Bomoseen State Park Campground

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Vermont, celebrated for its stunning natural landscapes, offers an abundance of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Among its many gems, Bomoseen State Park Campground stands out as a prime destination for locals seeking a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a touch of historical intrigue. Situated in Castleton, this state park provides a quintessential Vermont camping experience, perfect for families, solo adventurers, and anyone looking to reconnect with the great outdoors.

Bomoseen State Park encompasses over 2,000 acres, including forested land, the shores of Lake Bomoseen, and even a portion of nearby Glen Lake. What makes this park particularly unique is its rich geological and industrial history. The area is part of the Taconic Mountains, a region historically vital to Vermont's slate industry. Throughout the park, you’ll find fascinating remnants of this past, including old quarry holes and colorful slate rubble piles, offering a tangible link to a bygone era. A self-guided Slate History Trail within the park invites hikers to explore these historical treasures, adding an educational dimension to your outdoor adventure.

Beyond its historical significance, Bomoseen State Park Campground is a hub of recreational activity. Lake Bomoseen itself is Vermont’s second-largest lake, providing ample opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. The campground offers a variety of site types to suit different preferences, ensuring that whether you prefer a traditional tent site nestled in the woods or a lean-to with lake views, your ideal camping spot awaits. This blend of natural beauty, recreational offerings, and unique historical context makes Bomoseen State Park Campground a truly distinctive and appealing destination for Vermont residents.

Bomoseen State Park Campground is conveniently located in Castleton, VT 05735, USA. This location places it within the beautiful Taconic Mountains, providing a picturesque setting for your outdoor escape. The park is situated on the shores of Lake Bomoseen, offering easy access to water activities. While the exact street address within Castleton is 22 Cedar Mountain Rd, Castleton, VT 05743, the campground's main office is easily found, guiding visitors to their sites.

Accessibility to Bomoseen State Park is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for a local getaway. It is well-connected by Vermont's road network, allowing for a smooth journey from various parts of the state. The drive into the park itself offers scenic views, with some roads traversing close to the lake, creating an immediate sense of arrival into a natural sanctuary. The proximity to towns like Castleton also means that basic amenities and supplies are within a reasonable driving distance, ensuring convenience without detracting from the park's natural appeal. For those looking to explore beyond the park, the region offers further attractions, adding to the draw of Bomoseen as a base for discovery.

• Camping Sites: Bomoseen State Park Campground offers 55 tent/RV sites and 10 lean-tos. Sites vary from wooded and shaded to open, grassy areas.
• Restrooms and Showers: Clean bathhouses are available with flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and coin-operated showers.
• RV Sanitary Station: An RV dump station is available for campers' convenience (free for registered campers). Note that individual site hookups are not available.
• Beach and Swimming Area: A large, well-maintained beach on Lake Bomoseen with a designated swimming area.
• Boat Rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards are available for rent at the beach concession stand.
• Picnic Facilities: Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each campsite. A large picnic pavilion seating up to 100 people with electricity and group grills is also available for day use rental.
• Concession Stand: A snack bar/concession stand is located at the beach area.
• Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase on-site, adhering to regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the park via water spigots.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in designated areas, adhering to park rules regarding leashing and cleanup.

• Lake Bomoseen Access: Enjoy direct access to Vermont’s second-largest lake for swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Unique Slate History: Explore the remnants of Vermont's slate industry with several quarry holes and slate rubble piles within the park. The self-guided Slate History Trail provides an engaging educational experience.
• Diverse Hiking Trails: Several trails cater to various fitness levels, including the Slate History Trail, High Pond Trail, Half Moon Shore Trail, and the Bomoseen Loop Trail, offering scenic walks and wildlife viewing opportunities.
• Proximity to Glen Lake and Half Moon Pond: The park's boundaries extend to Glen Lake and are near Half Moon Pond (which has its own campground), offering additional water access and hiking connections.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With a large beach, playground, and various recreational programs, the park is well-suited for families with children.
• Interpreter Programs: Nature and interpretive programs are often available, enhancing visitors' understanding of the park's ecology and history.
• Sports Facilities: The park also features a horseshoe pit and volleyball courts for additional recreation.

As a Vermont State Park, Bomoseen State Park Campground operates under the pricing and pass structure established by the Vermont State Parks system. While there might not be "promotions" in the commercial sense, there are several cost-saving options and programs beneficial to Vermont residents:

• Vermont Resident Rates: Vermont residents often receive discounted rates for camping compared to non-residents. For example, RV/Tent sites might be $20 for residents vs. $28 for non-residents, and lean-tos $30 vs. $38.
• Season Passes:
  • Individual Pass ($30): Provides unlimited day-use entry to any park, all season, for one individual.
  • Vehicle Pass ($90): Offers unlimited day-use entry to any park, all season, for up to 8 people in one vehicle.
  • 10-Punch Card ($30): Provides 10 day-use entries for one person each, with no expiration.
• Green Mountain Passport ($2 lifetime): Available to Vermont residents aged 62 or older, or honorably discharged veterans. This pass grants lifetime free day entry to Vermont State Parks and can be obtained from your local town clerk's office.
• Library Pass (Free): Many local Vermont libraries offer state park passes that can be checked out, allowing free day-use entry for up to 8 people in one vehicle. This is a fantastic resource for families.
• Parks Access Pilot Program (2025): A privately funded initiative providing free day-use entry to Vermont State Parks for over 100,000 income-eligible Vermonters, including those enrolled in programs like Reach Up, 3SquaresVT, Fuel Assistance, and WIC. Check the Vermont State Parks website or Vermont Parks Forever for more details on eligibility and how to access this.

For the most current rates and to inquire about specific offers, it's always best to visit the official Vermont State Parks website or contact their reservation center.

To plan your visit, make reservations, or get more information about Bomoseen State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Park Phone (during operating season): (802) 265-4242

Vermont State Parks Central Reservation Call Center: 1-888-409-7579 (Monday-Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM)

Address: 22 Cedar Mountain Rd, Castleton, VT 05743, USA

Reservations can be made online through the Vermont State Parks website, by calling the central reservation line, or by calling the park directly during its operating season (typically mid-May to mid-October).

For Vermont residents, Bomoseen State Park Campground is more than just a place to camp; it's an accessible, affordable, and enriching opportunity to immerse oneself in the state's natural and historical heritage. Its proximity to many communities makes it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation without the need for extensive travel.

The variety of camping options, from traditional tent sites to lean-tos, caters to different preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. The generous spacing between sites, often noted by visitors as "spacious and not close together," contributes to a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, allowing campers to truly unwind amidst nature. While some sites may be tighter for larger RVs, the overall experience prioritizes enjoying the natural setting.

What truly sets Bomoseen apart for locals is the combination of active recreation and unique educational experiences. Having Vermont's second-largest lake at your doorstep means endless opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating, activities that are deeply ingrained in Vermont's summer culture. The availability of boat rentals on-site makes it easy for anyone to get out on the water.

Furthermore, the historical aspect, particularly the self-guided Slate History Trail and the remnants of the slate industry, offers a unique learning experience that connects campers to Vermont's industrial past. This allows for a deeper appreciation of the land and its evolution. The clean and well-maintained facilities, including restrooms and showers, contribute to a comfortable stay, reflecting the high standards of Vermont State Parks.

With various passes and discounts available for residents, including the Green Mountain Passport and the Library Pass, accessing Bomoseen State Park is also economically friendly. This ensures that the beauty and recreational offerings of this remarkable park are within reach for all Vermonters, making it an ideal local destination for creating cherished outdoor memories.

Bomoseen State Park Campground

Castleton, VT 05735, USA