Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Vermont
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
There’s no state quite like the Green Mountain State. Since I was a child, I’ve been blown away by the scenery here. I love exploring this gorgeous state but have spent most of my time here in Stowe. However, almost anywhere in the state is gorgeous no matter the time of the year. To get an idea of how special this state is, you can explore its many state parks. So, how many state parks in Vermont are there? In total, there are 55. While that seems overwhelming to some, we have compiled a list for you. From the most popular to the hidden gems, the best hiking, and the best camping, here are some of the best state parks in Vermont.
Most Popular State Parks In Vermont
With 55 state parks, some are certainly more visited than others whether it’s because of their locations or what they have to offer. Here are the most popular Vermont state parks:
1. Emerald Lake State Park
65 Emerald Lake Ln, East Dorset, VT 05253, USA
With a shimmering 20-acre lake, this is a popular summertime destination in Vermont. However, to beat the crowds, coming here in the off-season is always a great choice Aside from swimming at the small sandy beach complete with a snack bar that's open in the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, camping, and picnicking. Check out more things to do in Emerald Lake State Park.
2. Grand Isle State Park
36 E Shore S, Grand Isle, VT 05458, USA
Located on South Hero Island in Lake Champlain, Grand Isle State Park has one of the best and most popular campgrounds in the state. At this state park, you'll be able to go swimming and fishing, and there's a boat launch here as well. Take a look at more things to do in Grand Isle State Park.
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3. Mt. Ascutney State Park
1826 Back Mountain Rd, Windsor, VT 05089, USA
At the center of this Vermont state park is a dormant volcano. But that's not the only reason people visit. Go for a hike on one of the park's 12 miles of trails to sites like former quarries, homesteads, and other relics of the past. You can also take in views of the Connecticut River Valley at some points. To spend more than a day here, feel free to reserve a campsite! There are so many things to do in Mt. Ascutney State Park!
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Best State Parks In Vermont To Camp
Do you love camping? In Vermont, camping while breathing in the fresh mountain air is absolutely incredible. So, get your tents ready and book a campsite at one of the following state parks in Vermont:
4. Smugglers' Notch State Park
6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, USA
With 1,000-foot cliffs, this state park is absolutely stunning. This is a popular spot for bouldering, ice climbing, exploring caves, and hiking. Not only is the hiking epic here but it's one of the best places to camp in the state. The campground consists of 20 campsites and 14 lean-to sites. Discover other things to do at Smugglers' Notch State Park.
5. Molly Start State Park
705 VT-9, Wilmington, VT 05363, USA
Located along the Molly Stark Trail Scenic Byway, this state park is perfect for a family camping trip! The campground consists of two camping loops and amenities include restrooms with flush toilets, running water, and coin-operated showers. There's also a kids' play area and a hiking trail to a fire tower, one of the park's main attractions. Check out other things to do at Molly Start State Park.
6. Ricker Pond State Park
18 Ricker Pond Campground Rd, Groton, VT 05046, USA
Enjoy privacy and quiet at the campground here. This is a great state park to feel far removed from civilization, and camping here may be just what you need to relax and disconnect for a while. The campground has three restrooms, two of which have coin-operated showers. There's also a dump station although no hookups. Home to a pristine pond, visitors and campers alike can enjoy spending time at the swimming beach. What a lovely getaway!
Best State Parks In Vermont To RV
Let’s hit the road in an RV and discover some of the state’s most incredible parks! Don’t have your own RV? Well, you can always rent one from RVshare.com and stop at some of the best RV campgrounds around the state.
7. Quechee State Park
Quechee State Highway, Quechee State Hwy, Hartford, VT 05001, USA
Quechee Gorge can be likened to the Grand Canyon of the East Coast -- and it's absolutely breathtaking! With this natural attraction alone, Quechee State Park is an attractive place to camp. While there are cabins and tent sites, it's a great place to park your RV for a few nights. Create your home base and get out into the park to explore the gorge! Take a look at things to do in Quechee State Park.
