The best camping near Waterbury Center State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Waterbury Center State Park adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Waterbury Center State Park.

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Community favorites near Waterbury Center State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Waterbury Center State Park

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Vermont Ranch & Riverside Retreat

3 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Moretown, VT

⛰ 🐦Wake to the sound of bird calls and water in this private retreat, situated squarely on the confluence of 2 rivers. Eventually, once part of a much larger working merino sheep farm owned by the Cobb family in the 1700s-1800’s, part of the land transitioned to a dairy cow farm operation, c.1940. Today, we steward 10 acres specially designed with horses in mind. Adjacent to a 40-acre cornfield on one side and Mt. Cobb on the other, with sweeping views our place overlooks the confluence of the Mad and Winooski Rivers. From here, you can mountain bike or hoof it to access miles of trails and bucolic scenery. Come visit this gateway to the Scenic Mad River Valley! 🌲🏊🐟The Swimming/Fishing/Tenting site ("site 1") is perched directly aside the Mad River and the Sweet Meadow Side site ("site 2") is just a 2-minute walk across the grassy meadow and down the secluded riverside path to our beloved Mad River beach. This is a semi-private beach, naturally divided and hidden from our other semi-private beach sites. Swim, tube, fish and relax up or down the river and confluence. 👢👓 Get curious about the history of this place by checking out the old abandoned Massey Furgeson hay baler tucked in the woods, the Cobb family cemetery, and more gems from many years gone by. Leave from either site on foot to access a sweet trail that travels along the river, over a private bridge, down a beautiful dirt road and into the forest. 🚴 Our property is located on the CROSS VERMONT TRAIL: "a multi-use path connecting communities, and the natural areas in between - across Vermont!" Check out their website (Cross Vermont Trail Association) for maps, guides, events and outings! Many adventurists also enjoy nearby, mountainous and beloved trails: Camel's Hump, The Long Trail, Mt. Mansfield, Stowe Pinnacle, Smuggler's Notch and more. There are a plethora of shorter, scenic and gentle hikes in our region, "the crossroads and recreation center of Vermont"! We are located just 2 miles from Interstate 89 and we reside on Vermont State Route 100B, allowing ease of access to points North, South, East and West Explore our on-site activity offerings: 🐴 Introduction Session: Get acquainted with our horses, tour the barn, and learn about equine-guided education and grooming. $45 for 1 hour for 1-6 people. 🐴 Horsemanship and Riding Lessons: Learn non-forceful bareback and bit-less leading and mounted techniques step by step. $100/hour or $150/1.5 hours for 1-2 people. 🐴 Family Team Building-Bonding (Most Popular): Enjoy an adventurous, fun, and challenging experience together as a family with exercises and activities facilitated by Lucinda. Non-mounted equine guided education at its best! $250 for 2.5 hours. These rates are discounted for our onsite Hipcampers 🙏🏼 Visit our website for more details: Horses and Pathfinders dot com. We'd love to hear from you! You are welcome to review all the varied, detailed and descriptive reviews and photos from other guests' experiences. This is a working ranch and sometimes equipment is running, but never for more than an hour at a time. Horses are on site and they have full access to this property. If you have an untrained, young or problematic dog, please consider a long lead line and read the dog rules carefully. This is not a deep-woods, wilderness site. Please review the map and note our proximity to the interstate and the route where we reside. ❤️ Many guests, families and couples return here year after year as their destination vacation and getaway. We welcome you to experience what they enjoy so much -- right on site and in this special region, the heart of Vermont. ❤️

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Harold's View Farm

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Westford, VT

Former Dairy Farm but the milking & hay barns burned many years Past. The fields have been maintained to some degree until 2019 when Lee came up with the idea of primitive camping. The land turns out to be ideal because each site makes you feel like the only campers there. New this year you will find a picnic table for 6 and a 3 Ft. dia. fire pit with adjustable grill that flips out for open fire @ each site. Another new item is "Hot Shower"

