Have Tent, Will Travel

The insider's guide to 11 kid-perfect New England campsites

By Steve Jermanok

Vermont's 52 state parks range from remote islands to vast wilderness. (Weststock)

Silver Lake State Park, Barnard, Vermont
Just north of Woodstock, Vermont, Silver Lake is open only to non-motorized boats, making this gem of a lake the perfect place to swim, canoe, or catch sunfish or perch from the shores. The 40 campsites and seven lean-to sites are scattered throughout the woods, close to the lakeshore. Snack bar, playground, and boat rentals are available. (802.234.9451; www.vtstateparks.com/htm/silver.cfm)

Button Bay State Park, Addison, Vermont
Located on the southern shores of Lake Champlain, all of the 73 sites, including 13 lean-to's, at Button Bay State Park have exceptional views of the Adirondacks across the lake. The resident naturalist, nature center, history, and geography only add to the allure. Exceptional biking through the farmland bordering the lake is an added bonus. (802.475.2377; www.vtstateparks.com/htm/buttonbay.cfm)

Lafayette Campground, Franconia Notch State Park, New Hampshire
Located near the Pemigewasset River at the base of the Notch, these 97 sites arguably have the best views in the White Mountains. It's also the starting-off point for Mount Lafayette, Lonesome Lake, and Basin-Cascades hikes. Located off I-93, note there's no northbound access. (603.271.3628; www.franconianotchstatepark.com)

Boston-based writer Stephen Jermanok has authored or contributed to 11 books on the outdoors, including Outside Magazine's Adventure Guide to New England , Discovery Channel's Backcountry Treks , Discovery Channel's Paddlesports , Outside Magazine's Guide to Family Vacations and Men's Journal's The Great Life . His latest book is New England Seacoast Adventures . His many adventures appear in National Geographic Adventure , Outside , Men's Journal , Forbes FYI , Travel + Leisure , Hooked on the Outdoors , and Backpacker . He can be reached at farandaway@comcast.net.

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Last Updated: 15 Sep 2010
Published: 1 Aug 2006
The details, dates, and prices mentioned in this article were accurate at the time of publication.