Many Vermont parks plenty of lakes and locations for fishing

Fishing licenses are required for all persons over the age of 15. As of 2011, licenses cost $22 for Vermont residents and $45 for non-residents. Licenses for youths age 15 to 17 are $8 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Three-day licenses are $10 for residents. One-day, three-day, and seven-day licenses for non-residents are $20, $22, and $30, respectively.
Resident and nonresident licenses may be purchased from the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife Department , many sporting goods stores, convenience stores, some town clerk offices, and at the Fish & Wildlife office in Waterbury, at 802-241-3700. Licenses expire on December 31. Fishing licenses must be carried while fishing or transporting fish.

Baker Pond

VT Route 12 Brookfield, VT

Description: The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department owns this pond, which has plenty of places to fish from shore. You can also launch a small boat here.
Species: Largemouth bass and pumpkinseed sunfish are abundant in this pond. The pond is also stocked with brook trout, but your best chances of catching them will be in the spring before the water gets too warm.
Directions: Get off of Interstate 89 at exit 5, and head west on VT Route 64 for 2.8 miles, then turn left (south) onto VT Route 12. The Baker Pond Access Area will be on your right in about 4.2 miles.

Bomoseen State Park

22 Cedar Mountain Road Fair Haven, VT Phone: 802-265-4242

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

The campground contains 66 campsites including 10 lean-tos. The sites are both wooded and grassy open areas. Some are located along the lakeshore. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. The park has a beach for swimming and a picnic area. An open pavilion-type picnic shelter can be reserved for large gatherings. A snack bar concession and boat rentals (canoe, kayak, row, and pedal) are available at the beach. Several hiking trails, including one to Half Moon State Park, provide great hiking opportunities. There is boating and fishing in Lake Bomoseen, as well as in nearby Glen Lake.

Branbury State Park

3570 Lake Dunmore Road (Route 53) Salisbury, VT Phone: 802-247-5925

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

Branbury is located on the eastern shore of Lake Dunmore at the base of Mount Moosalamoo, with the Green Mountain National Forest to the east. The 1,000-foot natural sandy beach on Lake Dunmore and the large open grassy areas make the area popular for swimming, sunning, or picnicking. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. There is fishing and boating (rowboats, canoes, paddle boat rentals) on Lake Dunmore. Open late May to early October.

Button Bay State Park

5 Button Bay State Park Road Vergennes, VT Phone: 802-475-2377

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

Button Bay, a 253-acre park, is located on a bluff in Ferrisburgh along the 130-mile long Lake Champlain. The camping area is an open, grassy area with 73 sites, including 13 lean-tos. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. The park has a play area and a swimming pool with lifeguards. There is a picnic area and a large open picnic shelter pavilion. Boating (canoe, kayak and rowboat rentals available), fishing, and sailing are popular on Lake Champlain. You can explore Button Point Natural Area, hike the trail, and visit the Nature Center. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Camp Plymouth State Park

2008 Scout Camp Road Ludlow, VT Phone: 802-228-2025

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

There is a group camping area on the south side of Buffalo Brook consisting of six lean-tos, tent sites, pit toilets, and a large field for activities. On the north side of the brook there are a large picnic area, play area, sandy beach, horseshoe pits, concession, and boat rentals. Four rental cottages are fully furnished rental units. There is a large enclosed picnic shelter including a kitchen for larger groups as well as two smaller open pavilion-style picnic shelters. Day use hours: 10 A.M.-9 P.M.

CCC's Camp

Rochester, VT Phone: 802-767-4261

Visitors to this park will enjoy the boating, canoeing, nature and hiking trails, swimming, and fishing. Hunting for large and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.

Colton and Kent Ponds

VT Route 100 Killington, VT

Description: These two ponds are separated by less than a mile. There is a Vermont Fish and Wildlife access area at each pond. At Kent Pond, the best place to fish is along the dam breast. Gifford Woods State Park is just across the road from Kent Pond and offers camping and hiking opportunities.
Species: Kent Pond has a very abundant largemouth bass population. It also has pumpkinseed sunfish, and you can catch trout there in the spring. Colton Pond offers largemouth bass, yellow perch, and early season brook trout fishing.
Directions: Both ponds can be easily accessed from VT Route 100, just north of the junction with US Route 4.

