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Day Use Information
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.
If we can help you plan your perfect trip, give us a call at 1-888-409-7579.
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:
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.
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, must be affixed to vehicle front bumper
- 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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. Day use entry is included in cost.
Bomoseen State Park
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
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
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
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
Name/type: Harwood indoor pavilion
Electricity:
Max Occupancy: 150
Cost: $300/day plus reservation fee
Desc: Indoor pavilion with lots of space. Full commercial kitchen. Access to Echo Lake, concessions, rentals, and group camping.
Elmore State Park
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Name/type: Screened-in east shelter
Electricity:
Max Occupancy: 40
Cost: $50/day plus reservation fee
Desc: Screened-in wooden shelter near beach. Closest shelter to ladies' restroom.
Branbury State Park
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
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
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
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
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
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