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Huntington Open Women's Land

10 sites · Tents50 acres · Huntington, VT

Eclipse weeked is almost here! A total Solar Eclipse will be taking place on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. Camel’s Hump Road will be open only to local traffic from Sunday, April 7 at 9 am to Monday, April 8 at 4 pm. Hiking TRAILS are CLOSED for mud season! HOWL overnight guests qualify as local traffic, so if you have booked a room or a campsite, you are allowed to drive on Camel's Hump Road. Men are not allowed at HOWL (with the exception of trans men). Thanks! In April, we'll still be in winter camping mode. It will be early spring in Vermont, and a variety of weather is possible. We're likely to have snow, rain, and/or mud. It's also likely to be windy, and if that’s the case, it will feel colder than it is. Please plan accordingly, and know that the eclipse might not be visible (but it will get really dark in the middle of the afternoon!) . Bring warm clothes, layers, a raincoat or snow shell, and sturdy shoes/boots. Eclipse viewing glasses will be available free of charge at the check-in station. Recently, Vermont has experienced catastrophic flooding and wind storms, leaving many trees unstable and broken tree limbs stuck in the canopy overhead. All visitors to HOWL understand that activity is at their own risk and take responsibility for checking overhead canopy for unstable trees before walking underneath. Hammock campers especially need to be careful. -- Eclipse Update! -- Hello and greetings from HOWL! We are now fully booked for Sunday night. For those who have signed up for a campsite, we’re looking forward to hosting you during the long weekend of the eclipse. Traffic is going to be quite heavy in Vermont, especially on Monday. If you’re arriving on Monday, feel free to get here anytime from 9 AM on. Just give us a heads-up. This VTDigger article focuses on the traffic: https://vtdigger.org/2024/03/24/2024-eclipse-expected-to-bring-traffic-jams-to-vermont/ Traffic is expected to be worst on Monday afternoon and evening, but it will probably still be pretty heavy in the morning, and possibly all weekend. Not to be discouraging; we don’t really know. If you are traveling this week, know that we are getting rain and SNOW, Wednesday through Friday. National Weather Service forecast: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.47588&lon=-73.21207 Road crews are awesome in Vermont, and I'm sure they will be keeping the roads clear as best possible. Driving conditions could be hazardous at times, especially if we get a "wintry mix". Some roads may be shut down for part of Monday. This site for eclipse-related news may be the best place to look for road closure updates: https://www.vermont.gov/eclipse#gsc.tab=0 On that site, it says: "Many towns will report road closures to WAZE, which will be displayed on the app. Not all towns will report road interruptions, so the app will not be all-inclusive. Please respect road closures and detours." Use your judgment and drive safely! I’m sorry to say that there may be snow on the ground when you arrive. On the other hand, it could be melted (due to rain and warmer temperatures). Between the traffic and the snow, the forecast seems a bit daunting. I trust each of you to make the best decision about your travel plans. Not sure what the weather will be like on the 8th. Right now the forecast is for clear skies, but this could change at any moment! Keep an eye on the weather, and you may want to check out this Burlington Free Press article: https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2024/03/28/chances-of-vermont-eclipse-2024-viewing-obscured-by-clouds-clear-skies-april-8/73127363007/ This (older) article talks about the influx of visitors expected to come to Vermont: https://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/local/vermont/2023/05/26/solar-eclipse-2024-vermont-path-of-totality-planning-guide-visiting/70203653007/ If you have eclipse glasses, bring them along. We have about 20 pairs, but we may run out if we get more people. Finally, please go easy on our caretaker. She is only one person and will not have the bandwidth to organize activities for the eclipse. Be perpared to keep yourselves entertained, and please feel free to socialize with other visitors! If you'd like to talk with a Collective member, send us a message or email and we can arrange another time. Thanks! ------ HOWL is a non-profit land trust held in perpetuity for the full diversity of women, regardless of gender assigned at birth, and transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals. We are an intentional community working to create an alternative to systemic oppression and patriarchy. We work collectively to preserve and steward the land, to provide space for community building, service, and skill-sharing, and to collaborate in projects and programming that reflect our shared values of intersectional feminism, compassion, respect, sustainability, and love of the earth.

