Visit a Vermont State Park
Vermont State Parks are a fun and inexpensive way to experience one of Vermont’s most alluring qualities: unspoiled nature. Grand Isle County has multiple parks totaling more than 1,300 acres, each offering a range of activities from camping to fishing to just laying on the beach.
On Vermont Days, June 12 and 13, Vermont residents will be able to enjoy the parks free of charge.
The Agency of Natural Resources maintains an online guide to all state parks at vtstateparks.com. It includes an updated calendar of events which are still being planned as the state reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Vermont Days, June 12 and 13, Vermont residents will be able to enjoy the parks free of charge.
The Agency of Natural Resources maintains an online guide to all state parks at vtstateparks.com. It includes an updated calendar of events which are still being planned as the state reopens following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alburgh Dunes State Park
151 Coon Point Road
Canoeing, Fishing, Swimming
This 625-acre property became a state park in 1996 and is named for the sand dunes near the center and western end of the south-facing natural sand beach.
The beach and dunes are a barrier island, which is geologically similar to the coastal formations more commonly found along the ocean shorelines. The wetland behind the beach includes the largest black spruce bog in Grand Isle County. This type of bog is unusual for this area as it is more typical of colder northern climates. Core samples from this bog reveal peat to depths of more than 26 feet which provide a record of climate and vegetation dating back to the ice age.
The park’s wetlands and adjacent white cedar forest uplands are one of the largest deer wintering grounds in the county. Visitors will find Wild Turkey in abundance, as well as, a number of other species of birds great and small.
The area was altered before it became a State Park. Portions of the dunes were bull-dozed and protective vegetation was damaged. There is hope that the dunes will eventually repair themselves and it asked that visitors stay outside the protective fence. It is of interest to note that within the protective fence are two rare species of vegetation which are remnants of the post-glacial era when Lake Champlain was an inland estuary of the Atlantic Ocean: Champlain beach grass and the low-growing beach pea.
The park provides a good balance of nature preservation and access to Lake Champlain on one of its longest beaches. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, though only for day use: 10 am to sunset. Fires are only allowed within the provided grills in the picnicking area at the west end of the beach.
151 Coon Point Road
Canoeing, Fishing, Swimming
This 625-acre property became a state park in 1996 and is named for the sand dunes near the center and western end of the south-facing natural sand beach.
The beach and dunes are a barrier island, which is geologically similar to the coastal formations more commonly found along the ocean shorelines. The wetland behind the beach includes the largest black spruce bog in Grand Isle County. This type of bog is unusual for this area as it is more typical of colder northern climates. Core samples from this bog reveal peat to depths of more than 26 feet which provide a record of climate and vegetation dating back to the ice age.
The park’s wetlands and adjacent white cedar forest uplands are one of the largest deer wintering grounds in the county. Visitors will find Wild Turkey in abundance, as well as, a number of other species of birds great and small.
The area was altered before it became a State Park. Portions of the dunes were bull-dozed and protective vegetation was damaged. There is hope that the dunes will eventually repair themselves and it asked that visitors stay outside the protective fence. It is of interest to note that within the protective fence are two rare species of vegetation which are remnants of the post-glacial era when Lake Champlain was an inland estuary of the Atlantic Ocean: Champlain beach grass and the low-growing beach pea.
The park provides a good balance of nature preservation and access to Lake Champlain on one of its longest beaches. The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend, though only for day use: 10 am to sunset. Fires are only allowed within the provided grills in the picnicking area at the west end of the beach.
Grand Isle State Park
36 East Shore Road South
With 226 acres and 4,150 feet of Lake Champlain shoreline, Grand Isle State Park is the most-visited campground in the State Park system. Lakeshore areas provide access to swimming and shore fishing. There is a boat-launching ramp and kayaks and rowboats for rent through the park office. Campers are also admitted free entry to the sand beaches at Knight Point State Park in North Hero and The Alburgh Dunes State Park.
Campers can visit the park’s Nature Center for interpretive programs, games and entertainment. The park also boasts a sand volleyball court, area for horseshoes, children’s play area and nature trail —many visitors find they don’t even need to leave the park to enjoy their vacation.
