Woodford State Park

Vermont’s Highest Campground — Adams Reservoir at 2,400 Feet, Mountain Hiking & Brook Trout Swimming

Woodford State Park holds a unique distinction in the Vermont State Parks system — at 2,400 feet elevation, it is the highest-elevation state park campground in Vermont. Located on a mountain plateau in the Green Mountain National Forest along Route 9 between Bennington and Wilmington, the park surrounds the 25-acre Adams Reservoir — a mountain lake stocked with brook trout that serves as the centerpiece for swimming, paddling, fishing, and the park’s signature 2.7-mile shoreline loop trail.

With 103 campsites (including 76 tent/RV sites, 20 lean-tos, and 4 rental cabins), Woodford is one of Vermont’s larger campgrounds — yet its mountain-top isolation and dense forest setting maintain a surprisingly wild, secluded character. The park also provides access to the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail, which pass through the surrounding Green Mountain National Forest, making it a strategic base for backcountry hikers.

Things to Do

Swimming

Adams Reservoir features two designated beach areas:

• Day-use beach: Larger beach area open to all visitors
• Campers’ beach: Smaller, more intimate beach reserved for campground guests
• Mountain-fresh water: At 2,400 feet, the water stays refreshingly cool even in midsummer

Paddling & Fishing

• Non-motorized boating: Canoe, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals available at the park office
• Brook trout: Adams Reservoir is stocked with brook trout — fly fishing and spin casting from shore or canoe
• No motors: The reservoir is non-motorized — pure paddling and fishing environment

Hiking

• Adams Reservoir Loop: 2.7-mile scenic trail circling the reservoir — easy to moderate, with forest and water views throughout
• Long Trail / Appalachian Trail access: The surrounding Green Mountain National Forest provides connections to Vermont’s premier long-distance trails

Trails

Camping

Facilities: Flush toilets, hot showers (token-operated), dump station. No hookups — this is mountain camping. Bring warm layers even in summer — nights at 2,400 feet can be cool.

Best Time to Visit

Visitor Tips

• Highest campground: At 2,400 feet, Woodford is Vermont’s highest state park campground. This means cooler temperatures year-round — even in July, nights can drop into the 40s°F. Bring warm layers and a quality sleeping bag.
• No hookups: The campground has no electrical or water hookups. This is mountain camping in a national forest setting — come prepared for self-contained camping.
• Boat rentals: Canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals are available at the park office — a great way to explore the reservoir without bringing your own gear.
• Long Trail access: The park’s location in the Green Mountain National Forest provides convenient access to the Long Trail (and its overlap with the Appalachian Trail). Woodford makes an excellent base for section hiking.
• Route 9 location: Like nearby Molly Stark State Park, Woodford sits on Route 9 between Bennington and Wilmington. The two parks are only about 10 miles apart — you can easily visit both in one trip.
• Foliage at elevation: Leaf color at 2,400 feet arrives 1–2 weeks earlier than in the valleys below. Late September is typically peak — the reservoir reflections during peak foliage are exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: April 2026