Wilgus State Park
Vermont’s Connecticut River Campground — 15 Tent Sites, 6 Lean-Tos, 4 Cabins, Kayak & Canoe Rentals, Pinnacle Trail Hike, CCC-Era Stonework & Riverside Picnicking
Wilgus State Park is a state park on the banks of the Connecticut River in Weathersfield, Windsor County, Vermont. The park features 15 tent/RV camping sites, 6 lean-tos, 4 rental cabins, kayak and canoe rentals, a hand-carry boat launch on the Connecticut River, the Pinnacle Trail (1-mile loop with scenic vista), the Wilgus Nature Trail (0.5 miles), CCC-era stone fireplaces, a picnic shelter, and pet-friendly facilities.
Wilgus State Park is a compact riverside gem on the Connecticut River — Vermont’s eastern border with New Hampshire. The park offers a classic New England campground experience with tent and RV sites nestled along the riverbank, six lean-tos, and four rental cabins (three are pet-friendly). During summer, a concessionaire offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the Connecticut River — one of New England’s great paddling corridors. The Pinnacle Trail climbs 1 mile to a scenic overlook with views of the river valley and surrounding hills. The park’s CCC-era stone fireplaces and picnic shelter date to the Civilian Conservation Corps era of the 1930s, adding historical character. A volleyball court and horseshoe pit round out the recreational amenities. The park is just minutes from Mount Ascutney and the village of Windsor.
Things to Do
Camping
- 15 tent/RV sites (some with river views)
- 6 lean-tos
- 4 rental cabins (Mink, Osprey, Otter — pet-friendly)
- Group camping area with 3 lean-tos
- Flush toilets, hot/cold water, token showers
- Trailer sanitary station
Paddling & River Access
- Kayak and canoe rentals (summer concessionaire)
- Hand-carry boat launch — Connecticut River
- Excellent flatwater paddling
- River views from campsites
Hiking
- Pinnacle Trail: 1-mile loop to scenic overlook
- Wilgus Nature Trail: 0.5 miles with interpretive signs
- Viewing platform on nature trail
Fishing
- Connecticut River fishing
- Vermont or New Hampshire fishing license required
Recreation
- Volleyball court
- Horseshoe pit
- CCC-era stone fireplaces
- Picnic shelter
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 3985 Route 5, Weathersfield, VT 05156 |
| County | Windsor County |
| Campsites | 15 tent/RV + 6 lean-tos + group area (3 lean-tos) |
| Cabins | 4 rental cabins (3 pet-friendly) |
| Paddling | Kayak/canoe rentals; hand-carry boat launch |
| Hiking | Pinnacle Trail (1 mi) + Nature Trail (0.5 mi) |
| Facilities | Flush toilets, showers (token), dump station |
| Historic | CCC-era stone fireplaces and shelter |
| Pets | Welcome throughout; 3 pet-friendly cabins |
| Wi-Fi | Available |
| Cell Service | Generally accessible |
| Coordinates | 43.3894° N, 72.4075° W |
| Nearby | Mount Ascutney, Windsor village |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Kayak/canoe rentals; warm river paddling; campfire evenings; full facilities; long days | Reservations recommended; popular weekends; mosquitoes along river |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Spectacular Vermont foliage; cool camping; quiet; Pinnacle Trail views; crisp air | Facilities may close mid-Oct; shorter days; cool nights |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Green-up; birding; river flow; wildflowers; quiet campground | Cold water; black flies May; some facilities may not be open |
| Winter | Park closed for camping | Closed seasonally |
Visitor Tips
- Reserve early: The park has only 15 tent/RV sites — reserve online through Vermont State Parks well in advance for summer weekends.
- Kayak rentals: On-site concessionaire offers kayak and canoe rentals during summer — no need to bring your own gear.
- Pinnacle Trail: The 1-mile loop to the scenic overlook is the park’s signature hike — best views during fall foliage.
- Pet-friendly: Dogs are welcome throughout the park and in three of the four cabins (Mink, Osprey, Otter).
- Connecticut River: The park offers direct access to one of New England’s best paddling rivers — flatwater section ideal for beginners.
- Nearby: Ascutney State Park (mountain hiking) and historic Windsor, VT (birthplace of Vermont) are minutes away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wilgus State Park have cabin rentals?
Yes — Wilgus State Park in Weathersfield, Vermont, offers four rental cabins along the Connecticut River. Three cabins (Mink, Osprey, and Otter) are pet-friendly. The park also has 15 tent/RV campsites, 6 lean-tos, and a group camping area with 3 additional lean-tos. Facilities include flush toilets, token-operated hot showers, and a trailer dump station. Kayak and canoe rentals are available through a summer concessionaire. Reserve through Vermont State Parks — the small campground fills quickly in summer.
Can you kayak at Wilgus State Park?
Yes — Wilgus State Park on the Connecticut River offers both kayak and canoe rentals through an on-site concessionaire during the summer season. A hand-carry boat launch provides direct access to the Connecticut River for flatwater paddling. The river section near the park is calm and suitable for beginners. You can also bring your own kayak or canoe. The park is located at 3985 Route 5 in Weathersfield, Vermont.
Last updated: May 2026