Half Moon Pond State Park in Bomoseen State Park

1621 Black Pond Road Hubbardton, VT Phone: 802-273-2848

Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day

This is a camping only park and there are no day-use opportunities. The campground offers camping for all tastes with its waterfront campsites and lean-tos and five furnished cabins. For those seeking more creature comforts, Tall Timbers Cottage, with its waterfront location and private boat dock, offers all the amenities of home. Hikers are likely to see a variety of wildlife. Rowboats, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats are available for rent from the park office, and two small, sandy beaches provide locations for sunbathing and swimming. The pond also has excellent fishing.

Hancock Overlook

Hancock, VT Phone: 802-767-4261

This park features hiking and nature trails, cross-country ski trails, fishing, boating, canoeing, and picnic areas. Hunting for big game, small game and waterfowl is permitted.

Kingsland Bay State Park

787 Kingsland Bay State Park Road Ferrisburgh, VT Phone: 802-877-3445

Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day

Visitors can enjoy the picnic areas and historic buildings of the park, or rent a canoe or kayak for an easy paddle around this protected bay. Picnicking, swimming, and toilet facilities are available. There are scenic trails along the shoreline of Lake Champlain. Boating, fishing, and sailing are also popular. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Pets are not permitted

Lake St. Catherine State Park

3034 VT Route 30 South Poultney, VT Phone: 802-287-9158

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

The campground contains 50 tent/trailer sites and 11 lean-to sites. Grassy open areas, wooded sites and lake access make this camping area very popular. Flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station are provided. The park has well-developed picnic, play, and swimming areas. There is a snack bar concession with canoes, kayaks, rowboats and pedal boat rentals. Boating and fishing are popular on the lake. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Little River State Park in Mount Mansfield State Forest

3444 Little River Road Waterbury, VT Phone: 802-244-7103

Season: Mid-May-Columbus Day

Waterbury Reservoir is particularly favored for boating with a portion of the reservoir devoted to quieter uses. Angling for bass and trout is as popular here as water-skiing. Enjoy swimming beaches, play areas, boat rentals and a launch, and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails in the adjacent Mt. Mansfield State Forest. Self-guided history and nature trails are located close to the camping area. There is a campground with 81 tent/trailer sites, 20 lean-tos and three cabins. Adjacent to the park are miles of hiking trails (open for day use) that take in the rich cultural and natural history of the area.

North Hartland Lake

North Hartland, VT Phone: 802-295-2855

Visitors to this lakeside park will enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, boating, swimming and picnic areas.

North Springfield Lake

Springfield, VT Phone: 802-886-2775

This federally-owned lake is open to visitors. They can enjoy fishing, canoeing, boating, swimming, as well as hiking and nature trails. Hunting is permitted here for small game, large game and waterfowl.

Peavine

Stockbridge, VT Phone: 802-767-4261

Visitors to this park will enjoy picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. Hunting for big and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.

Riverbend

Rochester, VT Phone: 802-767-4261

Visitors to this park will enjoy picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. Hunting for big and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.

Silver Lake State Park

214 North Road Bethel, VT Phone: 802-234-9451

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

There are 40 tent/trailer sites and 7 lean-to sites. There are two rest rooms in the camping area with running water and hot showers ($). There is a trailer sanitary station, but no hookups. The beach has a large grassy area, food concession, rest rooms, changing rooms, and boat and canoe rentals. There is a large picnic shelter for gatherings such as family reunions, company picnics, etc. as well as a play area. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunset Lake

VT Route 65 Brookfield, VT

Description: Children who have difficulty casting may find it easier to fish from the floating bridge that crosses this pond.
Species: You can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass and yellow perch. Trout are stocked here, but the best trout fishing will be in the spring before the water gets too warm.
Directions: Get off of Interstate 89 at exit 5, and head west on VT Route 64 for 2.8 miles, then turn left (south) onto VT Route 12 for about 4.2 miles. Turn left (east onto) VT-65. You will come to Sunset Lake in about 3 miles (just after you cross the interstate).

Texas Falls National Forest

Rochester, VT Phone: 802-767-4261

Features nature trails, fishing, picnic areas and a rest facility.

Union Village Dam

Union Village, VT Phone: 802-295-2855

Visitors can enjoy hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, and picnic areas. Hunting for large and small game, as well as waterfowl, is permitted.

