4.5Smugglers Notch State Park(377 reviews) - Nice Waterfalls State Parks • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Drives
This narrow path through thousand-foot cliffs, once a smuggling route into Canada, is now a park used for biking, hiking, picnicking and rockclimbing.See more..
I highly recommend this hike a short distance from the Ethan Allen highway. Parking is easy, but bear in mind there is a fee for using the park. It is four dollars for each adult and two dollars for children. It is well worth it. The hike begins right at the parking lot and it is .87 miles to the summit. According to my workout app, it is a 562 foot climb along the entire way to the top. The trail ascends consistently throughout. However, most experienced hikers should have no trouble with this moderate trail. Our 12-year-old daughter handled it fine. Once you reach the top, the views are magnificent. We were lucky enough to have a clear day. That meant we could see across Lake Champlain into New York. It was a fantastic hike in every way.See more..
4.5Jamaica State Park(98 reviews) - Well worth the hike to Hamilton Falls State Parks
Very enjoyable hike along the lake. Highly recommend visiting whether you want to go for a walk through the woods; swimming at the lake; cannoning; or just camping. Will be back next summer to go cannoning. We did t realize that dogs are not welcome at the park. We did t see anything on the website, but realized it once we left.See more..
5.0Camel's Hump(84 reviews) - Camel's Hump, DUXBURY State Parks • Mountains
At 4083 feet high, this peak is connected to Mount Mansfield by the Long Trail.See more..
4.5Grand Isle State Park(70 reviews) - An outstanding campground in the Lake Champlain Islands Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
Grand Isle State Park is a camping-only park located on the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain. There are over 150 sites that include tent/rv sites, leantos, and cabins. Just like other Vermont State Parks, Grand Isle does NOT have RV hookups. The park has a nature center, volleyball court, swim beach, and boat launch. There are kayak rentals available. The season runs May through October.See more..
Great spot for boating, hiking and camping. Off the radar - but close to Burlington, Stowe and the Champlain valley. Many beutiful sites overlooking the res, as well as the historic ruins of the old town, and even some great mountain bike trails. A little of everything,See more..
Not near water (swimming), but park is immaculate. Sites close to route 4 are loud at all hours: motorcycles, trucks, as this is main east/west road in VT. But you can get very woodsy in some sites. Tends to be uncontrolled after hours, can get rowdy. See more..
We stayed for two nights in early October. Despite two super rainy days, we had a great visit. The staff were friendly and diligent. Sites are level and set in a large, grassy area with trees placed selectively to provide privacy. Good location near the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, Shelburne Farm, and UVM (50 mins away).See more..
4.5Alburg Dunes State Park(59 reviews) - Great start to our summer beach time. State Parks • Beaches
This is such an wonderful beach for us because it is shallow for quiet a ways out. The water warms up quicker here. The beach is huge so there is plenty of room to have to yourself. Vermonts have been able to enjoy this beach with little hastle at this time before school is out, .since most tourists have not started the season. This is a great place for floats. We saw some children with a big dragon float. The views of Lake Champlain are super from this state park.See more..
4.5Silver Lake State Park(58 reviews) - A Magical Summer Spot. Thursday: 10:00 AM - 8:30 PM State Parks
like swimming?check. Easy enter for kayaks? check. Private picnic tables along lake trail with water entrance? check. Great views? check. Bath house with shower for men and women? check. Ice Cream bar? check. Easy Parking..well you get the idea by now.See more..
Do not go by your GPS directions as it will take you to the closed gate to the park. Take Rt. 11 and turn left into Lowell Lake Road (ref. Photo that says Attention with orange tapes) or turn right when approaching from the opposite direction. This lake is so beautiful! It is clear and mirrors the trees, skies, clouds so vividly! The water is clear. Perfect for swimming and kayaking as we’ve watched a sociable nine-year old kayaking and swimming alternately. The hiking trail is easy and short with plenty of insects flying around. Applying repellent is a must if you’re allergic to mosquito bites. The uploaded pictures speak for themselves. There is porta potty without smell.See more..
4.5Gifford Woods State Park(53 reviews) - Lean-to First Timer - Loved it! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM State Parks
We camped the last weekend that the park was open for the season. It was during Covid times and I was grateful for the care that was taken by the employees and the visitors. The bathrooms were cleaned 2x per day and that was very appreciated. Our trip lined up with the new moon so we walked to Kent Pond once it was dark and it did not disappoint!! The stars and milky way were mesmerizing!! I love that the AT crosses through it this park, there were many fun places to explore! The lean to was the perfect size for our 2 person tent to be fully covered with room to move around. We had plenty of room left to spread out our gear which was clutch since it rained half our time camping. I can’t wait come back to this park to camp!! See more..
Did the 3 mile hike up Burrows Trail. Very intense and had to take a lot of breaks on the way up. Pack water and snacks. Once you get to the summit it is so worth the view. It is very windy at the top and can be cloudy. Watch your step! I am 23 and have asthma and was able to do the round trip in about 4 hours. Going down is easier than up. See more..