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Woodbury Meadows

6 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · East Calais, VT

We live on 52 wooded acres in a natural area surrounded by lakes and ponds just 14 miles north of Montpelier VT, our state capital. We are located on the Green Mountain Gravel Growler bike packing trail and have lots of hiking , biking, boating and swimming opportunities nearby. Our amenity's include a bath house, One 30 amp RV site and 4 tent/small RV non electric sites. We are 100% solar powered and have WIFI but no cell service. We cater to small quiet groups who can enjoy our peaceful setting. We are a family friendly, non smoking campground. Pets on leashes are OK. Quiet time is all the time :~). 12 and under free, no Generators.

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Singing Wood Farm

9 sites · RVs, Tents77 acres · Morrisville, VT

Singing Wood is located on 77 acres in Morristown Vermont, Lamoille County. Our farm offers gorgeous all season views of Vermont’s Green Mountains. We are located on Bull Moose Road and Mud City Loop. The farm is sits just outside the edges of Mount Mansfield State Forest with views of White Rocks, Bull Moose Hill, Sterling and Morse Mountains. A hidden tranquil gem in the Vermont countryside surrounded by forest and farmlands, bordered by the pristine trout brook Beaver Meadow Brook. Our family farm features forest trails, wildflower meadows, berry patches, herbs, cut flowers, honeybees, wood fired maple syrup and vegetables. Our farm store is filled with our own farm fresh products as well as a small selection from other quality food artisans and crafts people. The Catamount trail (a 300 mile long winter trail system) passes through our property and offers some of Vermont’s finest backcountry skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. We are just 20 mins from the ski area and town of Mt. Mansfield in Stowe, 35 minutes to the ski areas of Smugglers Notch and Bolton Valley. 1 Hour to Burlington International Airport. We are located near many fine restaurants and breweries (Lost Nation, The Alchemist, and Rock Art among many others). The area is full of year round recreational opportunities.

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Hogback Homestead

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents109 acres · Johnson, VT

Located on 109 scenic acres, we offer beautiful campsites, as well as RV parking and canvas tents for rent. Our property borders Vermont's Long Trail, less than 1/2 mile from the gorgeous vista of Prospect Rock. The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is nearby for bicycle or foot travel, and the Lamoille river is easily accessed for fishing, tubing, kayaking etc. We feature a full-size professionally built Disc Golf course, Elevation Chains, on property. Beautiful views of river and mountains and a secluded yet very accessible location make this an ideal property for camping. New in 2022, a fully functioning outdoor kitchen is now available to all campers. Propane stove, running water and cutlery are provided to make food planning and prep as easy as possible. It also features a large firepit and serves as a great center for community gatherings. A new outdoor shower and outhouse has also been constructed. Biodegradable soaps and beauty products only please! The frogs will thank you. Ask us about canoe and paddleboard rental! About us: At Hogback Homestead we strive to be positive stewards to our land. We actively farm and forage, and appreciate it when our guests take interest as well. We graze sheep, pigs and sometimes other ruminants, keep gardens and perennials, and manage our lands with the most ecological practices available to us. We believe that a strong and thriving community is foundational to a healthy, happy life and welcome all to come visit! Ask about long term camping and internship programs as well.

