5 Best Vermont State Parks for Fall Camping

By -
We're just as amazed as you are about how quickly the summer has drawn to a close. But fear not - we have a lot of parks to choose from, even after Labor Day - we compiled a list of the best parks for fall camping because the fun hasn't quit just yet!

Brighton State Park
Located in Island Pond, Vermont, Brighton is one of our more remote parks, which makes it all the better for leaf peeping. It's not uncommon to hear loons calling across the pond, and spot deer along the hiking trails. You can rent boats, hang out on the beach at Spectacle Pond, or just relax in any of our cabins, tent sites, or lean-tos.





Coolidge State Park 
Coolidge is a wonderful park for those who want a rustic experience complete with some of the best views in Vermont, straight from your lean-to. Nestled in Plymouth, the park also has some remote camping options and access to miles and miles of hiking trails both within the park and nearby Okemo and Aitken State Forests. If you're feeling lucky, you can even pan for gold in the Black River Valley!








Gifford Woods State Park
Gifford Woods has long been a favorite in the Vermont Park system for viewing fall foliage and for awesome hiking. Located at the base of Killington and Pico peaks, autumn will nearly swallow you up in beautiful colors. The nearby Killington Adventure Center offers visitors the opportunity to spice up their stay with an adrenaline-fueled high ropes course, or campers can relax on the shores of Kent Pond and see if the fish are biting.


Ricker Pond State Park
If you're looking for an abundance of multi-use trails fit for biking, hiking, and horseback riding, look no further than Groton State Forest. Between the cottages, cabins, lean-tos and tent sites, Ricker Pond has something for everyone. As an added bonus, campers and day users receive free admission into the other Groton parks, including Boulder Beach, Kettle & Osmore Pond, and New Discovery.




Woodford State Park
Photo by Ranger Jessica Walker
Located in Bennington, Vermont, Woodford State Park is the perfect place for those who take to the water - rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent, and the only scene prettier than fall foliage might just be its reflection in the Adams Reservoir! The park also borders the Green Mountain National Forest, which offers endless miles of hiking to those who prefer the woods.



By Carlie Timbie
Vermont State Parks

Comments

  1. AiliJanuary 20, 2016

    Quick question: what is the difference between a "prime" campsite and a "regular" one?

    ReplyDelete
  2. VT State ParksJanuary 21, 2016

    Prime sites are the most popular sites -- usually they have the best view, are larger, etc. They have the highest occupancy rates so they cost a little more.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Feel free to let us know what you think.

Popular posts from this blog

Vermont State Parks Total Eclipse Updates

By -
Image
Although it falls outside our regular park season, several Vermont State Parks will provide good viewing locations for solar eclipse on April 8. These parks include:   Bomoseen, Boulder Beach, Branbury, Crystal Lake, DAR, Elmore, Mt. Philo, Grand Isle, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Lake St. Catherine, Niquette Bay, Silver Lake, and Waterbury Center. Address and other general park information is available at www.vtstateparks.com .   The following previously listed state parks are no longer recommended eclipse viewing areas: Emerald Lake, Little River. Please be aware that park facilities will still be closed for this event. Portable toilets and/or pit/composting toilets will be available. Park staff may be available on a limited basis.   Parking will be available at each of these locations, but it may be limited depending on the number of visitors. When lots are full, please do not park on the grass or in other areas of the park as resource damage is likely due to soft ground condit
Read more

July Flood 2024 State Parks Status Updates

By -
Image
Post last updated at 08/26/24 at 9:00 AM The only park affected by the flashing flooding on 7/30/24 was Brighton State Park. The park is fully reopened on Wednesday, August 7th. Roads were damaged in the park, locally in the town, as well as the nearby state highway. Park staff have contacted affected reservations.  All parks affected by the July 11 flood have reopened, although 3 parks still have reduced operations. This page will be regularly updated as more information is made available and road repairs are made. Swimwater results are current . Swim areas are posted when there is an increased risk of impaired water quality. For water monitoring results outside of Vermont State Park swimming areas, check out the Vermont Department of Health Cyanobacteria Tracker Map . Parks in the NE part of Vermont bore the brunt of the storm.  Park visitors with affected reservations have been contacted by the parks.  We apologize for this inconvenience. Our priority is to protect the health and
Read more

Join Vermont State Parks for Fun, Guided First-Day Hikes

By -
Image
  First Day Hikers stand in front of Butler Lodge in 2023. Start the new year on the right foot with a hike in the great outdoors. On January 1, 2024, everyone is once again invited to join a free, guided, family-friendly hike taking place at many state parks, state forests, and other public lands across Vermont. Hikes are led by professional guides and outdoor educators eager to share their knowledge and love of Vermont’s outdoors. Don’t need a guide? No matter where you live in Vermont, a state park or state forest is always close by, and you can still get outside to enjoy it. State Park entry is free on New Year’s Day (and all winter long). You’ll discover a whole new world in winter.  First Day Hikers warm up at the CCC shelter at Owl's Head. Please pre-register by contacting hike leaders ahead of time. On hike day dress for the weather and bring snowshoes if the snow is deep, and micro-spikes or traction aids in case of ice. Please also bring beverages and snacks. In the event
Read more