🌤 Weather at Woodford State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20–63 °F | 52–75 °F | 28–68 °F | 11–34 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Rowe 3NE, 14 mi away, elevation 1,735 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adams Reservoir Loop | 2.7 mi | Easy–Moderate | Full reservoir circuit; mixed forest; water views; birding |
| Long Trail / AT Connectors | Varies | Moderate–Strenuous | Access via Green Mountain National Forest; backcountry hiking |
Camping
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Tent/RV Sites | 76 | No hookups; fire rings; picnic tables; wooded settings |
| Lean-to Sites | 20 | Classic Vermont shelters; fire rings; forested privacy |
| Rental Cabins | 4 | Furnished cabins for those wanting more comfort at elevation |
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
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ Mountain swimming; paddleboard/kayak rentals; brook trout fishing; cool nights at elevation | No hookups; token showers; campground fills weekends; bring warm layers for evening |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ PEAK: Foliage at elevation turns early; reservoir reflections; Long Trail hiking; crisp mountain air | Closing mid-Oct; cold nights; bring winter-rated sleeping bag |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Campground opening; brook trout stocking; wildflowers; spring birding; quiet trails | Snow possible at elevation into May; muddy trails; cold water |
| Winter | Park closed for the season | Campground and facilities closed; deep snow at 2,400 ft |
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
Wildlife & Nature
Woodford SP — at 2,400 feet — the highest-elevation state park in Vermont. Moose and spruce grouse inhabit the boreal forest. Loons nest on Adams Reservoir.
Nearby Attractions
Woodford — adjacent. Bennington — 10 miles west.
Can you swim at Woodford State Park?
Yes — Woodford State Park has two designated beach areas on Adams Reservoir: a larger day-use beach open to all visitors and a smaller campers’ beach reserved for campground guests. The mountain-fresh water stays refreshingly cool even in midsummer — it’s a true mountain swimming experience at 2,400 feet elevation. No lifeguards are on duty; swim at your own risk.
Is Woodford State Park connected to the Long Trail?
Woodford State Park is located within the Green Mountain National Forest, which provides access to the Long Trail (Vermont’s premier long-distance hiking trail) and its overlap with the Appalachian Trail. While the Long Trail does not pass directly through the campground, trailhead access is available from the surrounding forest roads. The park makes an excellent base camp for section hiking on either trail.
Last updated: April 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Lake Shaftsbury State Park is a short drive away, and Molly Stark State Park is a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Woodford State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at Woodford State Park?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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