Day Use Overview

If you're looking to go for a swim, cool off by the lake, take a hike, have a picnic or just kick back and read a book, Vermont State Parks' day use areas are a great option!

Most day use areas have beaches and swimming areas, grassy expanses of lawn, boat rentals, grills and restrooms. Many day use areas also have playgrounds, concession areas and picnic pavilions.

Park entry fees are just a few dollars, and you can save money by purchasing season passes or punch cards.

Operating Schedule

Generally, most parks are open from Memorial Day through Labor Day or the 2nd Monday in October, with some opening earlier, and some remaining open later. For a complete list of park operating dates, see our operating schedule:

2025 Operating Schedule (PDF)

Hours

Parks are open from 10am until sunset. Mt. Philo opens at 8am.

Day Use Amenities

Over 30 Vermont State Parks offer day use amenities. View the tables below to see which parks have swimming areas, beaches, boat rentals, playgrounds, and more.

Northwest

Alburgh Dunes, Burton Island, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Carmi, Niquette Bay, North Hero, Sand Bar, Underhill

Northeast

Boulder Beach, Brighton, Crystal Lake, Elmore, Maidstone, New Discovery, Seyon Lodge, Waterbury Center

Southwest

Bomoseen, Branbury, Button Bay, D.A.R., Emerald Lake, Kingsland Bay, Lake St. Catherine, Mount Philo, Lake Shaftsbury, Taconic Mountains Ramble, Woodford

Southeast

Allis, Camp Plymouth, Coolidge, Fort Dummer, Gifford Woods, Jamaica, Lowell Lake, Molly Stark, Mount Ascutney, Quechee, Silver Lake, Townshend, Wilgus

Day Use Fees

Standard Rates

• Adult (14 +): $5
• Child (4-13): $2
• Small child (0-3): FREE

Group Fees

• Groups of 25 people or more, paying in lump sum: $3/ person
• School Groups (K-12), during the school year: .50/ person
• PLEASE NOTE: In order to provide you with the best possible experience, groups must contact the parks at least two weeks prior to your visit.

Park Passes

Season Vehicle Pass

• $90 annual pass
• $50 for additional vehicle pass (must be registered to the same person(s) household)
• Provides unlimited day use entry to any park, all season, for up to 8 people in one vehicle
• Passes are non-transferable. 
• Associated license plate number must be written on the pass.
• Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced
• Can be obtained by calling our Central Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm), at the parks in season, or by purchasing online.

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Season Individual Pass

• $30 annual pass
• Provides unlimited day use entry to any park, all season, for one individual
• Passes are non-transferable
• Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced
• Can be obtained by calling our Central Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm), at the parks in season, or by purchasing online.

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Punch Card

• $30, 10-use punch card
• Never expires, 1 punch per person
• Never expires, 1 punch per person
• Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced
• Can be obtained by calling our Central Reservation Call Center at 1-888-409-7579 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm), at the parks in season, or by purchasing online.

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Organization Vehicle Pass

• $180 annual pass
• Provides unlimited day use entry to any park, all season, for up to 17 people in one vehicle
• The organization's name must be written on the pass.
• Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced.
• The organization vehicle pass is available to any public, private, commercial, and nonprofit organizations. Organizations are not required to be formally registered as either business or nonprofit entities with the State. 
• Organization vehicle passes are only available for purchase through the Parks Central Office and can be requested by calling 1-888-409-7579 (Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm), or emailing parks@vermont.gov.

Seyon Fishing Pass

• $125 annual pass to Seyon Lodge State Park
• Includes day use entry and row boat rental
• Lost or stolen passes cannot be replaced
• Visit Seyon Lodge State Park's page for more information

Green Mountain Passport

• $2 lifetime day-use pass available to VT residents who:
  • Are 62 years of age or older OR
  • Are veterans honorably discharged from active duty in the US armed services
• Only available from your local town clerk's office

Library Pass

• Free!
• Available to check out from your local library
• Permits up to 8 people in one vehicle entry into any VT State Park day use area
• Visit your local library for more information

Parks Prescription

• Free!
• The Parks Prescription Program, organized by the Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, allows medical providers in Vermont to give patients a "prescription" for outdoor exercise.
• This prescription comes in the form of a free day pass to a Vermont State Park.

Pets in Day Use Areas

Pets are part of your family, and we know that you want them to share your fun when visiting a state park. Here is what you need to know for a great experience:

• Pets are not permitted on beaches or in picnic areas*
• Pets are permitted in all campgrounds and trails unless otherwise designated
• Pets must be on a leash less than 10’ or safely confined at all times
• Your pet is expected to have current rabies vaccination
• Please be considerate to others and try to keep your dog's barking to a minimum
• Pick up after your pet

*Pets are allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl’s Head. Additionally, pets are allowed on the far side of the beaches (away from the swimming areas) at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake State Parks. At Camp Plymouth, pets are allowed to swim only at the cartop boat launch.

