicated to maintaining, managing, and protecting Vermont's historic Long Trail System and advocating for hiking opportunities in Vermont. Every year more than 800 volunteers work so that future generations may enjoy the 445-mile Long Trail System.
1621 Black Pond Road
Hubbardton, VT
Phone: 802-273-2848
Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
This is a camping only park and there are no day-use opportunities. The campground offers camping for all tastes with its waterfront campsites and lean-tos and five furnished cabins. For those seeking more creature comforts, Tall Timbers Cottage, with its waterfront location and private boat dock, offers all the amenities of home. Hikers are likely to see a variety of wildlife. Rowboats, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats are available for rent from the park office, and two small, sandy beaches provide locations for sunbathing and swimming. The pond also has excellent fishing.
Hancock Overlook
Hancock, VT
Phone: 802-767-4261
This park features hiking and nature trails, cross-country ski trails, fishing, boating, canoeing, and picnic areas. Hunting for big game, small game and waterfowl is permitted.
Route 100
Plymouth, VT 05056
Phone: 802-672-3811
Toll-Free: 800-685-HAWK
Fax: 802-672-5585
Vermont's premier four season destination
Scenic Route 100, at the entrance of the Resort, is one of the most popular cycling routes in the country. Surrounding that and throughout Hawk property, are the quiet back roads that have made Vermont famous. These back roads are best suited for mountain biking. Then our extensive, circuitous network of 24 trails that winds throughout Hawk offers a wide variety of terrain for all abilities in hiking. The Resort's high-ground trails reach far back into the forested Green Mountains and offer wonderful views of the finger lakes, hidden streams and the surrounding Black River Valley. Whatever your pleasure—mountain bikes (suspension and non-suspension), road bikes, children's bikes, even tandem bikes, hiking trail maps—all are available at the Hawk Recreation Center.
Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial
Dairy Hill Road
Sharon, VT
Phone: 802-763-7553
At the birthplace of the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) you will find one of the world's tallest, polished, solid granite spires in the world, erected in 1905 of stone from Barre Vermont. Site includes Visitor's Center with historical art and exhibits, films in 40 seat theater, changing special exhibits, 200-year-old homes foundations, stone walls and stone bridge; hiking trails like Patriarch Hill Hike, Joseph Tree circa 1776, picnic areas, glorious gardens, ponds brooks; show shoeing and cross country skiing.
787 Kingsland Bay State Park Road
Ferrisburgh, VT
Phone: 802-877-3445
Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
Visitors can enjoy the picnic areas and historic buildings of the park, or rent a canoe or kayak for an easy paddle around this protected bay. Picnicking, swimming, and toilet facilities are available. There are scenic trails along the shoreline of Lake Champlain. Boating, fishing, and sailing are also popular. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Pets are not permitted
3034 VT Route 30 South
Poultney, VT
Phone: 802-287-9158
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
The campground contains 50 tent/trailer sites and 11 lean-to sites. Grassy open areas, wooded sites and lake access make this camping area very popular. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. The park has well-developed picnic, play, and swimming areas. There is a snack bar concession with canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boat rentals. Boating and fishing are popular on the lake.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
3444 Little River Road
Waterbury, VT
Phone: 802-244-7103
Season: Mid-May-Columbus Day
Waterbury Reservoir is particularly favored for boating with a portion of the reservoir devoted to quieter uses. Angling for bass and trout is as popular here as water-skiing. Enjoy swimming beaches, play areas, boat rentals and a launch, and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails in the adjacent Mt. Mansfield State Forest. Self-guided history and nature trails are located close to the camping area. There is a campground with 81 tent/trailer sites, 20 lean-tos and three cabins. Adjacent to the park are miles of hiking trails (open for day use) that take in the rich cultural and natural history of the area.
Montshire Museum of Science
One Montshire Road
Norwich, VT 05055
Phone: 802-649-2200
Open: Year-round, daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
This hands-on museum offers dozens of exhibits relating to the natural and physical sciences, ecology, and technology. The building is located on a 110-acre site near the Connecticut River, and the museum’s outdoor environment is a large part of the visitor experience. Science Park is a two-acre exhibit area in a park-like setting. Also outside is a network of easy-to-moderate walking trails for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. Cost: Adults, $9; children age 3 to 17, $7.
