CAMPING IN VERMONT
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Public camping in Vermont began soon after the first parcel of land - Mt. Philo State Park in Charlotte - was donated to the State of Vermont in 1924 for perpetual recreation use for the citizens and visitors of the state. During the 1930s the federal government created the
Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC) to put unemployed young folks to work developing facilities for public use. |
The CCC built 18 Vermont State Parks that are still actively used by the public for camping or day recreation areas.
Since the end of World War II, numerous parcels of land have been donated to, or purchased by, the state for development of state parks or to just keep the land open for future generations. Much of the development of Vermont State Parks took place during the CCC-era and during the 1960s "Vermont - The Beckoning Country" promotion and development period. However, throughout all of this, there was a much greater demand for camping facilities than could be accommodated at state parks. Private campgrounds were established to fill the void as well as to provide services that the state parks were not providing.
Around 1964, the Vermont Association of Private Campground Owners and Operators was organized to cooperatively promote the use and enjoyment of private campgrounds as well as to encourage a high standard of service to the public. The association has continued to grow, with more and more private campgrounds joining to develop a greater presence when dealing with camping issues statewide.
Until 1990, the state parks' operations and maintenance were funded by the state tax dollars, park receipts from fees, and revenue from ski area leases on state lands. As a result of a legislative mandate, the parks have operated without taxpayers dollars since 1991. Likewise, the fees for using
Vermont State Parks have regularly increased to keep more in line with the private campgrounds.
Vermont State Parks Along the Way
As you travel along US Route 2, there are many wonderful Vermont State Parks worth stopping by for a picnic or swim, hike or bike, or for spending a night at a campground.
Starting from the west, a visit to Alburg Dunes State Park, just off Route 2, to swim or picnic is memorable. This park is undeveloped, but it contains one of the longest sand beaches, with natural sand dunes, on Lake Champlain.
Upon leaving Alburg, cross the bridge into North Hero and take a left to North Hero State Park. Swim, picnic or spend a night or more in the campground.
A little further south on Route 2, Knight Point State Park is a relaxing spot to swim, picnic or, during the peak of summer, watch the famous Hermann Lipizzan Stallions perform their majestic show.
Cross the drawbridge into Grand Isle and, if you are looking for a great spot to camp, stop by Grand Isle State Park. It is Vermont’s busiest state park campground and a favorite among many.
As you proceed south, you come to Sand Bar State Park in Milton, Vermont’s busiest day area, where the swimming, picnicking and sailboarding are terrific.
US Route 2 now takes a slight turn to the east, and just off the highway (and I-89 Exit 10) is Little River State Park. Located along the shore of Waterbury Reservoir and the site of a historic community, Little River is a great campground to spend an extended vacation with hiking, biking and recreational water opportunities (particularly when the water returns to full level in the reservoir – the dam is now being repaired).
Traveling east, you come very near the 26,175 acre Groton State Forest along Route 232, where New Discovery, Big Deer, Stillwater and Ricker Pond State Park campgrounds are located, as well as Boulder Beach State Park for swimming, picnicking and hiking. Miles of hiking and biking trails snake through the forest, as well as Seyon Ranch State Park with lodging and fly-fishing opportunities.
As you approach the Connecticut River, take a left onto Route 102 and travel about 20 miles north to Vermont’s rural Maidstone State Park with outstanding camping, swimming, fishing and hiking opportunities. An experience here will not be forgotten.
Whatever your desires, you will experience some of Vermont’s finest state parks along US Route 2. It is well worth the trip! To contact Vermont State Parks, email: parks@anr.state.vt.us, phone: 802.241.3655, fax: 802.244.1481, or visit
http://www.vtstateparks.com/.
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