Waterbury Center State Park

177 Reservoir Road Waterbury Center, VT 05677 Phone: 802-244-1226

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

The park is located on a 90-acre peninsula with 22 picnic sites, tables, hibachis, swimming beach, nature trail, trailer boat ramp, boat rentals, concession area and restrooms. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Wilgus State Park

Ascutney, VT Phone: 802-674-5422

Visitors can enjoy boating, canoeing, hiking and fishing. Hunting for big game and waterfowl is permitted.

Wrightsville

Middlesex, VT

Visitors to this park will enjoy picnic areas, hiking and nature trails, swimming, fishing, canoeing and boating. Hunting for big game and waterfowl is permitted.

Boulder Beach State Park

2278 Boulder Beach Road Groton, VT 05046 Phone: 802-584-3823

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

The day use area has 75 shaded picnic sites with tables and hibachis. All rest rooms have lavatories and flush toilets. There is 200 feet of beach and swimming area, cartop boat launch, play area, shelter with group facilities, three large parking lots, and a concession stand. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Brighton State Park

102 State Park Road Island Pond, VT 05846 Phone: 802-723-4360

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Columbus Day Weekend

Brighton State Park is located on the shores of Spectacle Pond. A sandy day use beach and bathhouse is located on Island Pond just a half mile from the campground. The campground sits on the mostly undeveloped Spectacle Pond where it is common to hear loons calling at night. There are 5 cabins, 61 tent/trailer sites and 23 lean-tos. All three restrooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There are hiking trails, a camper's beach with boat rentals, nature museum, an amphitheater, a garage theater, and play area. At the nearby day use area there is a long sandy beach, a bathhouse with restrooms, and rental boats. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Burton Island State Park

Box 123 St. Albans Bay, VT 05481 Phone: 802-524-6353

Burton Island is a 253-acre park off the southwestern tip of St. Albans Point in Lake Champlain’s 'Inland Sea'. The park is accessible only by boat, with the state’s passenger ferry making the 10-minute trip from Kill Kare State Park.

Crystal Lake State Park

96 Bellwater Ave. Barton, VT Phone: 802-525-6205

Season: May 26 - September 4

Crystal Lake is approximately three miles long and about one mile in width. In some places it is known to be more than 100 feet deep. It is a glacial lake beautifully situated among roughhewn mountain sides. Area Attractions include the Jay Peak Gondola at Jay; Burke Mountain Toll Road and fire tower in East Burke; Historical Granite School in Brownington; and Ethan Allen Furniture in Orleans.

Elmore State Park

856 VT Route 12 Lake Elmore, VT Phone: 802-888-2982

Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day

Visitors to this park can enjoy a variety of activities, including climbing Elmore Mountain, boating, canoeing and fishing Lake Elmore, picnic areas, a beach,and public campground.

Grand Isle State Park

36 East Shore South Grand Isle, VT Phone: 802-372-4300

Season: Mid-May-Columbus Day

Park on Lake Champlain includes a beach, picnic areas and a public camping area. Visitore will enjoy the recreation facilities, fitness trail, boating, canoeing and fishing.

Kill Kare State Park

Box 123 St. Albans Bay, VT Phone: 802-534-6021

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

Picnic tables and cooking grills are located throughout the park in open or shaded lawn areas. The open-air shelter has group-sized cooking grills, available electricity, and may be reserved for group functions. The south-facing swimming area has a mostly sandy bottom. The shallower northwest shore is good for wading. There are no lifeguards. The public boat launching ramp gets your boat quickly into deep water. Rowboats are available for rent, or you can ride the Burton Island ferry. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Lake Carmi State Park

460 Marsh Farm Road (Route 236) Enosberg Falls, VT 05450 Phone: 802-933-8383

The waterfalls at Enosberg are the centerpiece of this park, which features a public campsite, beach, canoeing, fishing and picnic areas.