Near Lake Dunmore Road
Salisbury, VT
Phone: 802-747-6700
1826 Back Mountain Road
Windsor, VT
Phone: 802-674-2060
Season: Mid-May-Octover 15
Excellent viewing is offered from points along the summit road and trail. The original fire tower with the cabin removed has been relocated for excellent views in all directions. The park has 39 wooded tent/trailer sites and 10 lean-to sites that are arranged within two camp loops. Each loop has a rest room providing modern plumbing and hot showers ($). There is a sanitary dump station for RV's, but no hookups. There is a small picnic area at the foot of the summit, and a picnic area and shelter part way up the summit road.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Mount Independence Historic Site
Orwell, VT
Phone: 802-759-2412
Mount Independence was a fortified position during the Revolutionary War. Exhibits feature artifacts from the war for independence, as well as historic trails for hiking and just walking. Open May - October.
North Hartland Lake
North Hartland, VT
Phone: 802-295-2855
Visitors to this lakeside park will enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, boating, swimming and picnic areas.
North Springfield Lake
Springfield, VT
Phone: 802-886-2775
This federally-owned lake is open to visitors. They can enjoy fishing, canoeing, boating, swimming, as well as hiking and nature trails. Hunting is permitted here for small game, large game and waterfowl.
Peavine
Stockbridge, VT
Phone: 802-767-4261
Visitors to this park will enjoy picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. Hunting for big and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.
Woodstock Road (Route 4)
White River Junction, VT
Phone: 802-295-2990
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - October 19
The focal point of the park is Vermont’s deepest gorge, formed by glacial activity approximately 13,000 years ago. Visitors can look down at the Ottauquechee River, flowing 165 feet below viewing points along Route 4.
The park contains 45 tent/trailer sites and 7 lean-to sites which are located in the camping area. Two bathrooms with showers ($) serve the campground. Most sites are large enough to accommodate large RVs. There is a sanitary dump station, but no hookups. A large field and play area are also in the campground. Located next to Quechee Gorge is a picnic area with a pit toilet and a hiking trail along the gorge.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Riverbend
Rochester, VT
Phone: 802-767-4261
Visitors to this park will enjoy picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. Hunting for big and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.
Robert Frost National Forest
Middlebury, VT
Phone: 802-388-4362
This small forest, named for Vermont's greatest poet, offers nature trails, picnic areas and a rest facility. In the winter, the trails are available for cross-country skiing.
Texas Falls National Forest
Rochester, VT
Phone: 802-767-4261
Features nature trails, fishing, picnic areas and a rest facility.
Academy Road
Thetford, VT
Phone: 802-785-2266
Union Village Dam
Union Village, VT
Phone: 802-295-2855
Visitors can enjoy hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, and picnic areas. Hunting for large and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.
177 Reservoir Road
Waterbury Center, VT 05677
Phone: 802-244-1226
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
The park is located on a 90-acre peninsula with 22 picnic sites, tables, hibachis, swimming beach, nature trail, trailer boat ramp, boat rentals, concession area and restrooms. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Wilgus State Park
Ascutney, VT
Phone: 802-674-5422
Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing. Hunting for big game and waterfowl is permitted.
Wilson Castle
West Proctor Road
Proctor, VT
Phone: 802-773-3284
This mansion, built in the mid-19th century, offers a variety of imported, elegant furniture and household items. The 115-acre estate is also home to gardens and walkways. There is an admission charge.
Wrightsville
Middlesex, VT
Visitors to this park will enjoy picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. Hunting for big game and waterfowl is permitted.
1467 Boulder Beach Road
Groton, VT
Phone: 802-584-3822
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
The campground has 23 tent/trailer sites and 5 lean-tos. The rest room includes hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available at Stillwater, but no hookups. There's easy access to the Nature Center and miles of hiking trails.
Birds of Vermont Museum
900 Sherman Hollow Road
Huntington, VT 05462
Phone: 802-434-2167
Open: May 1 - October 31, daily, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.; in winter by appointment
Exhibits feature carvings of over 450 species of birds, including an archaeopteryx and other extinct and endangered species. There is a wild bird observation area, as well as nature trails, carving demonstrations and a gift shop. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children age 3-17, $3; family, $15.
