Vermont State Parks – Over 50 Different Ways To Explore the Heritage of Vermont

Strung out like a tapestry from south to north and east to west is the collection of Vermont State Parks that number over 50. Long recognized for its natural and unspoilt beauty, Vermont vacations offer a state park for a day trip, or a week of delights.

Many of the state parks have sites for tents, trailer, RV, and the occasional rustic cabin.

Reserving space is recommended especially during the vacation summer season, and you should contact the phone number listed. Vermont Parks tend to open by Memorial Day and close by Columbus Day.

Things to See, Do and Explore, While in Vermont State Parks…

Vermont State Parks offer wonderful vacation activities such as hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, swimming, fishing, boating, nature walks, horseback riding, exploring historic sites, and wildlife viewing. Many of Vermont’s vacation destinations and attractions are close to one of these state parks.

While most parks have beaches for swimming and trails for walking, if true hiking is in your plans then you’ll want to head out to Smuggler’s Notch and Coolidge. These parks provide access to the Long Trail, the Nations first long distance hiking trail, and where you’ll sample some stunning mountain views.

If the only type of boating challenge for you is the white water type, then be sure to visit Jamaica State Park, or for calmer waters try the magnificent Burton Island Park in the Lake Champlain region. Burton Island State Park is a beautiful place with its impressive stands of White Cedars and White Pines. The island is accessible only by private boat and a ferry.

Other notable parks in the Champlain Lowlands are Kingsland Bay, which offers a fine 1-mile walking trail together with canoeing and kayaking, and Button Bay, that provides a nature center to get you oriented before walking the scenic Champlain Trail.

Vermont State Parks provide an opportunity to explore the history of Vermont. And whether you’re up for a full day’s exploration at Mount Philo State Park, or a side trip to Bennington Battle Monument after spending the morning at nearby Woodford State Park, Vermont’s parks offer a breadth of diverse scenery and activities to mix interesting historical places with fun family vacation activities.

This guide lists Vermont State Parks by region along with phone and web site information. Be sure to check out the park’s web site for latest information regarding reservations, and opening and closing dates.

Let’s get going…

Southern Vermont State Parks:

Many Vermont State Parks offer camping facilities on ponds and lakes and stay open into the colorful fall season. Some offer rustic cabins that provide a sense of home in a forest setting.

Southern Vermont State Parks you can visit on your vacation…

Southern Vermont State Parks
Name
Town
Phone Number
Web Site
Emerald Lake
East Dorset
802-362-1655
Fort Drummer
Guilford
802-254-2610
Jamaica
Jamaica
802-874-4600
Lowell Lake
Londonderry
802-824-4035
Lake Shaftsbury
Shaftsbury
802-375-9978
Townshend
Townshend
802-365-7500
Molly Start
Wilmington
802-464-5460
Woodford
Woodford
802-447-7169

Central Vermont State Parks:

Silver Lake State Park in Bethel is popular for canoeing and fishing – Northern Pike, Perch, Bass provide wonderful sport for the enthusiast. The lake is also popular for swimming and picnicking.

Central Vermont State Parks open during the summer and fall season…

Central Vermont State Parks
Name
Town
Phone Number
Web Site
D.A.R.
Addison
802-759-2354
Wilgus
Ascutney
802-674-5422
Silver Lake
Bethel
802-234-9451
Mount Philo
Charlotte
802-425-2390
Bomoseen
Fair Haven
802-265-4242
Kingsland Bay
Ferrisburgh
802-877-3445
Half Moon Pond
Hubbardton
802-273-2848
Gifford Woods
Killington
802-775-5354
Camp Plymouth
Ludlow
802-228-2025
North Hero
North Hero
802-372-8727
Lake St. Catherine
Poultney
802-287-9158
Coolidge
Plymouth
802-672-3612
Quechee
Quechee
802-295-2990
Allis
Randolph
802-276-3175
Brandbury
Salisbury
802-247-5925
Thetford
Thetford
802-785-2266
Button Bay
Vergennes
802-475-2377
Little River
Waterbury
802-244-7103
Ascutney
Windsor
802-674-2060

Northern Vermont State Parks:

Northern Vermont State Parks range from the sparkling clusters you’ll find on the Lake Champlain Islands to hidden gems deep in the Northern Green Mountains. Both offer majestic views and peaceful recreation such as hiking and boating.

Northern Vermont State Parks you can visit…

Northern Vermont State Parks
Name
Town
Phone Number
Web Site
Alburg Dunes
Alburg
802-796-4170
Crystal Lake
Barton
802-525-6205
Elmore
Elmore
802-888-2982
Lake Carmi
Franklin
802-933-8383
Grand Isle
Grand Isle
802-372-4300
Boulder Beach
Groton
802-584-3823
Ricker Pond
Groton
802-584-3821
Seyon Lodge
Groton
802-584-3829
Stillwater
Groton
802-584-3822
Maidstone
Guildhall
802-676-3930
Brighton
Island Pond
802-723-4360
Kettle Pond
Marshfield
802-426-3042
New Discovery
Marshfield
802-426-3042
Sand Bar
Milton
802-893-2825
Knight Point
North Hero
802-372-8389
Burton Island
St. Albans Bay
802-524-6353
Kill Kare
St. Albans Bay
802-524-6021
Knight Island
St. Albans Bay
802-524-6353
Woods Island
St. Albans Bay
802-524-6353
Smugglers’ Notch
Stowe
802-253-4014
Underhill
Underhill
802-899-3022

Vermont Vacations Lodging Resource:

With so many parks to visit in Vermont and most with campgrounds if you love to camp and have your own equipment then check the park to see if they can accommodate overnight stops.

If you prefer a softer bed with all the amenities for your family then all these parks are close by towns and cities with plenty of lodging to suit all budgets and preferences.

To discover where to stay deals, and compare rates and amenities with a trusted and professional travel organization then check out Vermont lodging and accommodations.