Lower Winooski River

Colchester and Burlington, VT

Description: There are two public access areas on the lower Winooski River, which is located in Colchester and Burlington and drains into Lake Champlain. Both access areas have fishing platforms, and the fishing is often good right from the platforms. At Windermere Way Access Area you can walk down the bike path and get near the mouth of the river. The fishing platform at Windermere Way is also accessible to wheelchairs. The Heineberg Bridge Access Area is further upstream, where VT Route 127 crosses the river.
Species: The Lower Winooski River has any species found in Lake Champlain. Some common species you should expect to encounter are: yellow perch, white perch, smallmouth and largemouth bass, brown bullhead, and northern pike. In general, mid-May through fall offers excellent fishing in the lower river, but the variety and abundance of species will change through the season.
Directions: To get to Windermere Way Access Area, take I-89 to Exit 16. Head north on US Route 7 toward Colchester. Turn left onto Blakely Road and travel to Lakeshore Drive. Bear left onto Lakeshore Drive and continue to Holy Cross Road. Continue on Holy Cross to a 4-way intersection where you will continue straight towards Colchester Point. Turn left onto Windermere Way and follow to the access area.
To get to the Heineburg Bridge Access Area, take Exit 16 from I-89 onto US Route 7. Travel north for approximately 2 miles to Colchester, then turn left onto VT Route 127. Travel on VT Route 127 approximately 4 miles to Malletts Bay, then turn left onto Prim Road (Rte. 127 continuation). Travel another 1.75 miles on Rte 127/Prim Road, and the entrance to the Access Area will be on the right just before Rte 127 crosses the Winooski River.

Maidstone State Park

Maidstone Lake Road Guildhall, VT Phone: 802-676-3930

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

Maidstone is the most remote of Vermont's state parks and still retains much of the wilderness character associated with the Northeast Kingdom.The campground has 44 tent/trailer sites and 37 lean-tos. Three of the four rest rooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There are play areas, hiking trails, and a swimming beaches in the campground. A picnic shelter, swimming beach, and an additional rest room is available at the day use area. Surrounding the park are acres of forest lands that offer miles of logging roads for mountain biking or just walking. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Marshfield Reservoir (aka Molly’s Falls Reservoir)

US Route 2 Cabot, VT

Description: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department access area offers plenty of opportunity to fish from shore, including two fishing platforms. You can also launch a boat here if you like.
Species: You can expect to catch smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch. Though rare when compared with these species, northern pike also live in the reservoir. Trout are stocked here, but the best trout fishing will be in the spring before the water gets too warm and they move to deeper waters.
Location: US Route 2.
Directions: The access area is on US Route 2, roughly midway between Montpelier and St. Johnsbury.

New Discovery State Park at Groton State Forest

4239 State Route 232 Marshfield, VT Phone: 802-426-3042

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day, except for horse camping through Columbus Day weekend

There is a seven site horse camping area located in New Discovery State Park. The group camping area features a hitching post, water spigot and trough for watering horses. Just up the roadway, and past the toilet/shower area, is a horse washing station. Other pets are allowed at designated camp sites. There is a play area and miles of hiking on multiple use trails.

Newark Pond

Newark Pond Road Newark, VT

Description: The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department owns an access area near the north end of the pond. You can either cast from the access area or from the shoulder of the road, which travels right along the north end of the pond. You can also fish from the road shoulder at the dry hydrant, further south. If you have a boat, you can launch one at the access area.
Species: Smallmouth bass and yellow perch are abundant in this pond. The bass tend to be small, but the average size of the perch is larger than most ponds in the area. The pond is stocked with trout, but when the water gets warm in summer, they go to deeper water, and you won’t be able to catch them from shore.
Techniques: The weedbed near the access area provides cover for fish. Rig up with a worm under a bobber and cast toward the weeds. A small spinner is a good choice for an artificial lure.
Directions: From Lyndonville, head north on US Route 5. In the village of West Burke, turn right onto VT Route 5A. After 0.8 miles, turn right onto Newark Street. Travel on Newark Street for about 5.8 miles, and turn left onto Newark Pond Rd. You will come to the pond in about another 1.4 miles.

Ricker Pond State Park

18 Ricker Pond Camp Ground Road (Route 232) Groton, VT 05046 Phone: 802-584-3821

Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day

The campground has 27 tent/trailer sites, 23 lean-tos, 5 cabins and a waterfront rental cottage that comfortably sleeps up to 5 and comes with a canoe. Two of the three rest rooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There is a swimming beach, boat launch, shelter, and access to miles of hiking trails.

Sand Bar State Park

1215 U.S. Route 2 Milton, VT Phone: 802-893-2825

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

Day use only. Two thousand foot sand beach, swimming,canoe and kayak rentals, food concession, and shaded or open picnic grounds with tables and cooking grills as well as a play area. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Shelburne Bay

Bay Road Shelburne, VT

Description: Shelburne Bay is a large bay on Lake Champlain. You can fish along the shoreline at the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s access area, with best fishing from the bridge on Bay Road to the point. You can also access the La Platte River, where the best fishing is usually found closer to the bridge.
Species: This access area offers excellent fishing both in Shelburne Bay and in the La Platte River for fish species such as yellow perch, white perch, bluegill sunfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, rock bass, brown bullhead, and northern pike. If you fish in early spring and late fall, you may encounter lake trout or rainbow trout. Late spring and early summer offers excellent fishing for panfish and bass and northern pike.
Location: Bay Road.
Directions: Take US Route 7 to Shelburne and turn west onto Bay Road. Travel west on Bay Road approximately 1 mile, and the Access Area will be on the right. Once at the access area you can either fish the La Platte River (Bay Road crosses this river) or Shelburne Bay and Lake Champlain itself.