2278 Boulder Beach Road
Groton, VT 05046
Phone: 802-584-3823
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
The day use area has 75 shaded picnic sites with tables and hibachis. All rest rooms have lavatories and flush toilets. There is 200 feet of beach and swimming area, cartop boat launch, play area, shelter with group facilities, three large parking lots, and a concession stand.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
102 State Park Road
Island Pond, VT 05846
Phone: 802-723-4360
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Columbus Day Weekend
Brighton State Park is located on the shores of Spectacle Pond. A sandy day use beach and bathhouse is located on Island Pond just a half mile from the campground. The campground sits on the mostly undeveloped Spectacle Pond where it is common to hear loons calling at night. There are 5 cabins, 61 tent/trailer sites and 23 lean-tos. All three restrooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There are hiking trails, a camper's beach with boat rentals, nature museum, an amphitheater, a garage theater, and play area. At the nearby day use area there is a long sandy beach, a bathhouse with restrooms, and rental boats.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Box 123
St. Albans Bay, VT 05481
Phone: 802-524-6353
Burton Island is a 253-acre park off the southwestern tip of St. Albans Point in Lake Champlain’s 'Inland Sea'. The park is accessible only by boat, with the state’s passenger ferry making the 10-minute trip from Kill Kare State Park.
96 Bellwater Ave.
Barton, VT
Phone: 802-525-6205
Season: May 26 - September 4
Crystal Lake is approximately three miles long and about one mile in width. In some places it is known to be more than 100 feet deep. It is a glacial lake beautifully situated among roughhewn mountain sides. Area Attractions include the Jay Peak Gondola at Jay; Burke Mountain Toll Road and fire tower in East Burke; Historical Granite School in Brownington; and Ethan Allen Furniture in Orleans.
856 VT Route 12
Lake Elmore, VT
Phone: 802-888-2982
Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
The campground has 45 tent/trailer sites and 15 lean-tos. Two restrooms are available in the campground; one with hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There is convenient access to several hiking trails to Elmore Mountain and it's fire tower. The day use area includes a large sandy beach, historic CCC bathhouse with a concession stand, restrooms and a rental pavilion, a picnic shelter, numerous tables and grills, and row boat, canoe and kayak rentals. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
36 East Shore South
Grand Isle, VT
Phone: 802-372-4300
Season: Mid-May-Columbus Day
Grand Isle State Park is the most-visited campground in the state park system. With 4,150 feet of Lake Champlain shoreline, Grand Isle is popular with many destination campers who spend their entire vacation here. At the same time, the park attracts one-night campers. There are 117 tent/trailer sites, 36 lean-to sites, and four cabin sites that make this Vermont's second-largest state campground. Rest rooms have running water and hot showers ($). There is a trailer sanitary station but no hookups. Fifty percent of the sites are large enough to accommodate self-contained RVs. Lakeshore areas permit water access for swimming and shore fishing. There is a boat launching ramp for registered campers and kayaks and rowboats for rent through the park office. There is sand-court volleyball, horseshoes, a play area and a nature walk. Campers are also allowed free entry to the sand beach at Knight Point State Park seven miles north and Alburg Dunes State Park 19 miles north.
Green Mountain Club
4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury Center, VT
Phone: (802) 244-7037
Established in 1910 to build the Long Trail, the Green Mountain Club is a private, nonprofit organization with 9,000 members. The GMC is dedicated to maintaining, managing, and protecting Vermont's historic Long Trail System and advocating for hiking opportunities in Vermont. Every year more than 800 volunteers work so that future generations may enjoy the 445-mile Long Trail System.
44 Knight Point Road
North Hero, VT
Phone: 802-372-8389
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
Knight Point State Park is home to the Island Center for Arts and Recreation, a community-based group. The center has hosted performances by Hermann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions, the Vermont Shakespeare Company and the Vermont Mozart Festival. Information: 802-372-8400. Expansive lawns are the center of this 54-acre day use park. The lawn becomes meadow west of the developed area, where the forest along the lakeside is a substantial natural feature. A trail loops around the point to offer scenic lake and shore vistas, plus intimate opportunities for close-up nature and forest viewing. The facilities include a sandy swimming beach and boat rentals. Shaded and open picnic areas include cooking grills. The open-air shelter may be reserved for group functions.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Maidstone Lake Road
Guildhall, VT
Phone: 802-676-3930
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
Maidstone is the most remote of Vermont's state parks and still retains much of the wilderness character associated with the Northeast Kingdom.The campground has 44 tent/trailer sites and 37 lean-tos. Three of the four rest rooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There are play areas, hiking trails, and a swimming beaches in the campground. A picnic shelter, swimming beach, and an additional rest room is available at the day use area.