The park is equipped for campers of all types. The park has 117 tent/trailer sites, 36 lean-to sites and 4 cabin sites. Fifty percent of the sites are large enough for self-contained RVs. The facilities are equipped with running water and hot showers.
36 East Shore Road South
With 226 acres and 4,150 feet of Lake Champlain shoreline, Grand Isle State Park is the most-visited campground in the State Park system. Lakeshore areas provide access to swimming and shore fishing. There is a boat-launching ramp and kayaks and rowboats for rent through the park office. Campers are also admitted free entry to the sand beaches at Knight Point State Park in North Hero and The Alburgh Dunes State Park.
Campers can visit the park’s Nature Center for interpretive programs, games and entertainment. The park also boasts a sand volleyball court, area for horseshoes, children’s play area and nature trail —many visitors find they don’t even need to leave the park to enjoy their vacation.
The park is equipped for campers of all types. The park has 117 tent/trailer sites, 36 lean-to sites and 4 cabin sites. Fifty percent of the sites are large enough for self-contained RVs. The facilities are equipped with running water and hot showers.
Knight Point State Park
44 Knight Point Road, North Hero
This 54-acre day-use park opened in 1978, and is named for the point’s first resident: John Knight. Knight began ferry service from North Hero to Grand Isle in 1785, and his family ran the service until the first bridge for the crossing opened in 1892. The historic Knight Point house features an added wing that serves as a reconstruction of the Knight Tavern, an inn built in 1790; the beautiful brick section of the building was added in 1845.
Expansive lawns are at the center of the park providing plenty of space for picnicking and lawn games. The rest of the park provides a diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, as well as beautiful views. The lawns are bordered by meadowland, lakeside forest and sand beach for swimming. The cobbled shoreline west of the swimming beach is a State Natural Area. This area is home to a diverse group of plant species and is the largest undisturbed example of such a natural community on Lake Champlain.
Visitors should make it a point to walk the trail which loops around the point. The trail offers scenic lake and shore vistas and many opportunities for close-up encounters with nature. There is a connecting path which shortens the walk—both trails are wide and easy to follow.
The park boasts a sand volleyball court, playground and sandy swimming beach with boat rentals available. There are shaded and open picnic areas with cooking grills, as well as, an open air shelter which can be reserved for group functions.
44 Knight Point Road, North Hero
This 54-acre day-use park opened in 1978, and is named for the point’s first resident: John Knight. Knight began ferry service from North Hero to Grand Isle in 1785, and his family ran the service until the first bridge for the crossing opened in 1892. The historic Knight Point house features an added wing that serves as a reconstruction of the Knight Tavern, an inn built in 1790; the beautiful brick section of the building was added in 1845.
Expansive lawns are at the center of the park providing plenty of space for picnicking and lawn games. The rest of the park provides a diversity of ecosystems and wildlife, as well as beautiful views. The lawns are bordered by meadowland, lakeside forest and sand beach for swimming. The cobbled shoreline west of the swimming beach is a State Natural Area. This area is home to a diverse group of plant species and is the largest undisturbed example of such a natural community on Lake Champlain.
Visitors should make it a point to walk the trail which loops around the point. The trail offers scenic lake and shore vistas and many opportunities for close-up encounters with nature. There is a connecting path which shortens the walk—both trails are wide and easy to follow.
The park boasts a sand volleyball court, playground and sandy swimming beach with boat rentals available. There are shaded and open picnic areas with cooking grills, as well as, an open air shelter which can be reserved for group functions.
Knight Island State Park
North Hero
Experience a unique state park visit at Knight Island. The island is located to the east of the North Hero Community Building and to the west of the Woods Island State Park. Both islands were conserved by the Lake Champlain Land Trust and were added to the park system in their effort to secure the few remaining undeveloped islands on the lake.
Park Ranger Jim Putnam characterizes the Knight Island’s allure: “The beauty of the island is that there’s nothing there.” Well not nothing, there are protected bays for swimming, a trail system and a chance to enjoy unspoiled nature.
