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Vermont

Published: Friday, August 17, 2007

Vermont is seen largely as a pastoral land with over a million acres of its land devoted to agriculture. It does not come as a big surprise hence that Vermont is the leader in dairy production apart from harvesting major agricultural goods like apples, potatoes, honey, and eggs.

Yet, despite its agricultural setting, Vermont is home to at least 223 different mountains, most notable of which is the Green Mountains, among the oldest worldwide. Complementing this is Lake Champlain, the sixth largest in the US and a host of rivers and streams.

Surprisingly, despite the presence of many bodies of water, Vermont has no official seashore, and that is only one of its many wonders. RV-boarded travelers, intrigued by such a surprise, will find that there is more waiting for them once they embark on an extensive visit to the land fittingly called the "Green Mountain State".

Vermont Regions

Occupying a relatively small portion of Northeastern United States, Vermont is naturally divided into three generally small regions. These include Northern Vermont, Central Vermont, and Southern Vermont.

Northern Vermont

The single biggest attraction of this region has to be Lake Champlain, the sixth largest in the US, where trophy fishing is a major outdoor recreation. Settled on the western edge of Vermont, the lake is also a suitable ground for engaging in white-water rafting.

Yet, the lake is not the only attraction in Northern Vermont for within its vast reach lies Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in the "Green Mountain State", accessible both on foot and via a scenic drive along the Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road which RV-boarded tourists may want to make use of.

However, a more exciting way to get to the mountain is a hike along the Long Trail, which commences at Green Mountains near the Massachusetts-Vermont exit down to the border with Canada. The trail is pure paradise for hiking lovers as it features diverse terrain variously classified as steep, muddy, and rugged.

Additionally, there is a state park found at the foot of Mount Mansfield where RVs are clearly welcome. Smuggler's Notch State Park offers seven RV sites apart from an extra 14 tents, making mountain exploration generally convenient for many visiting RVers.

Central Vermont

This particular region may well be considered as the center of many Vermont activities. For one, the state capital, Montpelier, is found here, best represented by its famous gold-domed building. For another, many historical museums have been built here offering visiting RVers a glimpse into the rich past of Vermont. Not to be outdone are the many state colleges, art galleries, and cultural landmarks found in various areas.

When it comes to outdoor attractions, RVers need not despair because Central Vermont is actually oozing with these. Topping its list are several bodies of water that literally surround the regional landscape. These include east-based Lake Morey and the Connecticut River and west-stationed St. Catherine, Champlain and Bomoseen Lakes. Providing excellent backdrop to the waters is the Green Mountain.

Needless to say, opportunities for outdoor enjoyment are definitely present here ranging from fishing and boating along several regional lakes to skiing down the slopes of the regional mountain. RVers will definitely have the time of their lives here, but so will their vehicles because on the northeastern corner of Montpolier, approximately five miles away, Green Valley Campground is patiently waiting. With its 28 grassy RV sites, the campground offers the most convenient way to explore the wonders of the state capital since it is near the Capitol building apart from other prominent attractions like the Granite Quarries.

Southern Vermont

Just like its nearby sister region, Central Vermont, the southern part of the "Green Mountain State" is likewise surrounded by two principal rivers apart from having a rich agricultural heritage. The two lakes namely Connecticut on the east and Battenkill on the west, have long been renowned for their fishing features but RV-boarded travelers will also find its swimming and kayaking offerings to be equally exciting.

The famous Long Trail that leads to Mount Mansfield winds its way in these parts, an indication that RV riders will also get to enjoy being hikers and mountain bikers here. Meanwhile, if skiing is the preferred outdoor sport, several regional towns are known to offer this in many of its resorts. One town, though, should be most suitable for the typical RVer for its proximity to a popular skiing destination. Woodford town, which plays host to Greenwood Lodge and Campsites, sits just behind Mount Snow, renowned for its world-class ski resorts. Quite obviously, this is where most RV-boarded travelers should head off to for an exhilarating skiing experience. The campground also happens to be near the famous Appalachian Trail, affording RVers the opportunity to engage in other outdoor pursuits like hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, particularly during summer.