Bullhead Pond

Bullhead Pond Road Manchester, VT

Description: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department land around the pond provides good opportunities for fishing from shore. There is no entrance fee.
Species: Largemouth bass, yellow perch, and brown bullhead live in the pond. Brook trout are stocked there, but if your preference is for trout, you will have to go in the spring before the water gets too warm.
Directions: Take VT Route 7A north from Manchester for about 3.2 miles. Just north of the Manchester Country Club golf course and then Fin Bar Road on your right, turn right onto the driveway which will take you to the north side of the pond.

Echo Lake

Camp Road Plymouth, VT

Description: With the purchase of an entrance fee, the state park offers shoreline fishing, camping (for large groups only), swimming, concession stand, and a playground. You can also rent a boat there. If you have your own boat, you can launch it for free at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife access area on the west shore of the lake.
Species: Largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bullhead, and pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in Echo Lake. Trout are also stocked there, but your best fishing for them will be in the spring.
Directions: From US Route 4 travel south on VT Route 100 for 10.5 miles. At Echo Lake Inn (on your right), turn left onto Kingdom Road. Drive 0.7 miles and turn left onto Camp Road. State Park is 0.5 miles up road on your left.

Emerald Lake State Park

65 Emerald Lake Lane East Dorset, VT 05253 Phone: 802-362-1655

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Columbus Day Weekend

Located between Manchester and Rutland, the park is popular for its wooded hillside campground, beach and swimming area, and nearby attractions and tourist destinations. The park surrounds 20-acre Emerald Lake. It is restricted to non-motorized watercraft, so it is ideal for swimming and paddling. Fishing for yellow perch, small mouth bass, northern pike and other warm-water species. The park is a favorite destination of hikers, with the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail nearby, and trails on Dorset Mountain.
The 67 campsites and 37 lean-tos are located on a heavily wooded ridge above Emerald Lake. Flush toilets, hot showers ($) and a dump station are provided. There is a small beach with snack bar and boat rental facilities. (Canoes, kayaks, row and pedal boats) A hillside picnic area, as well as lakeside picnic tables are available. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Gale Meadows Pond

Gale Meadows Road Londonderry/Winhall, VT

Description: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife access area provides opportunities to fish from shore or launch your own boat.
Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, rock bass, bullhead
Directions: From the junction of VT Route 100 and VT Route 30 in Rawsonville, travel west on VT-30 for about 2.8 miles. Turn right (north) onto River Rd, which becomes Gale Meadow Road Follow Gale Meadow Road to the fishing access area (roughly 2 miles from VT-30).

Green Mountain National Forest

231 North Main Street (offices) Rutland, VT Phone: 802-747-6700

The Green Mountain National Forest scenic beauty along the backbone of Vermont's Green Mountains offers a four season recreation experience. Primitive recreational opportunities exist within the eight Wilderness Areas on the Green Mountain National Forest. The Forest also hosts two National Recreation Areas. The most popular season is autumn, when the mountains are ablaze with color. In spring, the forest bursts forth from the grip of winter and blooming wildflowers that are visible along many of the Forest trails. The first fishing days are enjoyed by a lot of people. Mud season is usually short but intense. Mountain biking and hiking on wet trails is not encouraged during this time. Head nets and an effective insect repellant are suggested for black fly season. Summer is popular for picnicking, camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Winter brings out skiers (both downhill and cross-country), snowboarders, snowmobilers, and snowshoe enthusiasts.
Uses: Hiking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching, bicycling, canoeing, camping, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling

Greendale National Site

Manchester, VT Phone: 802-362-2307

Great fishing spot, complete with rest facilities.

Grout Pond National Site

Manchester, VT Phone: 802-362-2307

Visitors will enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking trails.

Hapgood Pond National Site

Manchester, VT Phone: 802-362-2307

This park offers canoeing and boating, hiking trails, fishing areas, swimming and picnic areas.