For information on rates, times and reservations, contact Burton Island State Park at 802-524-6353.
North Hero
Experience a unique state park visit at Knight Island. The island is located to the east of the North Hero Community Building and to the west of the Woods Island State Park. Both islands were conserved by the Lake Champlain Land Trust and were added to the park system in their effort to secure the few remaining undeveloped islands on the lake.
Park Ranger Jim Putnam characterizes the Knight Island’s allure: “The beauty of the island is that there’s nothing there.” Well not nothing, there are protected bays for swimming, a trail system and a chance to enjoy unspoiled nature.
For information on rates, times and reservations, contact Burton Island State Park at 802-524-6353.
North Hero State Park
3803 Lakeview Drive, North Hero
One-third of the area for this 399-acre park lies below 100 feet in elevation which subjects it to seasonal inundation from the fluctuating water levels of Lake Champlain. The forest type in this floodplain area is uncommon for Vermont—found only around Lake Champlain. The park’s forest floodplain is noted for its size, relatively undisturbed condition and the very valuable wildlife habitat it provides. White-tail deer are common, as well as, migratory waterfowl, ruffed grouse and the American woodcock. Chain pickerel and northern pike spawn and feed in the flooded areas. A section of the park’s beach is also home to a protected nesting area for turtles.
Swimming, boating, and fishing are all allowed at the park, which also has picnic areas.
The park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 10 a.m. to sunset.
3803 Lakeview Drive, North Hero
One-third of the area for this 399-acre park lies below 100 feet in elevation which subjects it to seasonal inundation from the fluctuating water levels of Lake Champlain. The forest type in this floodplain area is uncommon for Vermont—found only around Lake Champlain. The park’s forest floodplain is noted for its size, relatively undisturbed condition and the very valuable wildlife habitat it provides. White-tail deer are common, as well as, migratory waterfowl, ruffed grouse and the American woodcock. Chain pickerel and northern pike spawn and feed in the flooded areas. A section of the park’s beach is also home to a protected nesting area for turtles.
Swimming, boating, and fishing are all allowed at the park, which also has picnic areas.
The park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 10 a.m. to sunset.
Sandbar State Park
1215 U.S. Route 2, Milton
This 15-acre parked is named for the natural sandbar between the Champlain Islands and the Vermont mainland. The sandbar is the result of sediment from the Lamoille River which washed downstream filling the lake where the river empties into it. After tens and thousands of years, the marshlands and the shallow waters visitors see today were formed. The area served as a ford between South Hero and the mainland well before the first bridge was built for the crossing in 1850.
The park features 2,000 feet of sand beach, canoe and kayak rentals, food concession, play area and shaded or open picnic areas with cooking grills. The waters of the swimming beach remain shallow well out from shore making it an ideal swimming spot for children.
The park is bordered by Sand Bar Wildlife Management Area which is home to beaver, muskrats, raccoons and turtles, as well as a number of species of birds. Most of the 1,500-acre wildlife area is closed the public. However, fishing and kayaking are allowed from the area just off of Route 2.
The park is open for day-use from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.
1215 U.S. Route 2, Milton
This 15-acre parked is named for the natural sandbar between the Champlain Islands and the Vermont mainland. The sandbar is the result of sediment from the Lamoille River which washed downstream filling the lake where the river empties into it. After tens and thousands of years, the marshlands and the shallow waters visitors see today were formed. The area served as a ford between South Hero and the mainland well before the first bridge was built for the crossing in 1850.
The park features 2,000 feet of sand beach, canoe and kayak rentals, food concession, play area and shaded or open picnic areas with cooking grills. The waters of the swimming beach remain shallow well out from shore making it an ideal swimming spot for children.
The park is bordered by Sand Bar Wildlife Management Area which is home to beaver, muskrats, raccoons and turtles, as well as a number of species of birds. Most of the 1,500-acre wildlife area is closed the public. However, fishing and kayaking are allowed from the area just off of Route 2.
The park is open for day-use from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.