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8. New Discovery State Park
New Discovery State Park, 4239 VT-232, Marshfield, VT 05658, USA
Set within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest, New Discovery State Park is an ideal place to camp for anyone who loves the wilderness. So, pull up your RV and enjoy all that this outdoor playground has to offer! You can go horseback riding, hiking along miles of trails, fishing or paddling at the pond, and more. Check out more things to do in New Discovery State Park.
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9. Elmore State Park
856 VT-12, Wolcott, VT 05680, USA
Located in Northern Vermont, this state park is home to the 219-acre Lake Elmore as well as the 2,608-foot Elmore Mountain. Along the lake's shoreline is a sandy beach perfect for relaxing and swimming. You can also spend time kayaking or canoeing if you'd like (boat rentals are available). As for campground amenities, there are two bathrooms with flush toilets, running water, and coin-operated showers. Discover more things to do in Elmore State Park.
Best State Parks In Vermont For Hiking
Hiking trails are abundant in Vermont, especially in the state parks. Whether it’s an easy trail you can take your kids on or a strenuous hike that involves a bit of preparation and, perhaps, backpacking, you’ll find the trails you’re looking for in one of the Vermont state parks.
10. Underhill State Park
Parking lot, 352 Mountain Rd, Underhill, VT 05489, USA
Located within the nearly 40,000-acre Mt. Mansfield State Forest, Underhill State Park has been named "Park of the Year." A popular place to hike, this state park has a total of four trails to reach the Mt. Mansfield summit. Just imagine the views you'll have here! Find out more things to do in Underhill State Park.
11. Camel's Hump State Park
3429 Camels Hump Rd, Duxbury, VT 05676, USA
If you love to hike, this park has some of the top trails in the state. Among them are the Monroe Trail to the summit of Camel's Hump and the Burrows Trail. The trails can be quite muddy during the spring so keep that in mind and make sure you have the appropriate footwear. Take a look at more things to do in Camel's Hump State Park.
12. Gifford Woods State Park
34 Gifford Woods Acc, Killington, VT 05751, USA
While the Appalachia Trail goes through this park, there are many others for hikers who come here to enjoy its natural beauty. The forest here is stunning and one of the best in New England. With so many trails to explore, you may want to book a campsite for a few nights. Check out more things to do in Gifford Woods State Park.
Little-Known State Parks In Vermont
There are popular state parks and there are underrated state parks, and these are the ones we will talk about next. The little-known state parks are hidden gems that, oftentimes, locals aren’t even aware of. With unspoiled beauty and fewer crowds, these are the parks you’ll want to visit to get away from it all.
13. Brighton State Park
102 State Park Rd, Island Pond, VT 05846, USA
Located in Northern Vermont close to the border of Canada, Brighton State Park is lesser-known and, therefore, experiences fewer crowds. However, it offers quite a bit in terms of scenery and recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, SUP boarding, swimming, picnicking, and more. Sounds like a wonderful place to spend time to me!
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14. Burton Island State Park
2714 Hathaway Point Rd, Georgia, VT 05478, USA
Located in Lake Champlain, Burton Island State Park is a remote getaway destination. When you're on the island, you can enjoy three miles of lakeshore, breakfast or lunch at the Burton Island Bistro, camping, a disc golf course, a nature center, and more. There's also a marina with 100 boat slips if you have your own boat. Take a look at the other things to do in Burton Island State Park.
15. Lowell Lake State Park
260 Ice House Rd, Londonderry, VT 05148, USA
A hidden gem, Lowell Lake State Park is home to a historic cemetery with gravestones dating all the way back to the Revolutionary War years. At the lake, visitors can go fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. This park is a peaceful place for a picnic as well. Check out more things to do in Lowell Lake State Park.
Which of these best state parks in Vermont have you been to? Let us know in the comments!
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