The Cities of Vermont

The geographical coverage of Vermont is quite compact, but within this small American state lies several cities rich, not only in natural and man-made wonders, but also in a few other modern attractions like RV campgrounds. Viewed from this perspective, RV riders will find many Vermont cities to be truly worthy of exploration.

Burlington

The city has two important distinctions. One, it is the largest and the most beautiful of all Vermont cities. Two, it is considered as the college district of the "Green Mountain State" primarily because of the many colleges lying in its midst. Specifically, this is where one can find three state schools namely the University of Vermont, the Community College of Vermont, and the Champlain College.

For RV-boarded tourists who naturally want to find out what Burlington has to offer in terms of outdoor attractions, the very location of the city is, in itself, genuinely inviting. Perched along the eastern side of the Lake Champlain shores, Burlington makes it rather easy for anglers to try their luck at catching that one sought-after fish. Additionally, the lake is complemented by a lovely beach where RVers can hold picnics especially since there is a grassy area located nearby specifically designated for such an activity. The area comes complete with picnic tables, barbecue grills, and a snack bar.

Finally, for a place to settle in the RV, there is one campground set not far from the shore, boasting of around 137 RV sites. Covering approximately 45 acres, North Beach Campground provides visiting RVers lots of beach fun and picnic activities, but at the same time, affords them the opportunity to engage in other outdoor recreations like biking since it is situated near a designated biking trail.

Stowe

A sparsely-populated town having only 500 registered residents as per the latest census, Stowe is nevertheless a premiere place in Vermont for hosting an elegant ski resort. This has made the city a leading skiing destination in the US, aided greatly by its strategic location along the foot of Mount Mansfield. Additionally, the city serves as a good jump-off point to several other ski resorts since it lies near two other cities namely Burke and Jay Peak, both considered as major skiing areas.

Yet, while Stowe is generally seen as a prime ski resort in Vermont, there are many other things that RV-boarded tourists can try doing while visiting the area. For example, in nearby Morrisville, one will find the beautiful Lamoille River where one can try fishing or swimming in its waters.

As for parking concerns, the Lamoille River banks play host to one RV park, the Mountain View Campground and Cabins, where 63 RV sites are waiting, 15 of these facing the river and have shady settings. Situated about 12 miles away from Stowe City, the RV park offers basic camping amenities and has a few extra attractions like a mini-golf course having nine holes, and glider, gondola, and alpine rides.

Branbury State Park

There are no extreme sports available for play in this state park settled in Central Vermont. Yet, Bradbury State Park ought to be a good place to experience the many outdoor wonders that Vermont keeps. This is because right within the vast expanse of this state park lies several state attractions that best represent the said park. A fine example of this is Lake Dunmore whose beaches have become the perfect venue for boat launches while the waters serve as ideal fishing spots with catches of landlocked salmons, panfishes, bullheads, rainbow smelts, rainbow trouts, and northern pikes a regular occurrence. Nearby, a picnic area awaits excited picnickers while sports enthusiasts will definitely enjoy a game of basketball at the resident game court.

Additionally, Bradbury State Park, which encompasses 64 acres, lies along the foot of Mt. Moosalamoo, a 2,620-feet tall Vermont mountain where the Silver Lake Trail resides. The trail has continuously attracted hikers to its fold, many of them finding the path a great challenge. Undoubtedly, RVers visiting the state park will feel the same although they have the option of engaging in the more sober wildlife and bird-watching activities. These outdoor endeavors are likewise popular here where weasels, bears, moose, and bobcats mingle with migrating birds of prey like the peregrine falcons.

With such a diverse range of outdoor activities, RV-boarded travelers will definitely need to find an RV park situated nearby. This is easily answered by Lake Dunmore Kampersville conveniently found right along the Lake Dunmore shores. Composed of 210 sites, the campground boasts of hot showers, cable TV, a deli bar, an arcade, and a snack bar, among other amenities, that should provide the most suitable relaxation form especially after a full day of exploration.