Jamaica State Park

48 Salmon Hole Lane Jamaica, VT Phone: 802-874-4600

Season: May 8-Columbus Day

Every spring and fall, on one weekend in late April and late September, there is a water release on the West River from Ball Mountain Dam. This is a semiannual event for many kayakers and canoeists from all over New England. The West River is also a favorite spot for many fishermen. The combination of deep slow running water and shallow fast ripples makes for some fine fishing.
There are 41 tent/trailer sites and 18 lean-to sites that are spread out through the campground. Two rest rooms, complete with hot showers ($), are located in the campground. A picnic shelter and nature center are located near the picnic area and swimming hole. A hiking trail follows the West River and branches off toward Hamilton Falls.
ALERT: The weight limit for the town's bridge leading into Jamaica State Park has been downgraded to 8 tons. Campers with large RV or trailer units should check their total weight to ensure they meet the reduced weight limit.

Lake Shaftsbury State Park

262 Shaftsbury State Park Road (Route 7A) Shaftsbury, VT 05262 Phone: 802-375-9978

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

Lake Shaftsbury State Park is on an 84-acre parcel surrounding the small but picturesque Lake Shaftsbury. A furnished waterfront cottage sleeps six, with deck and grill. Lake Shaftsbury also operates a group camping area with 15 lean-tos available throughout the year for scouts, church groups, and other organizations. Port-a-let facilities are available. There is also a developed beach, play area, and picnic area. There is an open picnic shelter/pavilion available for large group gatherings. The snack bar concession has rental canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and pedal boats. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Lowell Lake

Lowell Lake Road Londonderry, VT

Description: It is free to access this undeveloped state park, which offers shoreline fishing, picnic facilities, and portable toilets. If you have your own canoe, you can launch it here. Motorized boats are not allowed.
Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, bullhead.
Directions: From the junction of VT Route 100 and VT Route 11 in Londonderry Village, travel east on VT-11 for about 3 miles. Turn left (north) onto Lowell Lake Road. Icehouse Road will bring you to a parking area near the lake.

Sadawga Pond

Sawdaga Lake Road, off Route 100 Whitingham, VT

Description: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s access area offers shoreline fishing opportunities, or you could launch your own boat.
Species: Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, bullhead.
Directions: From Brattleboro, travel west on VT Route 9 for about 17.5 miles. Turn left (south) onto VT Route 100. After a little over 6 miles, look for Sadawga Lake Road on your left.

Stoughton Pond

Stoughton Pond Road Weathersfield, VT

Description: The US Army Corps of Engineers’ day-use area offers shoreline fishing access, picnic facilities, and restrooms.
Species: Largemouth bass, yellow perch, bullhead, and pumpkinseed sunfish can be found in Echo Lake. Trout are also stocked there, but your best fishing for them will be in the spring.
Directions: From I-91, get off at exit 8 and travel west on VT Route 131 for about 6.8 miles. Turn left (south) onto VT Route 106. After about 1.8 miles, turn left onto Stoughton Pond Road. The US Army Corps of Engineers day-use area will be on your left just before the road crosses the dam.

Townshend State Park

2755 State Forest Road Townshend, VT Phone: 802-365-7500

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

A visit to Townshend State Park, located at the foot of Bald Mountain on a bend of the West River, feels like a step back in time. The park was constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The campground is a popular destination for visitors seeking a rustic experience. Visitors can take a hike up the Bald Mountain Trail, passing various chutes, waterfalls and pools on the way to spectacular vistas.
The campground, situated in a wooded area, has 30 tent/trailer sites and 4 lean-to sites. There are two bathrooms, one of which has showers ($). A picnic shelter with a fireplace and three tables is attached to the ranger's quarters. Note: Due to the park's physical layout, there is a limit of 6 people and one vehicle per site.

Woodford State Park

142 State Park Road Bennington, VT Phone: 802-447-7169

Season: Memorial Day-Columbus Day

Woodford is located on a mountain plateau and surrounds Adams Reservoir. There are several lakes and ponds in the surrounding area.The campground has 103 sites including 20 lean-tos. The heavily wooded area surrounds the reservoir and offers great camping opportunities. Flush toilets, hot showers ($), and a dump station are provided. There is a small beach and picnic area near the dam with pit toilet facilities. Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available for rent. There are several hiking trails, including a 2.7-mile trail around the lake. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.