4.5Half Moon State Park(44 reviews) - Beautiful and peaceful campground State Parks
My partner and I had a wonderful trip here. The park is clean, well maintained, and peaceful/quiet. The bathrooms were also very clean. My partner had to pay for his showers with quarters, but I never had to pay for the one in the women’s room (not sure why!). The staff was really friendly and helpful, and you can purchase affordable wood at the front station that burns really well. The pond is on the smaller side but beautiful, and there’s a nice path to walk around parts of the pond. On a clear night, we paddled out to see the milky way stretching out directly above us; It was incredible. There’s a lot to do in the area, and I would definitely return here.See more..
4.0Vergennes Falls Park(41 reviews) - a fun easy stop along the way State Parks • Biking Trails
State park overlooking neighboring New York with a 15 mile-long looping biking trail.See more..
5.0Maidstone State Park(40 reviews) - Great Capming Weekend Thursday: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM State Parks
Beautiful crystal clear lake, nice wooded sites, very remote and quiet. Nice hiking and biking as well as kayaking and canoeing. Ranger Tom extremely welcoming and helpful (found us a better site than the one we booked online!). Highly recommend a visit!See more..
My husband and I stayed in site #85 two nights in mid-September. We were near the bathrooms, which we prefer, and did not feel like we were near the bathrooms (if you know what I mean.) The sites were spacious with lots of trees & greenery between sites. We walked the Adams Reservoir trail. Quiet this time of year. The campground was maybe one-third or one-quarter full. See more..
This experience started off well and got better. We are a family of 4 with varied tastes. Friendly from the first person at the gate. But, for me, the trip took kind of a bad turn and the Canoe Rental staff handled it professionally and courteously. Let's just say, when I got out of the canoe, I lost my balance... you can picture the rest. Suddenly, I was back in the canoe, and not by choice! Instead of doing what a lot of other folks would do, they remained professional and courteous and downplayed my misfortune. My boys and I had a wonderful time canoeing and this could have gone bad quickly. They remained kind and friendly and handled the situation very appropriately. The young lady was named Charlotte but unfortunately, I did not get the name of the young man who patiently held the canoe steady while I got out for the second time... and never laughed at me. Thank you! It was on 6/25/21 at about 4:30 pm.See more..
4.5Ascutney State Park(38 reviews) - Another WOW in Vermont!! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks
This was spectacular! On this perfect October afternoon few things could outdo this. Though the colors were not quite peak, the splash of color was incredible. The drive to the top was nothing short of postcard perfect. There is a viewing overlook part of the way up allowing for a panoramic view of the valley. Once at the top, the view is even more breathtaking. We decided to hike the .7 miles to the summit, though stopped at the observation deck, .1 miles short of the summit. The view from here is 360 degrees and the distance is nearly mind boggling. It was definitely worth the effort. The hike is magnificent taking you through huge rock formations some covered in moss as well as beautiful forests, bushes and flowers. This is a moderate level hike and like any hike you should go prepared. Remember, descending yields to ascending!! See more..
Named for the wife of a general in the American Revolutionary Army, this park is great place to picnic among the trees.See more..
4.5Elmore State Park(36 reviews) - Hiking the Ridge Trail and Fire Tower State Parks • Parks
Great day hike with a lot of varied terrain. It probably took us 4 hours round trip (didn’t factor in the walk from the parking lot to the trailhead). Went up the Fire Tower (hope you’re not afraid of heights) but didn’t go up the last steps as it was icy. Great views. See more..
4.5Kill Kare State Park(34 reviews) - Great Views Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks • Parks
A short drive from St.Albans Bay town rewards you with a pleasant area for strolling and taking in the views of Lake Champlain.See more..
We went here for a late fall quick trip to get the kids energy out. Great playground! The views were beautiful. A port-a-potty available and was in pristine shape (can you every really say that about those?!). The water was super shallow and gross in some areas, but despite the cold, my kids had a blast running through it and splashing around briefly. No seating as picnic tables were stacked away due to COVID. See more..
4.5Underhill State Park(30 reviews) - Fantastic, but be prepared, please! Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks
Vermont park where hikers can begin some of the best trails for Mount Mansfield.See more..
4.0Branbury State Park(28 reviews) - Wonderful space Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM State Parks
Stayed in immediate area but took my dog there for daily walks. Very clean, quiet, spacious park with campsites and restrooms and concession stand. Right on Lake Dunmore with wonderful swimming and boating. See more..
Well, I would have to say that the park is very clean, the sites are very large and mostly private, the staff is very friendly and helpful. There are great hiking trails at the campground, including a swimming hole which is awesome, albeit a hike back up! My reason for giving is 4 stars is the interstate traffic noise -- wherever you go in this park, it is there night and day.See more..
4.5Ricker Pond State Park(17 reviews) - Campsites right on the pond Spent More than 3 hours State Parks
We live this campground, it is well maintained, people are friendly, and swimming and fishing are easy. Many great hiking trails in the area, and call me crazy , but I live the sound of the loons calling!See more..