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Texas Hill Brook & Dark Star Cabin

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Richmond, VT

Learn more about this land: Both sites are located in beautiful Huntington, VT on the occupied lands of the Abenaki/Wabanaki. Texas Hill Brook camp site The Texas Hill Brook site is a flat, wooded campsite on Texas Hill Brook in Huntington. The campsite is roughly 10m x 30m (30' x 100'), large enough for several tents or a small camper/RV. It is accessed by a sloped 50m (about 150') gravel driveway. The narrowest part of the driveway is 2.6m (about 8.5 feet). There is a 3m x 3m (10' x 10') tent platform and a large picnic table. Firewood is provided. Near our home about 120m/400 feet away through the trees but relatively private. Within a short pedal or drive to some of the best mountain biking and hiking Vermont has to offer, 15 minutes to Richmond and Hinesburg, and just a half hour to Burlington. Electricity on site, primitive fire pit, but no other facilities, so ALL waste must be packed out. We have a bucket commode to loan if you don’t have your own. Dark Star Cabin Dark Star is the perfect base camp for your northern Vermont hiking and biking adventures! Comfortable accommodations for 6 in a solar powered cabin. Located in Huntington close to some of Vermont’s best trails, Dark Star is a short hike (less than a mile) from a private, secure parking area. The hike is not difficult, but ground is uneven, some of it is uphill, and it may be wet. Note that this property is HIKE-IN ONLY and pack in/pack out. Unwind in the wood-fired sauna, lounge on the deck under the stars, sharing stories of your escapades and planning the next day’s adventures. Pull-out queen sofa bed on the main floor plus 2 full size beds in the loft. Pillows are provided but bring your own linens. Outdoor shower, WiFi, water filtration system, grill, small refrigerator/freezer, composting toilet, and many other amenities for a comfortable stay.

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Couching Lion Field

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Waterbury Center, VT

Learn more about this land:A mowed area of the upper field with a beautiful view of Camels Hump. There is a pond to swim in and relax by. Star gaze in the evening and awake hearing the birds singing.

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Sasquatch Acres

16 sites · Tents20 acres · Hardwick, VT

Welcome to our wooded haven, offering a rustic camping experience amidst nature's embrace. With over 20 acres of forested land, complete with a babbling brook and extensive hiking trails, you'll find tranquility at every turn. Just a short distance from Lake Elmore, the Elmore General Store, and Elmore Mountain, our location provides easy access to local amenities and outdoor adventures. As stewards of the land, we cherish its beauty and hope you'll do the same. Our camping area offers primitive accommodations with no facilities currently available. Please remember to bring your own camping toilet and pack out all trash. We're in the process of setting up picnic tables and a fire pit for your enjoyment. Rumor has it that Sasquatch pays us a visit every spring, particularly in early April. While we can't guarantee a sighting, the allure of encountering this legendary creature adds to the mystique of our surroundings. Feel free to explore the photos provided, showcasing the scenic beauty of Lake Elmore, nearby hiking trails, and the majestic Elmore Mountain. Unfortunately, we don't have any snapshots of Sasquatch – at least not yet. So come prepared for adventure and immerse yourself in the untamed wilderness that awaits!

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Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents107 acres · Fairlee, VT

We are a 107-acre forest and farm animal rescue. Sleep with the sheep, alpacas, donkeys, potbellied pigs, and rabbits when you pitch your tent or park your camper on our Vermont Farm! Reserve the group site and sleep in the middle of the action! (You do not need a "group" to reserve the group site -- it is just our biggest site and can accommodate groups!). Co-located in the open, grassy area with the free-roaming farm rescues is our RV site. Co-located sites share a community fire ring, so it's a great way to meet and make new friends! Don't have a tent or RV? Spend a magical night in "The Greenhouse" (it's a real, working greenhouse that doubles as accommodations for those looking for a more "glamping" experience). Want a little privacy? Reserve one of our two tricked-out Tent Deck sites (Buddha North and Grandmother Pine), each with its own picnic table, private fire ring, and commercial-grade park grill. Nestled discretely in the forest adjacent to the area where the animals are, you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere even though you are less than a 5-minute walk from your car! Looking for something a bit more remote and spectacular? Hike a half-mile to the Big Sky Tent Deck. An incredible vista awaits you for a little effort! Need gear? We have it for rent, from cast iron grill baskets and griddles to make cooking over a charcoal grill or fire a breeze to tents to 1- and 2- burner propane stoves to tarps to water containers. We even have an Anker Portable Power Station and Portable Kerosene Heater for rent! Need Supplies? Charcoal? Propane? We've got it. ----- We are a small non-profit (501c3). When you stay with us, rent equipment from us, or take a tour with us, 100% of the money you pay goes directly for the care and feeding of the rescue animals. Thanks for supporting us in making a difference in the lives of neglected, abused, and abandoned farm animals! ----- IMPORTANT: MAY 24-26 2024 IS OUR VOLUNTEER WEEKEND AT THE RESCUE. LOTS OF PEOPLE, LOTS OF ACTION, LOTS OF FUN, LOTS OF POOP SHOVELLING AND MORE . ----- CHECK-IN TIME: 3:00 p.m.—7:00 p.m. Please arrive within this time window. If absolutely necessary, you may purchase a check-in extension for $15 in advance or $30 on arrival.

