Vermont State Parks

Jump!! at Silver Lake in Barnard  Don't have camping reservations this summer? Not to worry. Here are 21 suggestions for park day trips that ought to last you all summer long.  Fishin' at Lowell Lake State Park  Hit the beach- take your pick ! 36 parks have easy access to a body of water, and swim-water test results are posted here .  Rent a canoe, kayak or SUP. Prices are listed on our website . Check out fishing gear for free from one of 17 participating parks with the Reel Fun program , and try casting a line. Look for loons: common spots for sightings are Brighton State Park , Green River Reservoir , and Boulder Beach on Lake Groton. Get a bit of learnin’ with your vacation at a nature program. Guided hikes and paddles, or nature crafts. Get a listing of park programs and events happening during your visit . Climb a fire tower at the following parks: Allis, Elmore or Molly Stark. The gardens at Taconic Mountains Ramble  Particip...

If you had to guess what state park campground in Vermont has the highest elevation, most would probably nominate Smugglers’ Notch, located on a steep, narrow road near Mt. Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont. But, this is not accurate. The park with the highest elevation is an unassuming spot called Woodford, located in extreme southern part of the state only a few miles from the Massachusetts border. The elevation (2,400 ft) is due to its’ location on a plateau in the southern Green Mountains, not far from the Appalachian Trail/ Long Trail. Spruce/ fir forest is more common here, again more reminiscent of the northern forest of the Northeast Kingdom than the hardwoods usually seen in southern Vermont. In addition to hiking, Woodford is also popular with boaters who want to explore the waters and wetlands of the Adams Reservoir.  Here is a sample itinerary to help plan your trip. Friday night: Check in & set up camp, dinner and relax Woodford ha...

Boat ready to go on Lake Bomoseen, by Belinda Lafountain CASTLETON, Vt. – The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has nominated Bomoseen State Park in Castleton as the best family-friendly fishing spot in Vermont.  Bomoseen is now in the running for being named among the foundation’s ‘Top 10 Mom-Approved Places to Fish and Boat in the Nation.’  Voting is open now through June 29 and each vote is a chance to win a family fishing andboating trip to Florida. “Taking kids fishing can be one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a summer day,” said Shawn Good, a fisheries biologist stationed near Bomoseen who frequently fishes there with his son.  “Bomoseen State Park has many of the things that make for a successful fishing trip with young children. It’s best to break up time spent fishing with other activities, and Bomoseen has playgrounds and a beach to go swimming during that down time.  There are also canoe and kayak rentals so that families can...

View from Owl's Head in the Groton Forest  Saturday, June 2nd is National Trails Day, where people all over the country make a point to get out and hike, or do spring maintenance on their favorite local trail.  In Vermont we love our trails, and there truly is a trail for everyone regardless of interest and ability.  To highlight trails in state parks and state lands, we've compiled a list of trail adventures you might like to try this summer. This list only scratched the surface, and we've decided to leave out Camel's Hump and Mt. Mansfield in favor of lesser-known options.  Find a trail that suits your mood! I want..   An easy trail with good views The trail to Button Point at Button Bay State Park is flat and leads to lovely views of Lake Champlain. Or walk the shoreline trails around  Burton Island for lovely views of the lake and surrounding islands. Sunrises and sun...