Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

- Windsor, VT 05089

For Vermonters and visitors who cherish the state’s natural beauty, Mount Ascutney State Park Campground stands out as a quintessential destination for authentic Green Mountain State outdoor living. Located in the picturesque Upper Valley region, this campground offers more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it provides a comprehensive basecamp for exploring one of Vermont’s most geologically unique and historically rich mountains. The park itself was established through the important work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) between 1935 and 1938, giving the area a deep, storied connection to Vermont’s conservation history, evident in the enduring stonework and original facilities.

Mount Ascutney, a prominent monadnock that rises sharply from the surrounding landscape, is the focal point of the state park experience. Its sheer size and position in the Connecticut River Valley offer unparalleled vistas. The campground is meticulously maintained by the dedicated staff of Vermont State Parks, ensuring that the natural environment remains pristine while still offering modern conveniences that enhance the camping experience. As one satisfied customer noted, the entire facility is "very well maintained" with "clean and spacious" sites, a testament to the high standards of Vermont's park system.

The core mission of the campground is to provide accessible, family-friendly, and engaging outdoor recreation. It caters to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts, from casual campers seeking a quiet weekend retreat to serious hikers, mountain bikers, and paragliders looking to challenge themselves on the mountain's extensive network of trails and launch sites. Whether you are seeking a rustic lean-to experience or the simple comfort of a small cabin, Mount Ascutney State Park Campground offers the right setting to connect with Vermont’s stunning mountain environment.

Mount Ascutney State Park Campground is officially located in Windsor, VT 05089, with its physical entrance situated at 1826 Back Mountain Rd. This location is not only central to the scenic Upper Valley but also strategically positioned for ease of access from major interstate routes. It is just a short drive from Interstate 91, making it a convenient destination for Vermont residents traveling from both the northern and southern parts of the state, as well as being easily reachable from New Hampshire across the Connecticut River.

The accessibility of the mountain's primary attractions is a defining feature. From the campground entrance, visitors have direct access to the 3.7-mile Mount Ascutney Parkway, a paved auto road that winds its way up to a parking area near the summit. This toll road provides a less-strenuous option for visitors to enjoy the mountain's elevations. From the upper parking area, only a short, approximately one-mile hike is required to reach the summit and the iconic observation tower, which offers 360-degree views of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Crucially for local adventurers, the campground also serves as a trailhead itself. The popular Futures Trail to the summit begins directly alongside the campground loop, offering campers immediate, hassle-free access to a challenging and rewarding 4.6-mile one-way climb. Furthermore, the area is a hub for the growing Vermont mountain biking scene, with the Swoops & Loops Trail network accessible near the park entrance, providing miles of terrain for easy to moderate riding. This centralized location and multi-modal access point cement its status as a premier Vermont outdoor hub.

Vermont State Parks are renowned for providing a balance of rustic outdoor experience with essential comforts, and Mount Ascutney is no exception. The amenities provided are thoughtfully designed to ensure a clean, safe, and enjoyable stay for all campers.

• Diverse Camping Options: The park features 38 wooded sites suitable for tent camping and RVs, along with 10 traditional Vermont lean-to sites for a more sheltered, rustic experience. The park also offers five rental cabins located slightly up the mountain road, which are new, well-built, and feature electricity, a table, and bunks, as highlighted in visitor reviews.
• Modern Restroom Facilities: Each of the two main camping loops includes a central restroom facility offering modern plumbing and hot showers. Note that the showers are token-operated for a nominal fee, a common feature in Vermont State Parks to conserve water and resources.
• RV Convenience: A sanitary dump station is available for RV users at the main campground area, though it is important to note there are no full hookups (water/electric/sewer) at the individual campsites.
• Essential Supplies: Firewood and ice are available for sale directly at the park's contact station during operating hours. The park strictly adheres to the Vermont policy of prohibiting out-of-state firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species, ensuring the health of the surrounding forests.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are permitted in the park, and specific cabins (Cascadnack, Dudley, and Ogden) are designated as pet-friendly, allowing Vermonters to bring their furry companions on their outdoor adventures.

The features of Mount Ascutney State Park are centered around its unique natural setting and the breadth of high-quality recreational activities it supports.

• Extensive Trail Network: Over 12 miles of hiking trails, including four main summit-bound routes (Futures, Windsor, Brownsville, and Weathersfield Trails), cater to all skill levels from moderate to difficult, offering varied experiences to the peak.
• Summit Observation Tower: Located near the peak, a 25-foot observation tower provides spectacular, panoramic 360-degree views of the Connecticut River Valley, the Green Mountains, and the White Mountains of New Hampshire on clear days.
• Hang Gliding and Paragliding: The mountain features two authorized launch sites—Brownsville Rock and South Peak—making it a premier destination in the Northeast for these adventurous air sports. Watching gliders launch is an experience in itself.
• Rustic-Modern Cabin Rentals: The newer, well-maintained cabins halfway up the mountain offer a perfect blend of a camping atmosphere with weather protection and electricity, providing a unique alternative to traditional tent camping, as noted in a customer review.
• Historic CCC Stonework: The original park infrastructure, including the summit road and stone buildings, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, features distinct Ascutney granite stonework, giving the park a historic and visually striking aesthetic.
• Picnic Pavilion Rental: An open, stone picnic pavilion with spectacular views is available to rent for group functions, providing a stunning backdrop for family reunions or other group gatherings.

For reservations, inquiries about fees, or current park conditions, local users should contact the park staff directly during the operating season, which typically runs from mid-May to mid-October.

Address: Windsor, VT 05089, USA (Physical location: 1826 Back Mountain Rd, Windsor, VT 05089)

Phone: (802) 674-2060

Mobile Phone (Direct Park Line): +1 802-674-2060

Reservations for campsites, lean-tos, and cabins are highly recommended, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, and can typically be made through the Vermont State Parks reservation system.

Mount Ascutney State Park Campground is a perfect reflection of Vermont’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage while providing high-quality, accessible recreation. For Vermont locals, it offers an immediate and authentic mountain getaway without the need for extensive travel. The combination of its convenient Upper Valley location, the array of camping and cabin options, and the direct, year-round access to an extensive trail system (including a dedicated mountain biking loop) makes it uniquely valuable. Whether you are a family seeking a clean, safe weekend basecamp with modern amenities like hot showers, or a seasoned adventurer looking to tackle one of the state's most challenging and rewarding summit hikes, Mount Ascutney State Park Campground delivers. Its friendly, helpful staff and commitment to maintaining clean, spacious sites—as consistently praised in local reviews—ensure a reliable and enriching outdoor experience, making it a truly essential part of the Vermont camping tradition.

Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

Windsor, VT 05089, USA