As the unofficial start to the summer season, Memorial Day Weekend marks the re-opening of Vermont’s legendary state parks.
Vermont’s 52 state parks offer a wide variety of day use activities (such as boating, swimming, fishing, picnicking and hiking) and camping experiences, including drive-in camp sites, lean-to’s, cabins, cottages, remote campsites, group camping areas, and an inn-style lodge. Every park and site is surrounded by Vermont’s beautiful mountains, lakes, forests and fields.
Overnight fees at Vermont State Parks range from $18-$95 per night, depending on accommodations. Interested campers can find campsite descriptions, check availability, and make reservations online at www.vtstateparks.com. The website also lists Vermont’s top state parks for hiking, biking, family camping, paddling, views, and remote camping.
“With 52 state parks, there is truly something for everyone,” said Craig Whipple, Vermont State Parks director. “Each park has its own special feel, features, and activities. The challenge is picking just one! That’s why we encourage people to consider buying season passes.”
Day use fees are typically $3. Alternatively, an $80 vehicle pass provides unlimited day use entry to any park, all season, for up to eight people in one vehicle. Individual passes and punch cards are also available, and a free one-day pass for up to 8 people can be checked out at local libraries.
Once again, Vermont State Parks will be surprising lucky day visitors with Random Acts of Camping, to encourage day-users to try overnight camping. Randomly-chosen winners will receive two free nights of tent, lean-to, RV or cabin camping. The program will kick off at Elmore State Park on June 11. Every Wednesday, state parks staffers will announce which park they’ll visit on the Vermont State Parks website, Facebook and Twitter feeds.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Vermont Arts Council, Vermont State Parks will also host a series of art events throughout the state this summer. Artists will be creating art in several parks as part of “Of Land and Local,” an exhibit designed to encourage dialogue around Vermont landscape issues.