Picnic Pavilions and Shelters

Picnic pavilions and shelters are great venues for group gatherings such as weddings, family reunions and group picnics. Some picnic pavilions are fully enclosed while others are open-air. They come in a wide variety of sizes and locations. Pavilions are for day-use only and not for overnight accomodation. Camping is only allowed on designated campsites.

For most facilities rentals, entry fees and trash removal are not included. Park entry fees are $3 per adult and $2 per child (4-13 yrs.) for groups of over 25 people if paid in lump sum. Otherwise, park entry is $5 per adult and $2 per child (4-13 yrs.). Rentals of some facilities include park entry fees for guests and trash removal.

Reservations for pavilions and shelters can be made online at vtstateparks-visit.com or through the call center. Facilities rentals at Coolidge, Kingsland Bay, Kill Kare, and Mt. Philo can only be made through the call center.

At the time of reservation, you will be sent an email link to a group use form to return within two weeks of making the reservation. This form requires the number of people using the rental, although park entry fees are not due until the date of the rental. To confirm event details, we ask that you contact the park at least two weeks in advance to confirm event details.

The following is a list of all Vermont State Parks with pavilions and/or shelters and the costs associated. For additional information, please see our complete pavilion breakdown (PDF).

Large Pavilions and Shelters (Accommodating 100 or more people)

• Allis State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Mountain pavilion surrounded by great hiking and views. Shady area with large group grill and a generator. Day use entry is included in cost.

• Bomoseen State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Pavilion on Lake Bomoseen. Concessions, newly remodeled restrooms and changing rooms, playground and boat rentals and lake access.

• Boulder Beach State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity: No

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Pavilion on Lake Groton. Concessions, boat rentals and room for outdoor games. Large, grassy area. Large group grills, beach access.

• Button Bay State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 300

  Cost: $200/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Pavilion on Lake Champlain with sweeping views of lake. Access to swimming pool, playground and nature center.

• Camp Plymouth State Park

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  Name/type: Fernwood open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: On Echo Lake. Concessions, restrooms, large group grills, easy access to boat rentals and beach.

• Camp Plymouth State Park

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  Name/type: Harwood indoor pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 150

  Cost: $300/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Indoor pavilion with lots of space. Refrigerators and food preparation area. Access to Echo Lake, concessions, rentals, and group camping.

• Elmore State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Has charcoal grills, electricity, swimming, fishing, volleyball, and horseshoes. Large grassy area away from beach.

• Emerald Lake State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Protected by a wooded area on two sides. Access to lake for swimming, boating and boat rentals, concession stand and picnicking.

• Kill Kare State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Open pavilion on Lake Champlain. Access to swimming, boating and picnicking. Fantastic lake views. Access to Island Runner ferry.

• Kill Kare State Park

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  Name/type: Rocky Point House West Function Room, pavilion and lawn

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 300

  Cost: $1200/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Open pavilion on Lake Champlain plus West Function Room, porch and lawn area. Fee includes day use entry and trash removal.

• Kingsland Bay State Park

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  Name/type: Banquet hall

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 150

  Cost: $2500/weekend (Fri-Sun package) $900/day Mon-Thu plus reservation fee.

  Desc: Fri-Sun rentals include use of Theatre Building and Hawley House. Mon-Thu rentals do not. Day use fees included. More: Kingsland Bay Event Guide (PDF).

• Knight Point State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Open pavilion, large, shaded grassy area, access to boating, boat rentals and swimming beach, restrooms have composting toilets.

• Lake Shaftsbury State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Lakeside open pavilion on Lake Shaftsbury. Large group grills, horseshoes, volleyball, boat rentals, swimming beach, and concession stand. Group camping available.

• New Discovery State Park

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  Name/type: Osmore Pond open-air pavilion

  Electricity: No

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: CCC-era log and stone pavilion. Surrounded by great hiking and views. Located on scenic Osmore Pond.

• Silver Lake State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity: No

  Max Occupancy: 100

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Access to the lake, swimming, boating and boat rentals, concession stand picnicking and playground. Horseshoes and volleyball also available.

Mid-size Pavilions and Shelters (Accommodating 50-100 people)

• Barnes Camp (near Smugglers' Notch State Park)

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  Name/type: Function Room

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 60

  Cost: $100/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Available Memorial Day weekend – Labor Day weekend. 30 chairs provided. For more information and reservations, call Smugglers' Notch State Park at 802-253-4014.

