State and Local Parks
Southern Vermont's state and local parks make room for outdoor activities
7 listings
Brattleboro, VT
Fort Dummer State Park
434 Old Guildford Road 802-254-2610Camping, walking and hiking; near two historic byways; pets allowed
Fort Dummer State Park is in the Connecticut River Valley and along the Molly Stark Byway and the Connecticut River Byway. The campground has 50 tent or trailer sites and 10 lean-to sites and two bathrooms with hot showers. There is a sanitary dump station, but no hookups. Campers also can enjoy at picnic area, hiking trails and a large open field. Park is near the fun and culture-rich town of Brattleboro. - Trail Map (PDF) - Connecticut River National Byway - Molly Stark Byway
Wilmington, VT
Molly Stark State Park
705 Route 9 East 802-464-5460Camping and hiking to fire tower with magnificent views; pets allowed
Park name honors the wife of Gen. John Stark, who served in the Revolutionary War. The park has two camping areas of 23 trailer or tent sites and 11 lean-to sites. Bathrooms with showers. A pavilion with electricity, grill, and tables, is for rent. Hiking trails lead to the Mount Olga fire tower, for magnificent views. - Interactive Campground Map (PDF) - Trail Map (PDF) - Molly Stark Byway
Open: Memorial Day thru Columbus Day, 10am - Sunset.
Jamaica, VT
Jamaica State Park
48 Salmon Hole Lane 802-874-4600Tent and trailer camping; white water release; fishing; pets allowed
The park has 41 tent or trailer sites and 18 lean-to sites. Two rest rooms have hot showers. A picnic shelter and nature center are near the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River.
Every September the Army Corps of engineers releases water from the Ball Mountain Dam. The event draws many rafters, kayakers and canoeists. The West River is also a favorite spot for fishermen. - Campground Map (PDF) - Trail Guide (PDF)
Open: Late April thru Columbus Day, 10am - Sunset.
Shaftsbury, VT
Lake Shaftsbury State Park
262 Shaftsbury State Park Road (Route 7A) 802-375-9978Furnished cottage on the lake; group camping; boat rentals; swimming; pets allowed
Lake Shaftsbury State Park surrounding the lovely Lake Shaftsbury. Park has a furnished waterfront cottage for up to six people, with deck and grill and a group camping area with clusters of lean-tos. Also, a swimming beach, play area, and picnic area. A concessionaire rents canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. The Healing Springs Nature Trail along the lakeshore is good for walking. People may rent the open pavilion with electricity, grills, tables, chairs, and a bathroom. It is wheelchair accessible. - Interactive Campground Map (PDF) - Healing Springs Walking Trail (PDF)
Open: Memorial Day thru Labor Day, 10am - Sunset.
East Dorset, VT
Emerald Lake State Park
65 Emerald Lake Lane 802-362-1655Great camping, swimming, paddling, fishing, walking, hiking; motor boats prohibited
This park is popular for water sports and hiking, as well as its wooded campground and swimming beach. Emerald Lake is good for swimming and paddling. Motor boats prohibited. Species for fishing include yellow perch, small mouth bass, and northern pike. The park is a favorite destination of hikers, with the Long and Appalachian trails nearby.
Campsites and lean-to sites are on the wooded ridge above the lake. Flush toilets, hot showers, and dump station provided. There is a beach with a snack bar and boat rentals. Picnic areas are nearby. - Campground Map (PDF) - Trail Guide (PDF)
Season & Hours: Memorial Day thru Columbus Day, 10am - Sunset.
Townshend, VT
Townshend State Park
2755 State Forest Road 802-365-7500Rustic camping; hike to the mountaintop; limit on people and vehicles per campsite; pets allowed
Townshend State Park is at the bottom of Bald Mountain and on the West River. The park looks has a picnic area, hiking trails, and a campground with tent platforms, for a rustic camping experience. The wooded campground has 30 tent or trailer sites and 4 lean-to sites. Two bathrooms (one with showers); a picnic shelter with a fireplace and three tables. There is a trail to the top of Bald Mountain for day hiking, with fantastic views. There is a limit of 6 people per site and one vehicle per site. - Campground Map (PDF) - Trail Guide (PDF)
Open: Memorial Day thru Labor Day, 10am - Sunset.
Woodford, VT
Woodford State Park
142 State Park Road 802-447-7169Good camping, walking and hiking; lakes with boat rentals; pets permitted
Woodford State Park is at 2,400 feet, with the highest campground in Vermont. The park surrounds Adams Reservoir and is near Green Mountain National Forest. The local has several lakes and ponds.
The wooded campground has 103 sites. Flush toilets, hot showers for a fee, and a dump station are provided. A small beach and picnic area are located near the dam. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are for rent. There are several hiking trails, including a three-mile trail around the lake. - Interactive Campground Map (PDF) - Hiking Trail Map (PDF)
Open: Memorial Day thru Columbus Day, 10am - Sunset.