The Top State Parks In Vermont

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For getting a taste of the beautiful Vermont countryside, a camping trip to Half Moon Pond State Park in Fair Haven is in order. This state park sits around Half Moon Pond and makes for an entertaining time. You can go animal watching, take a delightful hike near the water or go fishing in the pond. To make the most of sunny summer days, you can sunbathe at any of the park’s available sunbathing spots.

Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte is home to the grassy, verdant scenery of Lake Champlain, making it a near-perfect sightseeing location. You can take a walk along the lake here or can go hiking on the beautiful hiking trails, walkways which include a hike up the mountainside offering a superb view of the lake and the surrounding countryside. The park has ten campsites and multiple picnic places, including an idyllic shelter on the mountaintop.

Perfect for boating and canoeing, Camp Plymouth State Park is located in the southern part of the state. It sits on the edge of Echo Lake, making it a favorite for both anglers and those who love swimming and paddling. The lake makes for a cool swim in the heat of the summer months and offers some stunning scenery too. For camping, there are many RV sites as well as a pretty picnic area.

The Kingsland Bay State Park is located along the shores of Lake Champlain. The park has beautiful views of the lake, and offers some great water activities. There are canoes and kayaks for rent or you can bring your own. Take a leisurely swim here or recline on the grassy banks where you can watch the many birds grazing and swimming. Campsites and hiking trails afford a good weekend’s outing.

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Elmore, the Elmore State Park is a scenic location for an afternoon picnic. The park has great camping sites available and the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps runs a campfire program. To see the birdlife and wildlife in the park visitors can embark on a variety of hiking trails. One of these is the Fire Tower trail, a walkway which rises up to overlook the surrounding mountains and lakeside and offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding area.

Stillwater State Park is famous for its family programs. Located on the shores of Lake Groton, this park provides tent and lean-to camping. There are five other state parks around Lake Groton, so a visit to Stillwater State Park affords you a variety of experiences for one fee. For adventurous hiking and bike riding, you can explore the extensive trail network around the park.

For an exquisite island experience, you’ll want to head over to Burton Island State Park at St. Alban’s Point, in the northern area of Lake Champlain. This region can only be reached by boat, canoe or ferry. For boaters, this place holds plenty of adventure as well as superb views of the marine life around the great lake. There are campsites for paddlers, along with useful amenities like hot showers, hiking trails, a bistro and a store.

Located on the largest island around Lake Champlain, Grand Isle State Park makes for an exciting camping and canoeing experience. The views of the lake are outstanding from the island, and the lake offers a spectrum of fun things to do including fishing, swimming, sailing and kayaking. The isle is particularly popular with families, and many come here for a sun-drenched vacation in the summer months.

Set along a 363-mile biking route around Lake Champlain, a sublime area which stretches into Canada, Button Bay State Park is famous for its biking activities. The trails around the park allow good family riding, and there is the opportunity for camping at the many campsites on the route. The scenery allows for a good view of the lake and delightful picnic jaunts. There are many popular historical sites and museums which are accessible via the biking trails as well.

Mt. Ascutney State Park offers a collection of trails that wind up and around the mountain. Four hiking trails surround the mountain and offer challenging but rewarding routes to the summit. Along the way, you’ll see some spectacular waterfalls, the largest being the Cascade Falls. Furthermore, there’s an old stone shelter. At the summit, an observation tower allows for some breathtaking views of the mountainside and countryside.

Want spend the night under the stars? Read our guide on the best places to go camping in Vermont, bookable on Culture Trip.