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This popular state park, located in Vermont, is a narrow passage that leads through the Green Mountains. In 2003, the park was relocated to allow room for expansions, including an updated campground and sites featuring alternative energy. Despite this, great care was taken to relocate and restore the original structures that were built there by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The site originally housed the many young men looking for work during the Depression era, so it was important for their work to be preserved as much as possible.
Visitors report satisfaction with the new renovations, as the new campground has sites that allow for much more room than before, and ample thought was given to the facilities operating on alternative energy. Campers can now enjoy hot showers, firewood and ice for sale, as well as a new location that provides easy access to Bingham Falls.
Before planning a stay at the park, travelers should be aware that most sites in the park are first come first serve, and not easily accessible by vehicle. Because of the limited space and narrow geography, there are only a small number of sites that can accommodate a trailer or RV. Animal lovers are welcome to bring their furry pals for a visit to the park as well.
Day use of the park consists of a variety of recreation and fun. There's a wetlands boardwalk near what's called the Barnes Camp Visitor Center. Bouldering and cave exploring commonly take place here as well, and when the weather allows it, some try their hand at ice climbing. Day use of the park comes with an entrance fee of $4 for adults, $2 for kids 12 and younger, and children ages 0-3 enter the park free of charge.
Going in October, which we've done for many years, we always seem to get rain but it's actually not a big deal here. The sites are so wooded and the drainage is so good that we have never really had a problem with it. Clearly, the pup doesn't like it!
This is a beautiful park, in a wonderful location. You could eat every meal at a different restaurant within a 15 minute drive or you could never leave your site in which case you wouldn't know how close you were to civilization. Hiking opportunities, either within driving distance or from the park, abound.
Nice campsite, but not much space for the cars. The staff in general is not friendly, don't expect any kind of cooperation from them, for example checking in a little earlier, even if the site is unoccupied from the previous day. They make you feel like you are committing a crime, patrolling the campground every minute and even when you leave for a while and then return they ask you if you have a reservation. If you have a van or Camper they want to make sure you don't sleep inside it, which is meaningless. The area is very nice but the staff makes you feel very uncomfortable.
We camp here annually at the end of camping season and love the beauty of the nature that surrounds us here. It's typically very peaceful, even though it's always busy in Stowe this time of year. However, typically I don't hear the people or car traffic. There is a small stream near the site we stay at which is a lovely sound to fall asleep to. Staff here is informative, but not always super friendly. I wish there was a dish-washing station and would love to have warm water at the lower bathroom, especially on those cold camping weekends. But, all-in-all, the rustic nature of this campground is one of the things I love about it.
We really enjoyed this campground! The woman who greeted us was so friendly and sweet. We had a site with a lean-to, and it was very well maintained. Picnic table and fire pit in good condition, shelter was sturdy, roomy, deep enough to not need to set up our tent, and had a nice paint job so it even looked great! We saw people cleaning/checking on the bathrooms at least 3 times the one afternoon and night we were there, and they obviously did their job well. Trash was regularly emptied, and everything was clean. Highly recommend!
We only spent one night, but what a beautiful and laid back place! Will definitely come back! Bingham Falls is a short walk down the street, then a hike down the trail to the falls. Gorgeous spot!
