Vermont - Fishing Locations

Vermont fishing licenses and regulations for 2008

Fishing licenses are required for all persons over the age of 15. Licenses for Vermont residents are $20. Non-resident fishing licenses cost $41. Three-day licenses cost $20. Seven-day licenses cost $30. Licenses for youth age 15 to 17 are $15.

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.

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

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Coolidge State Park
855 Coolidge State Park Road
Plymouth, VT
Phone: 802-672-3612

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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A trip to Coolidge State Park is a trip back in time; the park remains essentially the way it was when it was first created in the 1930s. There are 36 lean-to sites and 26 tent/trailer sites in two camping loops. Five restrooms providing modern plumbing; two have hot showers. There are two large picnic shelters, a picnic area, and a play area. There also is a sanitary dump station for RVs, but no hookups. Many day hikes are available in the park. There a several hiking trails, volleyball and a group camping area in the park.

Gifford Woods State Park
34 Gifford Woods Road
Killington, VT
Phone: 802-775-5354

Season: May 21 - October 19

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With its location at the base of Killington and Pico peaks and close proximity to the Appalachian and Long trails, this park is a favorite of hikers. Many through-hikers pass the park on their Appalachian Trail journey from Georgia to Maine. The park is also a popular destination during the fall foliage season for its dramatic autumn colors.
There are four cabins, 22 tent/trailer sites and 20 lean-to sites situated in two camping loops. Each loop has a rest room with modern plumbing and hot showers. There is a trailer sanitary station, but no hookups. Fire and ice are available for sale. A wooded picnic area is located behind the ranger's quarters with a play area.

Half Moon Pond State Park
Town Road
Fair Haven, VT
Phone: 802-273-2848

This small park on Half Moon Pond features a picnic area, beach, canoeing, fishing, and a hiking trail. There is a public campground available.

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
Ferrisburgh, VT
Phone: 802-877-3445

Lakeside park offering hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing, and swimming.

Lake St. Catherine State Park
3034 VT Route 30 South
Poultney, VT
Phone: 802-287-9158

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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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.

Moosalamoo National Recreation Area
in the Green Mountain National Forest
Near Lake Dunmore Road
Salisbury, VT
Phone: 802-747-6700

The Green Mountain hosts two National Recreation Areas. The Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, encompassing 15,857 acres, is a premier recreation destination that includes hiking trails, mountain bike trails, cross country ski trails, snowmobile trails, the Robert Frost Trail and camping areas at Silver Lake and Moosalamoo campgrounds. Map

Mount Ascutney State Park
1826 Back Mountain Road
Windsor, VT
Phone: 802-674-2060

Season: Mid-May-Octover 15

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Excellent viewing is offered from points along the summit road and trail. The original fire tower with the cabin removed has been relocated for excellent views in all directions. The park has 39 wooded tent/trailer sites and 10 lean-to sites that are arranged within two camp loops. Each loop has a rest room providing modern plumbing and hot showers ($). There is a sanitary dump station for RV's, but no hookups. There is a small picnic area at the foot of the summit, and a picnic area and shelter part way up the summit road. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

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.

Quechee State Park
Woodstock Road (Route 4)
White River Junction, VT
Phone: 802-295-2990

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - October 19

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One of the most splendid natural sites in all of Vermont, Quechee Gorge is a scenic canyon worth rolls of camera film. Visitors may also go hiking, fish the Ottauquechee River, and enjoy the picnic areas. Walking trails double as cross-country ski trails in the winter. A public campground is also available.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Big Deer State Park at Groton State Forest
1467 Boulder Beach Road
Groton, VT
Phone: 802-584-3822

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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The campground has 23 tent/trailer sites and 5 lean-tos. The rest room includes hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available at Stillwater, but no hookups. There's easy access to the Nature Center and miles of hiking trails.

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

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

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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

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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  802-524-6353

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Knight Point State Park
44 Knight Point Road
North Hero, VT
Phone: 802-372-8389

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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Knight Point State Park is home to the Island Center for Arts and Recreation, a community-based group. The center has hosted performances by Hermann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions, the Vermont Shakespeare Company and the Vermont Mozart Festival. Information: 802-372-8400. Expansive lawns are the center of this 54-acre day use park. The lawn becomes meadow west of the developed area, where the forest along the lakeside is a substantial natural feature. A trail loops around the point to offer scenic lake and shore vistas, plus intimate opportunities for close-up nature and forest viewing. The facilities include a sandy swimming beach and boat rentals. Shaded and open picnic areas include cooking grills. The open-air shelter may be reserved for group functions. 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

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

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

This 12,000 acre park offers a great deal for visitors: Fishing, canoeing and boating on the Reservoir. Hikers and mountain climbers will hike up Mount Mansfield.

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

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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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.

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

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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.

North Hero State Park
3803 Lakeview Drive
North Hero, VT  05474
Phone: 802-372-8727

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A wooded park on Lake Champlain, offering a beach, boating, canoeing and fishing areas, and picnicking. There is a public campsite available.

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

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Set on Ricker Pond, this park offers a nature center, canoeing, fishing, a beach, trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, picnic areas and a naturalist on staff. A public campground is available in season.

Sand Bar State Park
1215 U.S. Route 2
Milton, VT
Phone: 802-893-2825

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Labor Day Weekend

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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.

Stillwater Recreation Area of Groton State Forest
44 Stillwater Road
Groton, VT  05046
Phone: 802-584-3822

Season: Mid-May - Labor Day Weekend

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The campground has 62 tent/trailer sites and 17 lean-tos. All rest rooms include hot showers. A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There is a swimming beach, boat launch/dock facility, play area, shelter, and access to miles of hiking trails. The Groton Nature Center is within walking distance. Day use hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Dutton Pines State Park
Brattleboro, VT

This small park offers scenic picnic spots. Hunting for big game and waterfowl is permitted.

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

Season: Memorial Day Weekend - Columbus Day Weekend

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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.

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

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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

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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

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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.

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

Season: Memorial Day-Labor Day

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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

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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.