5 State Parks Near Rutland, Vermont

Noted for their incredible natural beauty, many of Vermont’s 55 state parks rank among the best in the USA.

Providing limitless opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreational activities like swimming, fishing, boating and camping, they showcase everything from comely green fields and picturesque forests, to shimmering lakes and spectacular mountain views.

If you live near the city of Rutland, plenty of these parks are located within close proximity to you. Which means you can visit them whenever you want!

So next time you feel like heading out and about in nature, why not visit any of these 5 state parks near Rutland?

Map of State Parks Near Rutland VT

Below is a map of the state parks in Vermont covered in this post:

List of State Parks Near Rutland

All five of the state parks near Rutland outline below can be reached within a short 35 minute drive from the city in all directions.

Not only does this make them perfect places to visit on a day trip, should you want to stay for an extended length of time at any of them, they all have a range of overnight camping options available too.

1. Gifford Woods State Park

Location: 34 Gifford Woods Acc, Killington, VT 05751

Situated just 15 minutes northeast of Rutland, the Gifford Woods State Park is right on your doorstep.

Established in 1931, this 285 acre park features one of the last remaining old-growth hardwood tree stands in Vermont. Replete with gorgeous native wildflowers, and containing beech, yellow birch, sugar maple, hemlock and white ash, this area is an excellent place to hike around and photograph.

Incorporating part of the Appalachian Trail, the park is nestled at the base of Pico Peak in Killington. One of its main drawcards is Kent Pond, which is a lovely scenic spot for trout fishing, particularly on its eastern shore. Swimming, boating and wildlife watching are all popular activities here too.

For those looking for camping accommodation options, the park offers 21 sites for tents and RVs, which are located in two loops. In addition there are 4 cabins too.

Each loop has flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers and hot and cold running water. While there are no hookups, there is a trailer sanitary station.

2. Bomoseen State Park

Location: 22 Cedar Mountain Rd, Fair Haven, VT 05743

A 30 minute drive northwest of Rutland lies the Bomoseen State Park.
Nestled at the base of Mt. Moosalamoo, on the eastern fringes of Lake Dunmore, the 69-acre pubic recreational space officially became a state park in 1945.

Highlighted by a 1 km natural sandy beach, the stunning, crystal clear lake offers good swimming, fishing, boating and sunbathing opportunities, while its open, expansive grassy area is a great spot for picnics.

The park also boasts several hiking trails that lead you to magnificent scenic spots that showcase caves, streams, mountain lakes and a range of stunning flora. For those interested in mountain biking there are a number of suitable trails too.

Divided by Route 53, you’ll find 36 tent and RV sites located within two campgrounds, as well as the homely Moosalamoo Cottage.

Facilities here include restrooms with flush toilets, hot/cold running water, coin-operated hot showers and a concession stand that sells snack food, drinks and other items like beach toys.

3. Emerald Lake State Park

Location: 65 Emerald Lake Ln, East Dorset, VT 05253

Another park that is a 30 minute drive from Rutland, this time south, is the Emerald Lake State Park.
Surrounding the stunning 20-acre lake that gives the park its name, this is an ideal spot for swimming, paddling, canoeing, kayaking and SUP. Anglers also enjoy the opportunity to fish for small mouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike.

Given its proximity to both the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail, as well as Dorset Mountain, the park is also an excellent spot for hiking, as it showcases wonderful flora, fauna and views.

Located on a dense, wooded ridge, the campground here offers 66 campsites, as well as 37 lean-tos. Facilities and amenities include hot showers (coin operated), flush toilets and a dump station.

There is also a small beach that has a snack bar, while lakeside picnic tables, a hillside picnic area and picnic pavilion that can seat up to 100 people are also available.

4. Coolidge State Park

Location: 855 Coolidge State Park Rd, Plymouth, VT 05056

About a 35 minute drive east of Rutland you’ll find the Coolidge State Park.

Radiating a distinctly timeless feel, the park has changed little since it was first established in the 1930s.

Set within the 21,500 acre Calvin Coolidge State Forest, the park is a noted spot for hiking. With several trails taking you through scenic spots that showcase stunning flora and fauna, as well as a handful of streams where you can fish for brook trout.

The park is also located near the charming village of Plymouth Notch, which is the birthplace of former president Calvin Coolidge, and is a lovely place to explore.

Said to afford some of the best views in Vermont, the hillside campground here offers wonderful scenic vistas of the mountains.

With 36 lean-to sites and 26 tent and RV sites available, the accommodation is provided in two loops. Overall there are 4 restrooms with flush toilets, and two coin operated shower areas. There is also a play area for kids too.

5. Camp Plymouth State Park

Location: 2008 Scout Camp Rd, Ludlow, VT 05149

With a history that dates back to around the 1750s, Camp Plymouth State Park is a fascinating place to visit.

Located a 35 minute drive southeast from Rutland, the 295-acre state park features the shimmering 96-acre Echo Lake which is a very popular spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking, SUP and canoeing.

Also boasting several trails that will take you to various picturesque spots, the park is a haven for those who enjoy hiking, horseback riding and wildlife watching too. While in winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are well practised too.

Camp Plymouth State Park is also a very well known destination for hand gold panning, which takes place in Buffalo Brook.

Accommodation options here include lean to’s and camping for tents, RVs and horses. There are also four cottages that are fully furnished which you can hire.