Vermont State Parks

SPF dispenser at Waterbury Center State Park  Summer in Vermont is in full swing, and people will be able to stay and play longer, safe under the sun – thanks to free sunscreen stations being installed in Vermont State Parks and several other recreational areas. “We are always looking for ways to encourage people to spend time outdoors and enjoy everything Vermont has to offer,” said Craig Whipple, State Parks director for the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. “We’ve had a great run of beautiful, sunny days, and using sunscreen is an important part of being able to safely enjoy outdoor activities,” Whipple said. “We want to make sure no one has to call it a day just because they ran out of sunscreen.”  The sunscreen stations are a joint effort by the Vermont Department of Health, State Parks and the skin cancer education and prevention organization IMPACT Melanoma . The stations are intended to provide convenient access to SPF 30 sunscreen, but they also...

This guest blog is by Matt Parsons, longtime photography intern, writer and avid parks explorer.  An Emerald is described in the Cambridge English Dictionary as a transparent, bright green, valuable stone that is often used in jewelry. Emerald Lake State Park is nestled in the setting of the Taconic mountain range and the Green Mountains of Vermont. The luscious green trees from the mountains high above are reflected in this 28-acre lake, hence the name Emerald Lake. Hidden on the heavily wooded ridge, are 37 lean-to and 66 campsites. Most of the sites are spacious and semi shaded. There is enough distance between the sites to be neighbors and far enough apart to be real good neighbors. Many families were enjoying the park when we visited. The paved loops through the sites made for excellent bike rides for young and old alike. There is plenty to do if you choose to stay within the park. There is a small beach for swimming, a snack bar and boat rental facilities (canoes,...

Try out camping for free, gear included Vermont State Parks is excited to launch the new First Time Happy Campers Program at five parks during the months of July and August. Created in partnership with the Outdoor Gear Exchange, this program provides free camping for new campers, whose names will be chosen at random when they register through https://www.vtstateparks.com/happy-camper.html . The program is designed to encourage families who haven’t camped before to give it a try. Participants will receive a free campsite, firewood, tents, camp stove, lantern and sleeping pads. If campers don’t have sleeping bags or don’t want to bring bedding from home, they can purchase sleeping bags online from the Outdoor Gear Exchange for a discounted rate of $34.95 for delivery to their home or pick up upon arrival at the park. On Friday night, campers will be met by friendly park interpreters who will show them around and help set up their camp, providing camping tips and support throu...