Group Camping in Vermont State Parks

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation operates seven camping areas for organized groups such as church or school groups, scout troops or 4-H clubs.

Facilities

Group camping areas have lean-tos arranged in clusters of 4 or 5, suitable for several small groups or one large group. Each lean-to has a fireplace and picnic table. There are pit toilets (except Ascutney and Wilgus), hand-pumped spring or well water and a group firepit. Campers must carry their gear a short distance from the parking area to their lean-tos.

Reservations

Reservations should be made at least ten days prior to the reservation period and include a 50% deposit based on anticipated group size, with the adjusted balance due upon arrival. For specific reservation information contact the listed park numbers, or call our central office for pre-season reservations at 1-888-409-7579.

Also...

Groups must be supervised by one or more adults who are responsible for the conduct and activities of the group. Kettle Pond, North Hero, Shaftsbury and Underhill areas are available year-round except during the November deer hunting season. Fees are on a per-person basis. Checkout time is 11:00 a.m. Groups may be accommodated in other parks for the regular camping charge. Other areas may be designated group areas as the need arises.

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State Parks Offering Group Camping

Ascutney
Located at the base of 3144 foot Mt. Ascutney, 3 miles NW of Ascutney Village. Extensive hiking trails and a toll road ascend Mt. Ascutney, a renowned hang gliding launch site.

Camp Plymouth
Located across Buffalo Brook from the day use area at Camp Plymouth State Park on the shore of Echo Lake. There is a large, level, open field suitable for tent camping. Six lean-tos are also available. Just 2 miles from Hwy. 100, a major bicycle touring route.

Kettle Pond
This secluded 103 acre pond is completely surrounded by Groton State Forest. There are 27 lean-tos and easy access to the many recreational opportunities in the area.

North Hero
Located at North Hero State Park along the shores of Lake Champlain in the Champlain Islands, 8 miles north of North Hero Village. Area consists of both lean-tos and tent sites.

Shaftsbury
There are 15 lean-tos in a mature pine woods on Lake Shaftsbury. Across the 26-acre lake is a state operated public swimming and picnic area. A nature trail connects the two areas along the periphery of the lake.

Underhill
The rocky ridge of Mt. Mansfield is just above this group area. The 9 lean-tos make an excellent base camp for the several trails which ascend the western flank of Vermont's highest mountain.

Wilgus
Located at Wilgus State Park, on the Connecticut River, the area contains a grouping of three lean-tos. Wilgus provides access to excellent canoeing on the river.