V T Forest Services, Bridgewater, VT

A Local's Guide to Coolidge State Park Campground: Your Quintessential Vermont Retreat

For those of us who call the Green Mountain State home, the deep woods and stunning vistas of our State Forests represent the very best of Vermont. Nestled in the heart of this natural splendor, specifically within the sprawling Calvin Coolidge State Forest, is a campground that embodies the authentic, rustic charm of Vermont outdoor life: the Coolidge State Park Campground. Managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation (VT Forest Services), this location is more than just a place to stay—it's a rich piece of our state's history and a true sanctuary for nature lovers.

The initial provided address information points to the general location and the managing entity for state-owned lands in the region. Based on the phone number and address area in Plymouth/Bridgewater, the closest and most relevant developed campground managed by the VT Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is Coolidge State Park Campground, which is located in Plymouth and is the 'developed recreation centerpiece' of the Calvin Coolidge State Forest. This article will focus on this specific, premier local resource.

Introduction / Overview

Coolidge State Park Campground is renowned for its rustic feel, authentic character, and the dramatic mountain views afforded by its hillside campsites. It serves as the main recreational hub for the expansive 21,500-acre Calvin Coolidge State Forest, one of the largest state-owned land holdings in central Vermont. The park’s roots trace back to the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which built the original facilities in the 1930s, imbuing the park with a genuine sense of history. Many local campers consider the sites here to offer some of the best views in all of Vermont. Visitors consistently praise the beauty of the location, often describing it as "A slice of Heaven" and simply "Beautiful." The atmosphere is quiet, wooded, and perfectly suited for those seeking a true escape into nature.

Location and Accessibility

The campground is centrally located in the heart of Vermont's outdoors, primarily in the town of Plymouth, with the Calvin Coolidge State Forest itself spanning parts of Bridgewater, Plymouth, Reading, and Woodstock.

Address: While the park's administrative address is often associated with Plymouth, the camping area is centrally located within the large state forest block, accessible from a rural setting. Its proximity to the villages of Bridgewater and Plymouth makes it a convenient launchpad for exploring the area.
Directions: Access is typically off Ranger Road, Messer Hill Road, or Curtis Hollow Road, all of which lead into the vast state forest. Visitors should check the official Vermont State Parks map for the most direct route.
Nearby Attractions: The location offers easy access to the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park, and is a short drive from Okemo Mountain Resort, which features the Evolution Bike Park. Furthermore, campers at Coolidge are welcome to visit the nearby Camp Plymouth State Park for swimming and boating activities on Echo Lake, often at no additional fee.

This central location provides local Vermonters with a wild, remote feeling while keeping them within easy driving distance of amenities and major state attractions.

Services Offered

As a well-maintained state park facility, Coolidge State Park Campground provides a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and classic camping experience for all guests:

Camping Accommodations: The park features a total of 26 Tent/RV sites and 36 famous lean-to sites, many of which offer sweeping views of the Black River valley and the Green Mountains. It is the only Vermont State Park with an entire loop dedicated to lean-to camping.
Restroom Facilities: There are four restrooms conveniently located in the two camping loops, all providing flush toilets and hot/cold running water. Two of these facilities offer token-operated hot showers.
RV Services: A trailer sanitary station (dump station) is available, though it is important to note that the campground does not offer electric, water, or sewer hookups at individual sites, maintaining its rustic focus.
Provisions: Firewood and ice are generally available for sale on-site during the operating season.
Group Facilities: A large, open pavilion is available for rent, capable of seating up to 70 people. It is equipped with electricity, grills, fireplaces, and picnic tables, making it ideal for group gatherings.
Bear Awareness: Due to black bear activity in the Calvin Coolidge State Forest, all food, coolers, and trash must be properly secured in vehicles or provided bear-proof central disposal containers.
Pet Policy: Pets are permitted throughout the park, including the trails and campsites, provided they are on a leash and owners clean up after them.
Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the third weekend in October.

Features / Highlights

The unique natural and historical features are the primary draw for local campers at Coolidge State Park:

Exceptional Mountain Views: The elevated, hillside campsites, particularly the lean-to sites, are celebrated for offering some of the most panoramic and dramatic views of the Green Mountains and the Black River Valley in the entire state park system.
Lean-to Camping: The park’s signature feature is its dedicated loop of lean-to shelters, a three-sided structure that provides shelter and a truly iconic Vermont camping experience.
Extensive Trail System: Campers have easy access to several hiking trails directly within the park, as well as easy hookups to the vast trail network within the greater Calvin Coolidge State Forest.
Nature Center and History: The park features a nature center where visitors can learn about the history and wildlife of the area, including the park’s role in the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) movement.
Free Swimming Access: Registered Coolidge campers receive complimentary access to the swimming beach and boat rentals at the nearby Camp Plymouth State Park on Echo Lake.
Recreational Facilities: A wooded picnic area with a log shelter, a play area, and horseshoe pits are available for family enjoyment.
Mountain Biking: The surrounding Coolidge State Forest offers easy access to numerous gravel roads and trails, and the park is less than a half-hour drive from Okemo Mountain Resort’s Evolution Bike Park.

Contact Information

For reservations and up-to-date information on operating schedules and current conditions, local residents should use the following official contact points for the park and the managing entity (VT Forest Services):

Managing Entity (VT Forest Services): Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation
Address (General Area): Plymth, Bridgewater, VT 05034, USA (The area code and towns correspond to the regional management of this state forest block.)
Park Phone (Coolidge State Park): (802) 672-3612
Vermont State Parks Reservations: It is recommended to reserve campsites and lean-tos online through the official Vermont State Parks reservation system.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Coolidge State Park Campground is tailor-made for the Vermont resident who appreciates rugged beauty and a genuine connection to the state’s natural and historical roots. Unlike more commercialized destinations, Coolidge offers a distinctly rustic and quiet experience, making it a true escape from the noise of modern life. It is the perfect spot for local families to introduce children to traditional camping in a safe, yet wild, setting.

For local outdoor enthusiasts, the seamless access to the vast trail system of the Calvin Coolidge State Forest provides endless opportunities for hiking, primitive camping, and mountain biking right in their backyard. The bonus of free swimming access at Camp Plymouth State Park makes it an unbeatable value. By choosing Coolidge, Vermonters not only secure a stunning retreat but also support the preservation of one of central Vermont’s most significant state forest holdings. It is where you can reconnect with the serene landscape that defines the state—a truly local slice of heaven.