Vermont State Parks

Vermont State Parks is excited to announce the return of the Words in the Woods  program. These programs allow Vermonters and visitors to enjoy our state’s natural beauty while listening to and reading literature in the outdoors. Words in the Woods events are made possible by Vermont Humanities , the Vermont Arts Council , and a sponsorship by a Northeast Kingdom donor in honor of poet Judy Chalmer.

A family paddles to their remote campsite at Waterbury Reservoir. Each year, more than 75,000 visitors enjoy the natural and recreational opportunities offered at Vermont’s 863-acre Waterbury Reservoir. Little River State Park, Waterbury Center State Park, and the surrounding Mt. Mansfield State Forest land offer access to boating, swimming, paddling, fishing, camping, hiking, and mountain biking. The recently improved boat launches at the Waterbury Dam, Blush Hill, and Moscow Paddlers’ access areas have allowed easier access for boaters and remote campers. The 27 popular remote campsites along the reservoir perimeter can be reserved in advance online at www.vtstateparks.com , or through the parks reservation call center at 1-888-409-7579. While there is no fee for the campsite itself this year, there will be an $8 reservation transaction fee to cover the costs of reservation processing.  Since 2012, Vermont State Parks has worked on managing use, developing remote campsites in a...

MONTPELIER – Vermont State Parks is happy to announce that the 2021 Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge is on! The Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge is a statewide outdoor scavenger hunt where participants earn points by completing fun outdoor activities and earn free state park entry. To get started, go to the Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge web page and download the 2021 score sheet.  Choose the activities from each section that you’d like to do, and take a photo of yourself (or have someone else take a photo) of you doing that activity. Once you reach 250 points, send us your score sheet, photos, and any accompanying materials, and we’ll send you a gold VIP pass good for free park entry for 2021 and 2022! Most of the activities can be done anywhere and include things like hiking to a waterfall, skipping stones or creating a nature journal. You can also earn bonus points by completing weekly bonus activities posted on Vermont State Park’s Facebook page or on the Venture Verm...

  As of March 18th, 2020, Vermont State Parks launched a new reservations system at  www.vtstateparks-visit.com . We are launching a Reservation FAQs series to help you navigate this new system. To learn more about the exciting new features of our reservation system,  click here.  How can I search for sites that will fit my trailer or RV? Visit www.vtstateparks.com and select 'RESERVE' Select ‘Make Reservation In the ‘Find an adventure’ box, you can select a park, location, or leave the ‘Where?’ field blank. Under ‘Interested in’, select ‘Camping & Lodging’. Under ‘Looking for’, select ‘Tent/RV sites’ or ‘Lean-To’. Type in the 'Length' in feet of your Trailer or RV. If you have a specific date in mind, enter for the ‘Arrival date’ and if you are flexible around the needed dates. If you don’t have a date in mind, you can leave this section blank. Select if you desire an accessible site, pets allowed, or a waterfront site. Select ‘Search’.   A list of parks ...

Trail signs at Mt. Philo - Krista Cheney Vermont – The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) and its partners  remind hikers of mud season at this time of year and ask for the public’s help protecting Vermont’s trails. And this year, COVID-19 is still a dominant concern, even with more people vaccinated. FPR and partners are asking for the public’s assistance with making smart choices to protect both public health and trails during this vulnerable time. Vermonters should be aware that mud season conditions have begun and will persist in many places until Memorial Day or later: trail closures may be in effect for several weeks. The Green Mountain Club and other trail organizations are working hard to get the trails ready and opened in time for the traditional kick-off of the season on Memorial Day weekend. Please exercise patience and help in stewarding the trails. While mud season conditions persist, here are some tips to keep you and our trails healthy. ...

Staff stand at the Crystal Lake State Park waterfront -  If you have ever been curious about what working in one of Vermont’s State Parks is like, now  you have your chance to find out, virtually. On Tuesday, April 6, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Vermont State Parks hiring managers will give an online presentation on job opportunities in Vermont State Parks this summer. Additionally, State Parks staff will provide insights, discuss specific job openings, and answer any questions you may have. Of course, you will also learn how to apply for positions and how the hiring process works.   “Vermont has a world class state park system and we’re searching for world class staff to facilitate meaningful and fun experiences in Vermont’s outdoors”, says Forests, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Michael Snyder.   He adds, “Working in a Vermont state park gives staff valuable and diverse work experience and is perfect for those who love the outdoors and are interested in   pur...

The results are in for the 2021 Best In Snow photo contest.  Congratulations to our winners! The photos (seen below) that received the most votes in each category are as follows.