16 Amazing Vermont State Parks You Must Visit

Stunning scenery, pristine forests, majestic mountains, bubbling rivers, and tranquil lakes – Vermont state parks offer all of this and more!

Home to 55 different protected areas, the Green Mountain State is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Whether you’re searching for a thrilling outdoor adventure or a relaxing escape in the mountains, you’re sure to find it here and more!

Just be sure to check out our guide below before packing your bags and hitting the trails!

It can be challenging to pick just one with so many parks to explore, so we’ve done the hard part for you and have identified the most amazing VT state parks that you absolutely cannot miss!

16 Amazing Vermont State Parks You Must Visit

Here’s our ultimate list of the best state parks in Vermont! From the islands of Lake Champlain to the Green Mountains of southern Vermont, these parks offer endless opportunities for adventure and discovery!

All Vermont state parks charge an entry fee of $4 per person for adults 14 years and older, $2 per child ages 4 to 13, while small children ages three and under are free.

If you’re looking for an untouched rural escape, look no further than Burton Island State Park—one of the best places to visit in Vermont.

Situated in the middle of Lake Champlain, this popular island reserve is only accessible via boat – no vehicles allowed!

Burton Island State Park

You can hop on the ferry at Kill Kare State Park in St. Albans and enjoy a ten-minute cruise out to the island, where a plethora of outdoor activities await.

With 253-acres to explore, the island offers everything from hiking to biking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and picnicking.

There’s even a full-service campground in the park, complete with running water and a small store. Here you’ll find several tent-friendly sites alongside cabin and lean-to rentals.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th to September 18th.

Read next: Cabins in Vermont

Camp Plymouth State Park

There are numerous state parks in Vermont, but few of them provide the vast array of activities that can be found at Camp Plymouth State Park.

Located just off the shores of Echo Lake in Ludlow, Camp Plymouth is home to several noteworthy amenities, including hiking trails, horseshoe pits, boat rentals, a play area, a sandy beach, picnic pavilions, and concession stands.

There are also several campsites, including four fully-furnished rental cottages.

In addition to this, there are a few event facilities on the property, both indoor and open-air pavilions, that can be rented out for birthday parties, family reunions, and even weddings.

From swimming to hiking, boating, camping, picnicking, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, event hosting, and even gold panning, there’s certainly plenty to do and see at Camp Plymouth!

The park is open seasonally from May 27th to September 25th.

Read next: Best Beaches in Vermont

Kamp Kill Kare State Park

This former summer camp was purchased by the state in 1967 and has since become one of the most historic Vermont state parks in the area.

Situated along the shores of Lake Champlain in St. Albans, Kamp Kill Kare State Park offers stunning lake views, historical insight, and a variety of outdoor activities.

One of the park’s most protected attractions is its main building, the Rocky Point House.

This 19th-century building initially served as a hotel before being incorporated into the summer camp and eventually converted into a museum.

Today it houses several exhibits that highlight the history of the state park and surrounding area.

Aside from the museum, the park is also home to a swimming area, boat launch, picnic shelters, and several flourishing gardens.

Guests can usually be found swimming, picnicking, boating, or catching the ferry out to Burton Island State Park.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th to September 18th.

Read next: Best Hikes in Vermont

Branbury State Park

Celebrated for its 1000-acres of sandy beaches, Branbury State Park is one of the most popular Vermont state parks.

Located along the shores of Lake Dunmore at the foot of Mount Moosalamoo in Salisbury, this expansive reserve offers everything from swimming to boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and camping.

There’s even a Nature Center at the park that provides hands-on activities and events for kids and adults alike.

Camp facilities at the park include several tent and RV sites, as well as lean-to and cottage rentals.

The park is open seasonally from May 13th thru the second Monday in October.

Brighton State Park

Set along the shores of Spectacle Pond, Brighton State Park is a remote destination, one that offers the opportunity to experience Vermont at its wildest.

With countless hiking trails to traverse, miles of pond to explore, and several scenic views to take in, the park is a highlight of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom.

Here you’ll find a wide array of adventurous activities, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, paddle boarding, as well as park-led nature programs.

Camping is also quite popular, as there are several tent and RV sites available, along with cabin and lean-to rentals.

In addition, this Vermont park is also home to a nature museum, amphitheater, play area, and several beaches.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th thru the second Monday in October.

Button Bay State Park

Named for the button-like rocks that scatter the park, Button Bay State Park is one of the most family-friendly Vermont state parks.

Located along Lake Champlain in Ferrisburgh, this 253-acre park is home to a swimming pool, playground, nature center, several picnic areas, and an expansive campground that includes tent and RV sites, as well as cabin and lean-to rentals.

In addition, this Vermont park lies along the Lake Champlain Bikeway, a 363-mile bike path that travels around Lake Champlain and up into Canada. It’s possible to access several nearby attractions via this route.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th thru the second Monday in October.

Emerald Lake State Park

Spanning a total of 430 acres, Emerald Lake State Park is most famous for its namesake, Emerald Lake.

Known for its emerald green waters, the lake is a popular spot for a variety of non-motorized water activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing.

The park is also located near the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, making it a favorite among avid hikers.

For those interested in camping out, the park offers an expansive campground with 66 tent and RV sites available, along with 37 lean-to rental sites.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th thru the second Monday in October.