North Hero State Park

Resting along the North Hero Island shores, the state park is perhaps the most suitable camping ground for many interested RVers visiting the island since it has about 117 campsites, 99 of which are devoted to trailer vehicles. Complementing these are several shower areas and trailer sanitary terminals.

Needless to say, camping is among the more popular outdoor activities engaged in here although visiting RVers need not limit themselves to the RV site premises. Since North Hero State Park is situated along Lake Champlain, opportunities for many water-based activities are obviously present here. Aside from that, there are also opportunities for wildlife observation in these parts, particularly because the park was previously pasture land and in previous years, the fields have gradually reverted to its wilderness origins, an occurrence that has made the area a suitable habitat for diverse wildlife. It is not uncommon then to see white-tailed deer roaming freely alongside American woodcocks, ruffled grouses, and various migratory waterfowls amidst a growing woodland area.

With such an exciting array of outdoor attractions, the campgrounds found within North Hero State Park are definitely a welcome treat for many RV-boarded travelers. Yet, the fun does not stop there since are also beaches to explore here, with its waters proving to be irresistible for many swimming buffs.

The Perfect Vermont Visit

A Vermont sojourn almost always has to consider the region that one is planning to visit. In general, though, summer in Vermont is rather mild with temperatures often dipping during the last weeks of August. Winter, however, tends to be long and usually begins as early as September, sometimes extending up to April with evenings seeing below zero temperature levels. While some visitors may frown at this, skiing enthusiasts generally welcome it as there are two excellent ski resorts found in Vermont.

Aside from winter, autumn is a good time to see the "Green Mountain State". Vermont is quite famous for its fall foliage, an annual event that usually happens in early October. The event features a spectacular change in foliage color, and tourists often come in droves to witness this. RVers should come over to Vermont and be counted among the many awed tourists, unless large crowds tend to make them uncomfortable.

Lake Bomoseen Campground and Marine

Its coverage area of 33 acres under fully wooded setting makes Lake Bomoseen Campground and Marine a typical RV park. Yet, the campground offers many interesting attractions that should set it apart from many of its competitors. For starters, it boasts of two docks from where RV-boarded travelers can launch their boating ventures. Alternatively, the resident streams offer the most diverse species of fish available in Vermont including pickerels, bullheads, blue gills, black basses, yellow perches, walleyes, northern pikes, and lake, brook, brown, and rainbow trouts.

The trailer sites are quite spacious and come complete with fire places and picnic tables. Providing attractions are the large and newly-designed swimming pool, a whirlpool, and a waterslide.

When it comes to area attractions, Wilson Castle, the Sheldon Museum, the Biblical Gardens, Pond Hill Ranch, and many others can all be reached within 30 minutes. Meanwhile, Lake George Village, Saratoga Horse Racing, and the Great Escape Amusement Park can be visited after only an hour's drive. Indeed, this is one RV campground that offers the best attractions in Vermont.

Limehurst Lake Campground

For a wide range of water-based outdoor activities in Vermont, there is one campground that RV-boarded travelers can head off to. Named Limehurst Lake Campground, it boasts of a private lake that covers all of 13 acres where fishing is a major activity, and RVers cum anglers will be pleasantly surprised to know that they need not secure a license to enjoy its waters.

A total of 73 RV sites are available here, each one having free hook-ups to a TV set. Powered by 20 to 50 amps, the sites are fully hooked-up as well and come with access to wireless Internet. Meanwhile, for RVers who prefer to camp out the old-fashioned way, primitive sites are also available although rustic cottages, which are likewise up for rent, should give a more traditional and home-like atmosphere, perfect for those who long for the comforts of a good home.

Back to its water attractions, the campground also features a sandy beach stretching for 300 feet where one can either take a dip or go canoeing. For the beginning swimmer, the beach has a buoyed in shallow area to ensure safe enjoyment of the waters. For the children, meanwhile, excitement should come from the resident waterslide that stands at an amazing 250 feet.

Located a mere nine miles from Southern Barre, Limehurst Lake Campground is also near several Vermont attractions that should be worth visiting aboard an RV. These include the Thunder Road, the Rock of Ages Granite Quarries, the Floating Bridge, Norwich University, and the Spider Web Farm, among others.

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