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Art and Health Chill Camping

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Cabot, VT

Spring is in the air...and will burst forth momentarily. Its Vt right!! The buds are unfurling and earth worms coming to seek the sun. Dandylions blanket the landscapes. For those wanting to be creative or explore a new art Medium the art studio has many supplies and i offer pottery classes to a group or individuals. Roam around the Sacred Geometry Gardens, all connected by pollinator fields of flowers and mowed walking paths. There are veggies for sale from the hoophouse fresh eggs and medicinal herbs salves and teas. Sauna is beautiful cedar shaped like a bee hive. hu -um is a beautiful new rock sauna stove. New benches and 1 way glass door. Massages vary from hot stone to medical scar removeal. CBD oils.. Herbs.. Maple salt scrub....you know! The variety of camping options are sure to suit your fancy from swinging in a hammock, to tenting around huge pines. There are open meadows of wild flowers to being tucked into a cozy alcove of ferns next to the woods. Some sites can fit up to 3 tents for a group. Most sites have a fire pit lots of wood branches to burn and campwood is also available. Some sites have tables and benches. Some have electric. The cabin and vintage camper are also available. Tiny house also fully equipted for your arrival. Once here at Back Roads Farm your adventure begins. If your up for music and a night out the Den Hardware store offers music and craft beer. There are resturants and venues within 20 miles. The Village store 2 miles away. Or sink in and lite a fire. Spend the day riding your bike or the Vt Rail Trail , or explore all the walking paths throughout Cabot. Enjoy the view of the Green Mt range to them west... Amazing Camels hump and Mt Mansfield views. To the East the White Mountains. There are many events planned here this summer from the Cabot Arts Festival, and 4th of July parade, Manifestus music fest as well as Ride the Ridges and other pop up events . The sauna is an extra charge but oh so worth it. Pottery classe,, yoga space and fresh greens from the greenhouse await. To top off the weekend enjoy a hot stone massage! (Urban Farm Road) Urban Rd, is named after the original owner of this farm and surrounding land. The original barn burned, although they saved the milk house where my art gallery currently is . The barn has been rebuilt, which is a meeting place. And pottery studio. We also have 100 ft hoop house. After a long day of canoeing Joe's Pond, hiking to the top of Mt Mansfield, or riding the ridges around Cabot you will be glad to arrive and relax. You will find a peaceful, private camp sites. Each with a fire pit, flat ground for your tent or trees to hang your hammock . There are also sites for a RV or "glamping." A few sites are large enough to accommodate 3 tents for a group gathering. I am now offering a shower and flush toilet. Unique offerings include a health component from meditation classes to sauna and masssage.The pottery studio is available for classes or private lessons including Raku firings. Singing Bowls and tunning forks are available on massage or outside. Movement classes are also available in the barn, in the fields or in the Flower of Life meditation garden and labyrinth. The outside garden and 100 ft hoop house is filled with organic vegetables and edible flowers for your enjoyment. The Herb Barn is for drying flowers and creating tinctures and ointments. The Art Gallery in the old milk house is filled with pottery and art work. Bring your easel and paint brushes, learn a new craft, or relax in the sauna. Bike trails are being established throughout Cabot, right out the front door. There are ponds for swimming within a few miles., There are many options for water sports minutes away at Joe's Pond, and many others. The rail trails are less than 10 minutes. Organic beef, raw milk and fresh eggs are around the corner at Molly Brook Farm. Maple Sugar at Goodrich's and fresh blueberries and veggies at Blossoms and Berries, as well as Burtt's Apples and of course Cabot cheese The land is diverse with large open meadows to fields to quiet pine forest. As you walk the tree line you will find old farm implements, old bottles and even an old Ford coop. I would love to restore and use them on the farm. The land is on the crest of the ridge looking East to Danville and the White Mts, and a few feet to the West the entire Green Mts splay before you. The water tastes wonderful, and bubbles up here and there on the property. Our neighbors who also offer camping have sheep, to berries... I offer the healing arts, massage, scar release, the sauna, and other art learning experiences. Please call for arts schedule. * Ps please do not say you will arrive at 5 and show up after dark! Respect goes both ways. I appreciate great campers who pick up and discard their pets poop and respects my time a well. Ps no smoking cigarettes on the property. Thank you to all my great campers! And blessings to those few bad apples!

