Fort Dummer State Park Vermont
Discover a hidden gem in Vermont with serene camping, easy hikes, and historical charm at Fort Dummer State Park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer bugs
Fort Dummer State Park Vermont
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer bugs
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a hidden gem in Vermont with serene camping, easy hikes, and historical charm at Fort Dummer State Park.
"Hidden gem. Has three well-maintained easy hiking trails a mile or less. Staff is absolutely wonderful."
🚿 Shower Tokens Needed
Showers use tokens (50 cents for 5 mins). Buy them at check-in. Showers are hot with good pressure!
🦟 Mosquitoes in June
Be prepared for mosquitoes if visiting in June; they can be quite prevalent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Easy Hiking Trails
Throughout the park
Discover three well-maintained, short trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick nature escape.
Slate Quarry Exploration
Near the park entrance
Explore the unique slate quarry, a fascinating historical site offering a glimpse into the area's past.
Sunrise Trail
Upper end of the campground
Catch a beautiful sunrise and enjoy scenic mountain vistas on this accessible and rewarding trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors, Even in Rain
Cleanliness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚿 Shower Tokens Needed
Showers use tokens (50 cents for 5 mins). Buy them at check-in. Showers are hot with good pressure!
🦟 Mosquitoes in June
Be prepared for mosquitoes if visiting in June; they can be quite prevalent.
which state park should we camp at?
Foliage walks?
🏕️ Choose Your Site Wisely
Sites are well-maintained. Drive through to pick the best one for your needs before setting up.
💧 Swimming Hole Access
One of the trails leads to a refreshing stream swimming hole, perfect for a dip.
Campsite between NYC and Boston?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚿 Shower Tokens Needed
Showers use tokens (50 cents for 5 mins). Buy them at check-in. Showers are hot with good pressure!
🦟 Mosquitoes in June
Be prepared for mosquitoes if visiting in June; they can be quite prevalent.
🏕️ Choose Your Site Wisely
Sites are well-maintained. Drive through to pick the best one for your needs before setting up.
💧 Swimming Hole Access
One of the trails leads to a refreshing stream swimming hole, perfect for a dip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Fort Dummer State Park as a hidden gem, highlighting its immaculate grounds, spotless bathrooms, and wonderful staff. The easy hiking trails and unique slate quarry are popular attractions. While some found it a bit noisy one night, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a desire to return.
"Hidden gem. Has three well-maintained easy hiking trails a mile or less. Staff is absolutely wonderful. Sites extremely clean. Grounds well maintained. Bathrooms are spotless! Not even a cobweb! It's obvious that staff takes great pride in their Park. Lots of sightseeing to be done within the area. Just a great spot overall! As always, with any campground, your experience will depend on who your neighbors are and how crowded it is when you were there."
michele lapham
"This was our first time staying here, on our way home from Acadia NP in an RV. We were in site 1 and had no issues. The staff was welcoming, the campsite was clean and flat & fit our 27' RV. The bathrooms were typical campground bathrooms; except this campground uses tokens instead of quarters. A 50 cent token gets you 5 minutes of showering (buy tokens at the checkin station). The showers get HOT (thankfully!) with great water pressure. We enjoyed the slate quarry and sunrise trail. Unfortunately the mosquitoes were bad this time of year (June), but it's nothing the park can change. We would definitely come back again!"
Alyta Jacobs
"It’s a well managed and clean camp ground. Tad smaller than usual but works ok for one big tent. Got more than usual noisy after quiet time for one night. Close to the town and has access to groceries if you need to. There are 3 trails with one ending in a swimming hole (stream)"
ALIP NATH
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fort Dummer State Park is located in southern Vermont. It's accessible by car via Route 5. The park is well-marked and easy to find.
While specific pet policies can vary, many Vermont State Parks allow pets in campgrounds and on trails, though they must be leashed. It's always best to check the official park website or call ahead for the most current regulations.
From the north, take I-91 South to Exit 5. From the south, take I-91 North to Exit 5. Follow signs for VT Route 5 North and then for Fort Dummer State Park.
Yes, Fort Dummer State Park is close to Brattleboro, Vermont, which offers grocery stores and other amenities if you need to stock up.
The park has clear signage directing you to the campground, day-use areas, and trailheads. A park map is usually available at the entrance station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a day-use fee for accessing the park's facilities and trails. Camping fees apply for overnight stays. Check the official Vermont State Parks website for current rates.
The park is generally open from sunrise to sunset for day use. Campground hours may vary, and reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Campsites can usually be booked online through the Vermont State Parks reservation system or by calling the park directly. Reservations are highly recommended.
Information on discounts, such as for seniors or multi-day stays, is usually available on the Vermont State Parks website or by contacting the park office.
The park may offer group camping areas. Inquire with the park management for availability, reservation procedures, and group size limitations.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park features three well-maintained, easy hiking trails, each about a mile or less in length. These are perfect for casual walkers and families.
Yes, one of the trails leads to a stream with a swimming hole, offering a refreshing spot to cool off.
The park is situated on the site of Fort Dummer, one of the earliest English forts in Vermont, established in 1724. Visitors can learn about its history.
Fort Dummer State Park offers picnic areas, making it a great spot for a day trip to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Campground amenities include clean bathrooms, hot showers (requiring tokens), and well-maintained campsites suitable for tents and RVs.
📸 📸 Photography
The Sunrise Trail offers beautiful mountain vistas, and the slate quarry provides unique historical textures. The forest trails also offer lovely natural shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in state parks to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Check with park management or the Vermont State Parks website for specific regulations.
Early morning for sunrise shots on the Sunrise Trail, and late afternoon for softer light on the trails and quarry.
The summit of the Sunrise Trail provides panoramic views. The quarry itself offers dramatic, rugged scenery.
Keep an eye out for common Vermont wildlife like birds, squirrels, and deer. Early mornings and late evenings are often best for sightings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Fort Dummer
Key amenities include access to hot showers (requiring tokens purchased at check-in) and well-kept grounds. The staff's dedication to maintaining the park is a recurring theme in visitor feedback, contributing to a positive overall camping atmosphere.
Exploring the Trails and Natural Beauty
Beyond the trails, the park's natural beauty is enhanced by its historical significance. The slate quarry offers a unique geological and historical point of interest, providing a different kind of exploration.
Historical Significance of Fort Dummer
The park's slate quarry also adds a layer of historical interest, hinting at the region's industrial past. Exploring these elements provides a deeper understanding of the area's development beyond its natural beauty.
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