Surrounding the park are acres of forest lands that offer miles of logging roads for mountain biking or just walking.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
4239 State Route 232
Marshfield, VT
Phone: 802-426-3042
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day, except for horse camping through Columbus Day weekend
There is a seven site horse camping area
located in New Discovery State Park. The group camping area features a hitching post, water spigot and trough for watering horses. Just up the roadway, and past the toilet/shower area, is a horse washing station. Other pets are allowed
at designated camp sites. There is a play area and miles of hiking on multiple use trails.
18 Ricker Pond Camp Ground Road (Route 232)
Groton, VT 05046
Phone: 802-584-3821
Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
The campground has 27 tent/trailer sites, 23 lean-tos, 5 cabins and a waterfront rental cottage that comfortably sleeps up to 5 and comes with a canoe. Two of the three rest rooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There is a swimming beach, boat launch, shelter, and access to miles of hiking trails.
River Road and Range Road
Underhill Center, VT
Phone: 802-899-3022
Underhill is within Vermont's 34,000-acre Mount Mansfield State Forest. the park contains a small campground, picnic grounds, and a group camping area. The campground has a restroom facility with flush toilets and cold running water, but no showers. Due to the park’s hillside nature, it is not suitable for RVs or trailers. All campsites are walk-in.
The park is probably best known for its hiking. There are four trails to the summit ridge of Mount Mansfield. The Sunset Ridge Trail, three miles to the summit, is the most popular. Vermont’s Long Trail traverses the summit ridge. Hiking information and trail maps are available at the park headquarters.
St. Alban's Bay, VT
Phone: 802-524-6353
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
On an island in the middle of Lake Champlain, this remote park is accessible only by private boat. On the island there is a perimeter trail system, fishing, and ample opportunity to observe wildlife. A public campsite requires prior reservation, and has no facilities. Kill Kare State Park is the best place to park and get directions on boating to Woods Island, Knight Island or Burton Island.
Ball Mountain
Jamaica, VT
Phone: 802-874-4881
The US Army Corps of Engineers Ball Mountain Dam Flood Control project has mountain and lakeside scenery. Visitors will enjoy hiking and nature trails, and cross-country skiing in the winter. Hunting for big and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.
65 Emerald Lake Lane
East Dorset, VT 05253
Phone: 802-362-1655
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Columbus Day Weekend
Located between Manchester and Rutland, the park is popular for its wooded hillside campground, beach and swimming area, and nearby attractions and tourist destinations. The park surrounds 20-acre Emerald Lake. It is restricted to non-motorized watercraft, so it is ideal for swimming and paddling. Fishing for yellow perch, small mouth bass, northern pike and other warm-water species. The park is a favorite destination of hikers, with the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail nearby, and trails on Dorset Mountain.
The 67 campsites and 37 lean-tos are located on a heavily wooded ridge above Emerald Lake. Flush toilets, hot showers ($) and a dump station are provided. There is a small beach with snack bar and boat rental facilities. (Canoes, kayaks, row and pedal boats) A hillside picnic area, as well as lakeside picnic tables are available.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
434 Old Guildford Road
Brattleboro, VT
Phone: 802-254-2610
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
The campground has 50 tent/trailer sites and 10 lean-to sites. These are located in two adjacent areas and are served by two toilet buildings, both with hot showers ($). There is a sanitary dump station, but no hookups. Also located within the park are a small picnic area, hiking trails and a large open field.
Green Mountain Club
4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury Center, VT
Phone: (802) 244-7037
Toll-Free: (802) 244-5867
Established in 1910 to build the Long Trail, the Green Mountain Club is a private, nonprofit organization with 9,000 members. The GMC is dedicated to maintaining, managing, and protecting Vermont's historic Long Trail System and advocating for hiking opportunities in Vermont. Every year more than 800 volunteers work so that future generations may enjoy the 445-mile Long Trail System.