Green River Reservoir is a great place for day use or overnight camping at their paddle-out camp sites. The reservoir is great for paddle boating, swimming and fishing. There are two boat launch sites, one with wheel chair access. You can buy bundles of wood at the camp office. It was so quiet, only the sound of loons at night.See more..
4.5Brighton State Park(13 reviews) - Brighton's Spectacle Pond Is Beautiful! State Parks
My wife and I "camped" here a year ago (2019), staying in one of the small cabins. This year (2020), our son and daughter-in-law camped and we stayed at a nearby motel. (We had planned to stay in one of the cabins again, but Covid-19 shut them down this year.) Brighton surrounds Spectacle Pond, which is a gorgeous pond and wonderful for swimming and kayaking. The hiking trails are great too. This is a quiet, beautiful place, and the campsites near the pond would be a great place to camp.See more..
This no frills state park has a beautiful location. Each campsite is level and spacious. The lake is beautiful. Great beach for swimming and boat ramp for launching. We loved it!See more..
4.5Niquette Bay State Park(13 reviews) - Great hiking and fun natural beach! Spent 2-3 hours State Parks
Niquette Bay is our go-to local park for hiking and beachside exploring. It's beautiful and interesting in every season.See more..
4.5D.A.R. State Park(11 reviews) - Beautifully managed public space Spent < 1 hour State Parks • Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas Kudos to park manager James and his outgoing helpful assistant. We found this a delightful place to camp and appreciate very much clean bathhouses and grounds. Sites are well separated with terrific greenery surrounding each site. We enjoyed walking the grounds with our two dogs and enjoyed the rocky beach with beautiful view of Lake Champlain.See more..
4.5Wilgus State Park(10 reviews) - 3 Day Fall Weekend Shelter State Parks
Stayed at the Hickory Shelter for 3 nights while we explored and paddled the area for Fall color change. Park reservation prices are fair. This is a nice little compact State Park along the Connecticut River. It has water access, kayak/canoe rentals in summer. Firewood for sale and limited hot showers which take quarters. Park staff friendly. Park well kept. Convenient to I-91. Can use mirror tag to get into Ascutney SP. A very pleasurable stay.See more..
4.5Kingsland Bay State Park(10 reviews) - Kingsland Bay State Park Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Bodies of Water
Beautiful lake views,site right in the bay area, hot birding spot for a variety of species along with the huge bat colonies. Great family spot for swimming and picnics, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding. Attended many weddings and receptions as well. Our families have used this area for years and use to gather every weekend for picnics. See more..
4.5Allis State Park(7 reviews) - County Beautiful Quite State Parks
This is a Beautiful Quite Country, State Park. A must visit if you are in the area. Great place to camp in the lean-tos.See more..
We made a stop at Moss Glen Falls while driving through Granville Gulf Reservation on Route 100. Note that there is another Moss Glen Falls about an hour north near Stowe. The waterfall is visible from the road and there is a small parking area and short path that leads to the falls. It's really beautiful and there is a nice shallow pool at the base to splash around in and get pictures. There is also another waterfall here that's quite nice if the water level is up. As soon as you get on the trail, look to the right for Little Moss Glen Falls, a narrow horsetail waterfall. Overall, a great spot and definitely worth a stop if in the area.See more..
3.5Bomoseen State Park(4 reviews) - Hasn't Changed in 30 Years, Still a Gem State Parks
We had camped at the state park many a year in the 70's & 80's. Small state park with terrific campsite locations where you have plenty of room between sites. Sites vary from in the open to deeply wooded. Lean To'are available as well. Bathrooms are up to date. The beach facility is beautiful with plenty of slips for your boat.See more..
3.0North Hero State Park(4 reviews) - Beautiful park State Parks Beautiful park with amazing colorful trees. It was a great place to take a nice long walk after driving for hours.See more..
This campsite is amazing. Most importantly: it is stunningly beautiful. It is perched on a hill, so many of the sites have a sweeping vista of the Vermont mountains. We upgraded from a tent site to a lean-to and it was an excellent decision. The lean-tos are sturdy, beautifully maintained, and we actually slept in it without a tent! Many hikes are accessible nearby (try out Shrewsbury peak for a challenge!). It is quite remote — there isn’t cell reception here — but all the more beautiful for a real camping experience. The bathrooms and shared amenities at this campsite are very well maintained. Showers and bathrooms are cleaned twice a day and are spotless. Finally, Garecht, the site manager, is wonderful. He was very friendly, ready to help if anything came up, and knowledgeable about the area.See more..
What's so special about this park?! Just about EVERYTHING! First and foremost, what we loved is the peace and quiet of Burton Island State Park. You can only get there by boat, there's a ferry from KillKare State Park or you can bring your own boat, there is a large dock area. The lean to and camp sites are large, most have "private" beaches right on Lake Champlain with gorgeous views in every direction. There is a small camp store with supplies and the staff is warm and friendly. The walking trails are well marked, a nature center, wonderful beaches for swimming, bike trails and the best part: no cars! It's a place to really get away from it all. We loved our stay and will certainly return. It's also a great park for a nice "day visit" as well. This is a must do when in the St. Albans area!See more..
