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...

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...