231 North Main Street (offices)
Rutland, VT
Phone: 802-747-6700
The Green Mountain National Forest scenic beauty along the backbone of Vermont's Green Mountains offers a four season recreation experience. Primitive recreational opportunities exist within the eight Wilderness Areas on the Green Mountain National Forest. The Forest also hosts two National Recreation Areas. The most popular season is autumn, when the mountains are ablaze with color. In spring, the forest bursts forth from the grip of winter and blooming wildflowers that are visible along many of the Forest trails. The first fishing days are enjoyed by a lot of people. Mud season is usually short but intense. Mountain biking and hiking on wet trails is not encouraged during this time. Head nets and an effective insect repellant are suggested for black fly season. Summer is popular for picnicking, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Winter brings out skiers (both downhill and cross-country), snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Uses: Hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching, bicycling, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling
Grout Pond National Site
Manchester, VT
Phone: 802-362-2307
Visitors will enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails.
Hapgood Pond National Site
Manchester, VT
Phone: 802-362-2307
This park offers canoeing and boating, hiking trails, fishing areas, swimming and picnic areas.
48 Salmon Hole Lane
Jamaica, VT
Phone: 802-874-4600
Season: May 8-Columbus Day
Every spring and fall, on one weekend in late April and late September, there is a water release on the West River from Ball Mountain Dam. This is a semiannual event for many kayakers and canoeists from all over New England.
The West River is also a favorite spot for many fishermen. The combination of deep slow running water and shallow fast ripples makes for some fine fishing.
There are 41 tent/trailer sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread out through the campground. Two rest rooms, complete with hot showers ($), are located in the campground. A picnic shelter and nature center are located near the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River and branches off toward Hamilton Falls.
ALERT: The weight limit for the town's bridge leading into Jamaica State Park has been downgraded to 8 tons. Campers with large RV or trailer units should check their total weight to ensure they meet the reduced weight limit.
262 Shaftsbury State Park Road (Route 7A)
Shaftsbury, VT 05262
Phone: 802-375-9978
Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend
Lake Shaftsbury State Park is on an 84-acre parcel surrounding the small but picturesque Lake Shaftsbury. A furnished waterfront cottage sleeps six, with deck and grill. Lake Shaftsbury also operates a group camping area with 15 lean-tos available throughout the year for scouts, church groups, and other organizations. Port-a-let facilities are available. There is also a developed beach, play area, and picnic area. There is an open picnic shelter/pavilion available for large group gatherings. The snack bar concession has rental canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Route 9
Wilmington, VT
Phone: 802-464-5460
Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
The park is located along the Molly Stark Trail Scenic Byway (State Route 9), the main east-west route in Southern Vermont that connects Brattleboro, Wilmington and Bennington.Two camping loops consist of 23 tent/trailer sites and 11 lean-to sites. One rest room with showers ($) is located in each loop. There is a play area and a picnic pavilion for large groups. A hiking trail starts from the park and goes up to the Mount Olga fire tower.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
2755 State Forest Road
Townshend, VT
Phone: 802-365-7500
Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day
A visit to Townshend State Park, located at the foot of Bald Mountain on a bend of the West River, feels like a step back in time. The park was constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The campground is a popular destination for visitors seeking a rustic experience. Visitors can take a hike up the Bald Mountain Trail, passing various chutes, waterfalls and pools on the way to spectacular vistas.
The campground, situated in a wooded area, has 30 tent/trailer sites and 4 lean-to sites. There are two bathrooms, one of which has showers ($). A picnic shelter with a fireplace and three tables is attached to the ranger's quarters. Note: Due to the park's physical layout, there is a limit of 6 people and one vehicle per site.
142 State Park Road
Bennington, VT
Phone: 802-447-7169
Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day
Woodford is located on a mountain plateau and surrounds Adams Reservoir. There are several lakes and ponds in the surrounding area.The campground has 103 sites including 20 lean-tos. The heavily wooded area surrounds the reservoir and offers great camping opportunities. Flush toilets, hot showers ($), and a dump station are provided. There is a small beach and picnic area near the dam with pit toilet facilities. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent. There are several hiking trails, including a 2.7-mile trail around the lake.
Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
