Underhill State Park Campground

Underhill is within Vermont's 39,837-acre Mt. Mansfield State Forest. On the headwaters of the Brown's River, at about 2,000 feet elevation, the park lies on the west slope of 4,300 feet Mt. Mansfield, the state's highest peak. Just over the summit ridge is the Stowe ski area, one of North America's original ski resorts.

The elevation and corresponding exposure to harsh climatic conditions have resulted in some relatively unusual vegetation types along the mountain's summit ridge. The low, stunted-plants found in the alpine tundra near the summit, very rare in New England, are more typical of types found on broad expanses of Arctic tundra a thousand miles farther north. These plants are fragile (if you hike to the summit, please stay on marked trails).

The park is probably best known for its hiking. There are four trails to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield from Underhill State Park. Walking up the gated road from the park headquarters, the trails begin branching off shortly above the group camp area. The Sunset Ridge Trail, 3 miles to the summit, is the most popular. Vermont’s Long Trail traverses the summit ridge and, with several trails from the other side of the mountain, many loops are possible. Hiking information and trail maps are available at the park headquarters.

Facilities / Amenities The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The upper camp area, about 3/4 of a mile above the ranger station, has 7 lean-to sites and 2 tent sites, pit toilets, and is reserved for organized group-use. In the lower camp area, around the contact station, are 11 tent sites and 6 lean-to sites. There is cold water and flush toilets in the restrooms, but there are no showers.

Access to all campsites requires a short walk. Campsites are not accessible by vehicle.

The park also has a CCC-built sheltered tentsite tentsite that can be rented for up to a maximum of 8 people. The site comes with a picnic table and the shelter fireplace is to be used in lieu of a fire ring. Additionally, there are 2 standing grills adjacent to the shelter. The sheltered tentsite is $51 per night plus the $8 reservation fee.

Off-season access: The park gate remains open after park closes until the first snowfall. Once it snows, the gate is closed until there is sufficient snowfall to ski into the park, then it is reopened until spring melt.