• Camp Plymouth State Park

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  Name/type: Wedding Grove open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 60

  Cost: $125/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Access to swimming, fishing, paddling, concession stand, restrooms and changing rooms, lawn games and fishing.

• Coolidge State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 70

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thur except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Amazing mountain views, access to great hiking. Group camping available beside the pavilion. More: Coolidge Event Guide (pdf)

• D.A.R. State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 60

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thur except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Stone pavilion overlooking Lake Champlain. Restrooms attached to shelter. Large grassy area, group grills.

• Elmore State Park

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  Name/type: Beach house function room

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 50

  Cost: $200/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Part of the renovated beach house - lake views, concession, restrooms, and custom furniture; includes per person day use fee. Trash removal: $4/bag.

• Kingsland Bay State Park

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  Name/type: Theater building

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 50

  Cost: $150/day Mon-Thurs only plus reservation fee

  Desc: Indoor gathering space with access to paddling, swimming, fishing, and lawn games. Included with weekend banquet hall rentals. Day use fees included.

• Molly Stark State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 60

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Access to hiking and horseshoes set in a quiet location. Camping available for guests wishing to stay overnight.

• Mt. Philo State Park

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  Name/type: Indoor lodge

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 60

  Cost: $200/day Mon-Fri, $300 Sat & Sun plus reservation fee

  Desc: Access to great hiking, views, and picnic spots. Building dimensions are 30' x 40'.

• New Discovery State Park

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  Name/type: Owl's Head open-air pavilion

  Electricity: No

  Max Occupancy: 50

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Set in the Groton State Forest with fireplace and access to hiking.

Small Pavilions and Shelters (Accommodating 50 people or less)

• Branbury State Park

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  Name/type: Screened-in east shelter

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 40

  Cost: $50/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Screened-in wooden shelter near beach. Closest to Screened-in wooden shelter near beach. Closest shelter to ladies' restroom.

• Branbury State Park

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  Name/type: Screened-in west shelter

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 40

  Cost: $50/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Screened-in wooden shelter near beach. Closest to men's' restroom.

• Kill Kare State Park

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  Name/type: West function room

  Electricity:  

  Max Occupancy: 22

  Cost: $300/day plus reservation fee

  Desc: Indoor space used for meetings, rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, wedding gift display, etc. Fee includes day use entry.

• Maidstone State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity: No

  Max Occupancy: 35

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thurs except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: CCC-era log pavilion with fireplace, access to swimming, hiking, and paddling. Secluded location.

• Mt. Ascutney State Park

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  Name/type: Open-air pavilion

  Electricity: No

  Max Occupancy: 30

  Cost: $125/day (Free Mon-Thu except holidays) plus reservation fee

  Desc: Stone open mountain pavilion overlooking the CT river valley - access to great hiking and views.

Pavilion/ Shelter Rules & Policies

Alcohol: Kegs of beer or alcoholic beverages in bulk containers (larger than 1 gallon or 4 liters) are prohibited in state parks except when served by a liquor-licensed caterer. Group members are welcome to bring their own beverages, but any alcohol served to other than the person who brought it must be served by a liquor-licensed individual or caterer (Title 7 VSA Sec. 61).

Music: Reasonable sound levels must be maintained at all times. Noise that is disruptive to others may be prohibited or reduced in volume at the discretion of park staff. Be considerate of other visitors. Sound systems or DJ services must be pre-approved by the park ranger and, under certain circumstances, may not be acceptable.

Hours: Standard, day use hours apply (10am - sunset).

Damage Compliance Deposit: There is a $100 (per group) damage compliance deposit for pavilion use at all parks with the exception of Kingsland Bay State Park ($500).

Cancellations: There is a $25 non-refundable reservation fee. The balance of the fees may be refunded if cancelled at any time prior to the event.

Additional rules and policies can be found in the official rules document (PDF).

Weddings and Celebrations

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Host your wedding ceremony or reception in a Vermont State Park. Choose from over 40 unique locations across the state and make lush landscapes and romantic views the backdrop for your celebration, naturally enhancing the beauty of your special day.

Picnic Pavilions and shelters can accommodate groups from 50 to 350 people depending on location. Many offer recreational opportunities such as fishing, swimming, kayaking, canoeing and hiking to name just a few.

Most parks can also accommodate large event tents. See the pavilions Comparison Sheet (PDF) for details.

Some of our favorite wedding venues include:

• Button Bay State Park
• Camp Plymouth State Park
• Coolidge State Park
• Kingsland Bay State Park
• Seyon Lodge State Park

Additional Resources

• Weddings at Kingsland Bay State Park (PDF)
• Events at Coolidge State Park (PDF)