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Orchard House at Peck Farm

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · East Montpelier, VT

The Orchard House at Peck Farm Orchard is the building where we serve our customers during our orchard season September through October. The property is located on a dirt road in rural Vermont and is surrounded by conserved land in current farm use. Please note: This property has been repurposed for the very special event of the full eclipse April 8th, 2024. Travel and weather in Vermont in April can be like summer, like winter, something in between and all of it in one day. Please pack and plan accordingly. Spring(March-May) travel can be very muddy. The building is made of rough cut wood from our farm property and features a cook stove, power, refrigerator and access to an outdoor fire circle. The floor is concrete so an air mattress or better yet a cot is recommended. Is you plan on using the wood cook stove please let us know. While the cookstove can provide some heat and the ability to cook it does not heat the whole building very well. There are outlets for use in the building. There is one string of plug in lights, no other lighting is installed. A traditional outhouse is located just 50 yards from the Orchard House. Drinkable well water is available upon request with 24 hours notice. 2 miles from the Orchard House is a small cooperative country store with food supplies. The Peck Farm Orchard is located on a beautiful 4 mile loop frequently used by runners and walkers. There is easy access to local hiking trails and snowmobile/skiing trails. The orchard and parking area is located on 18 acres with access to trails spanning more than a thousand acres.

The best camping near Waterbury Center State Park guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the heart of Vermont, Waterbury Center State Park offers a tranquil escape with its pristine waters and lush surroundings. Engage in a variety of activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing in the Waterbury Reservoir, or explore the scenic trails that offer accessible routes for all. With 27 remote paddle-to campsites, adventure awaits those looking to immerse themselves in nature's embrace.

Notable campgrounds

Remote Paddle-to Campsites: Experience seclusion amid Waterbury Reservoir's shoreline with 27 remote sites accessible only by boat.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early to secure your spot, as remote campsites are popular and can fill up quickly during peak season.
Use the online reservation system or call the Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 for convenience.
Keep an eye on cancellations, as last-minute openings can provide unexpected opportunities.
Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding the perfect site.

When to go

The best time to visit Waterbury Center State Park is from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the second Monday in October, when the park is open and fully operational. Outside of these months, the park's services, including remote campsites, are limited due to seasonal closures.

Know before you go

Day use hours are from 10am to official sunset, so plan your activities within this timeframe.
Pets are not permitted in the park, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Remember to bring heat-treated firewood or purchase it locally to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Accessible trails and fishing platforms are available, making the park's natural beauty available to everyone.
Boat rentals are offered until Labor Day, so plan accordingly if you wish to enjoy water activities.