Passes & Fees
Standard day-use admission is $5 per adult and $2 per child (ages 4–13). Under 4 is free. A Vehicle Season Pass costs $105 for unlimited day-use access, while an Individual Season Pass is only $40. A 10-Punch Pass is also available for $40. Vermont residents aged 62+ and honorably discharged Vermont veterans qualify for free day admission with a $2 Green Mountain Passport. Camping ranges from $23–$49/night depending on site type.
Parks by Region
Lake Champlain & Islands
Burton Island State Park is a secluded 253-acre island reachable only by boat — the ultimate getaway. Grand Isle State Park occupies the shore of Vermont’s largest lake with stunning Adirondack views across the water. Sand Bar State Park offers the best sandy swimming beach in the state. Kill Kare State Park has protected lakeside picnicking.
Green Mountains — Northern
Smugglers’ Notch State Park sits in a dramatic mountain pass squeezed between towering cliffs, with huge boulders from ancient rockslides. Underhill State Park provides the sunset-side approach to Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak (4,393 ft). Elmore State Park features fire tower views and a clear mountain pond.
Green Mountains — Central & Southern
Gifford Woods State Park neighbors the Appalachian Trail and Killington Peak, with one of Vermont’s last virgin hardwood stands. Calvin Coolidge State Park honors the 30th president with trails through his hometown hills. Jamaica State Park follows the West River through a steep gorge popular with kayakers.
Northeast Kingdom
Brighton State Park sits on the shore of Island Pond — a lake with an island that contains its own pond on the island. Maidstone State Park has one of Vermont’s clearest, deepest lakes (excellent fishing). Groton State Forest sprawls across 26,000 acres housing several distinct park areas.
Best Parks by Activity
Best for Hiking
- Smugglers’ Notch State Park — Dramatic boulder-filled mountain pass
- Underhill State Park — Trail to Mount Mansfield summit
- Groton State Forest — Miles of interconnected trails and fire towers
- Jamaica State Park — West River gorge trail
Best for Swimming
- Sand Bar State Park — Warm, sandy lakefront beach
- Emerald Lake State Park — Clear mountain lake with beach
- Branbury State Park — Lake Dunmore beach and kayaking
- Crystal Lake State Park — Cool crystal-clear waters
Best for Fall Foliage
- Smugglers’ Notch State Park — Iconic Vermont mountain color
- Groton State Forest — Panoramic views from fire towers
- Quechee State Park — Quechee Gorge in autumn splendor
- Calvin Coolidge State Park — Rolling green mountain foliage
Best for Families
- Grand Isle State Park — Lakeside camping and gentle beach
- Quechee State Park — Easy gorge walk on bridge
- Button Bay State Park — Nature center and fossils
- Stillwater State Park — Calm reservoir swimming
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Maple sugaring season, mud-season deals, wildflowers |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Lake swimming, hiking, camping, cool mountain temps |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Legendary foliage (peak late September–early October) |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, quiet frozen landscapes |
FAQs
How much does Vermont state park day use cost?
Day use is $5 per adult and $2 per child (ages 4–13). Under 4 is free. A season pass ($105/vehicle or $40/individual) covers unlimited visits.
When is fall foliage peak in Vermont state parks?
Peak foliage typically runs from late September through mid-October, starting in the northern hills and moving south. Fire towers in Groton State Forest offer the best panoramic views.
Can I camp in Vermont state parks?
Yes — most parks offer tent and lean-to camping. Reservations open in January and popular sites fill quickly, especially during foliage season. Lean-to sites run $27–$49/night.
What is the most unique Vermont state park?
Burton Island State Park, accessible only by boat, offers a secluded island camping experience with marina and nature center.
Start Your Vermont Adventure
Vermont’s 55 state parks offer everything from remote island camping to summit fire towers with views across six states. Whether you’re watching the leaves change from a Groton State Forest overlook or kayaking the West River gorge at Jamaica, the Green Mountain State delivers New England charm at every turn.
