Vermont State Parks

Please don't travel until it's safe to do so! Our travel posts are great for making future plans or dreaming about your next escape. Learn more about  Vermont State Parks and COVID-19 . For many outdoor lovers, the beginning of fall means the end of the camping season, but don’t pack away your gear just yet! Fall camping in New England is one of life’s greatest experiences! Today we’re taking a virtual journey up to the town of Island Pond in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. This little village was once a thriving railroad and logging hub. Today, Island Pond is home to vast tracts of forest, a huge moose population, and the little slice of paradise that is Brighton State Park .   Checking out the view from my campsite at Brighton State Park. While plenty of visitors flock to Brighton State Park for its quiet camping and spectacular swimming and paddling in the summer, fall is when the magic really happens at Brighton. The air becomes crisp and the smell of balsam surroun...

Burton Island Marina has 100 boat slips Bienvenue aux Canadiens!  Burton Island Marina is now accepting reservations for the first part of the Construction Holiday. Come stay at beautiful Burton Island State Park in our 100-slip marina. Enjoy beautiful sunsets, campfires, and endless activities for the whole family. Rent bikes and explore the island, or take out a paddle-board, canoe or kayak. Join Nature Nate, our park interpreter, for activities each day from guided paddles and fishing to rock painting and nature walks. You can get breakfast or lunch at the Burton Island Bistro For the adults in the group, the Burton Island Bistro has free beer tastings with Long Trail Brewery July 26 th and 14 th Star Brewery August 2 nd , each from 1-4PM, as well as paint and sips on July 23 rd and August 3 rd from 1-3PM. We start taking reservations 2 weeks out from arrival date, so book your stay today at (802) 524-6353.

The Lois McClure Schooner The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (LCMM) is partnering with Vermont State Parks to host a music and food festival to benefit the Vermont Farm Disaster Relief Fund. Not only is there FREE admission into the park all day, but fun activities will be happening all day too, such as a farmer's market, performances, vendors from across the state will be selling local goods, and the regular activities that Kingsland Bay offers - hiking, picnicking, space for games, and more. To add to the special festivities, the LCMM is bringing along a historic ship. The Lois McClure Schooner will be docked on the shores of Kingsland Bay State Park for viewing all day, October 8th. Visitors enjoy a day of music and fun Download a poster of this special event here  or for more information visit http://lcmm.org/our_fleet/lois_mcclure_schedule.htm . Kingsland Bay State Park 's 264 acres sit on the picturesque shores of Lake Champlain, which is...

Open for business! - The Lake St. Catherine Concession Stand Jonas Rosenthal, the town manager of Poultney for over 25 years has another tough job, organizing and running the Lake St. Catherine State Park concession stand. This isn't an ordinary concession stand though; it's a unique opportunity for high school students to gain work experience. It all started six summers ago, when Jonas, who also runs an extensive summer recreation program for youth, heard alot of complaints from kids about wanting to work, but unable to find jobs. A request for proposal (RFP) came up for the concession stand and Jonas applied with the angle of a youth employment program. The selectboard approved with the stipulation that he could run the program as long as he didn't lose any money. Paddleboating at Lake St. Catherine Jonas clarifies that a person managing it could make money, but after paying the expenses for equipment and supplies, and wages of the kids, he really doesn...

So, we're trying an experiment... Burton Island's Marina will continue to be open through the 1st and 2nd week after Labor Day! Come enjoy the beautiful waters and great fishing of Lake Champlain, as well as one of the best places for swimming and picnicking. 15 boat moorings and a 100-slip marina with Wi-Fi connection, dockside electricity, fuel service, and a marine holding-tank pumpout facility plus 3 miles of shoreline, hiking trails make Burton Island a very unique state park. For those wanting to visit after Labor Day, the bath house will be open, wood will be available, and the inner marina will have electricity. For reservations call 802-524-6353.

Take a moment and ask yourself a question, “What shall I Explore?” Whether it is a tranquil fly-fishing spot off the beaten path or some of the most breath-taking mountain top views in the world, Vermont State Parks has a new adventure waiting for you everyday. Pick your Method of Adventure… There are so many exciting opportunities in Vermont State Parks for you and your family to have a one-of-a-kind vacation or outing. Exploring and experiencing all Vermont has to offer can start with choosing activities that you can do as a family. Such activities include, canoeing, hiking, biking, fishing, motor boating, horseback riding, and exploring Vermont’s historic sites. Explore by Boat… Vermont State Parks has waterfront parks suitable for every interest. If white water kayaking tickles your fancy, give Jamaica State Park a try for their biannual white water release. Maybe calmer waters are more your style. Check out the canoe accessible campsites at Green River Reservoir . If you don’t eve...