Quechee State Park

Quechee State Park is, without a doubt, the most popular of all Vermont state parks.

Located along Route 4 in Hartford, the park’s main attraction is Quechee Gorge, which happens to be the deepest gorge in Vermont.

Dropping down 165 feet below the road, this gorge was formed approximately 13,000 years ago by the Ottauquechee River.

Today the gorge and its river have become a popular spot for hiking and fishing.

For those who’d like to camp out by the gorge, there is a campground situated inside the park that offers both tent and RV sites, as well as lean-to rentals.

The park is open seasonally from May 13th to October 16th.

Half Moon Pond State Park

Set deep within the forests of Hubbardton, Half Moon Pond State Park is a rural park that features a pristine pond, extensive hiking trails, and a wooded campground.

Known for its active wildlife, the park is especially popular among hikers who frequently report sightings of white-tailed deer and moose.

In addition to hiking, the park offers a variety of non-motorized water activities, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.

For those looking to stay the night, the park’s campground offers several tent and RV sites, alongside cabin and lean-to rentals.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th thru the second Monday in October.

Mount Philo State Park

Founded in 1924, Mount Philo State Park is Vermont’s very first state park.

It also happens to be one of the most popular among hikers.

Set atop Mount Philo in the town of Charlotte, the park is famed for its stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains.

Don’t worry, though; you don’t have to work too hard to reach the top. The trail up to the park’s summit is less than a mile long, and, for those who’d rather not hike, there’s even a road you can drive up.

Aside from hiking, camping and picnicking are other common activities.

There’s a small campground with just ten sites available for those interested in staying the night.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th to October 31st.

Seyon Lodge State Park

The only Vermont state park open year-round, Seyon Lodge is the perfect destination for your special gathering or group event.

Home to a beautiful eight-bedroom lodge, the park can accommodate up to 16 overnight guests at a time.

There are also several meeting spaces, as well as a conference center available, for daytime use.

Situated in the heart of the Groton State Forest, the park offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and fly fishing, as well as snowshoeing and cross country skiing when spending the winter in Vermont.

Waterbury Center State Park

Waterbury Center State Park is situated along the Waterbury Reservoir, a massive body of water that serves not only as a recreational destination for visitors but also as an integrated safety mechanism that protects the area against flooding.

While the park is open during the summer months, the reservoir spans a total of 850 acres, reaching depths of up to 100 feet.

This makes it a great spot to partake in a wide variety of water activities, including swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding if you’re spending summer in Vermont.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th thru the second Monday in October.

Lake Carmi State Park

Popular among campers, Lake Carmi State Park is home to Vermont state parks’ largest campground.

With over 130 tent and RV campsites and lean-to and cabin rentals, the park can accommodate a wide array of campers.

Located along Lake Carmi in Enosburg Falls, the 482-acre park is also known for its waterfront activities, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, and boating.

There is also an active nature center that hosts a variety of educational programs and events.

The park is open seasonally from May 20th thru the second Monday in October.

Knight Point State Park

If you’d like to spend a day out on the islands of Lake Champlain, consider visiting Knight Point State Park.

Situated on North Hero, Knight Point is a 54-acre day-use park that offers incredible views as well as a variety of outdoor activities.

From hiking to swimming, fishing, boating, paddleboarding, and picnicking, you’re sure to find plenty to keep yourself entertained.

There is even a disc golf course located within the park that guests are welcome to use.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th thru Labor Day weekend.

Little River State Park

First settled in the early 1800s, Little River State Park was once home to a small community of pioneers.

Today remains of this historic town, such as old cemeteries, sawmills, and bridges, can be found scattered throughout the park, along its many hiking trails.

In addition to its historical past, Little River State Park also offers access to the Waterbury Reserve, where several water activities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating, are available.

For those interested in staying the night, the park is home to a campground that offers several tent and RV sites, along with lean-to and cabin rentals.

The park is open seasonally from May 20th to October 23rd.

Woodford State Park

Situated at 2,400 feet above sea level, Woodford State Park is Vermont’s highest park.

Spanning a total of 398 acres, the park is located across a mountain plateau in Bennington, where it encompasses several lakes and ponds.

Given its high elevation, the park is a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and sightseeing.

Water activities, such as swimming, boating, and fishing, are also common along the park’s lakes.

In addition to this, the park is home to an expansive campground that offers several tent and RV sites, plus lean-to and cabin rentals.

The park is open seasonally from May 27th thru the second Monday in October.

More State Parks in Vermont You Should Consider Visiting

• Knight Island State Park
• Green River Reservoir State Park
• Woods Island State Park
• Smugglers’ Notch State Park
• Allis State Park
• Boulder Beach State Park
• Bomoseen State Park
• Lowell Lake State Park
• Lake St. Catherine State Park
• Coolidge State Park
• Kettle Pond State Park
• Jamaica State Park
• Maidstone State Park
• Fort Dummer State Park
• Mount Ascutney State Park
• Grand Isle State Park
• Muckross State Park
• North Hero State Park
• Taconic Mountains Ramble State Park

Final Thoughts on VT State Parks

No matter which of the Vermont state parks you end up visiting, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

After all, they really do offer something for everyone – stunning scenery, outdoor activities, local history, and authentic immersions into nature.

Did you enjoy learning about VT state parks? If so, be sure to share this article with a friend who may enjoy it too!