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Welcome to Brighton State Park, located on the shores of Spectacle Pond. The outstanding attraction of this area is its remoteness: mountains with tree-covered slopes, fast running streams, and clear lakes. It is common to hear loons calling at night. The wild lands to the northeast and southeast of the town of Island Pond are suited to the angler, the hunter, or the outdoor lover who likes to roam away from developed roads or towns. Logging roads into the deeper reaches of this area offer adventurous side trips.
Island Pond enjoyed a heyday from the late 1800's until the Depression years, along with the fortunes of the Grand Trunk railroad between Montreal, Canada and Portland, Maine. Island Pond was the site of the first international railroad junction in the United States. At the height of the town’s population, its streets were lively with railroad men and loggers, most of whom rode in on one of the 13 rail tracks that passed through town. A mere two tracks remain today. The unique wooden bridge, which once held all 13 tracks, is gone, but the heritage of railroading is still evident in the well-kept train station and a few associated structures at the north end of town.
Cabin at Brighton State Park The park has five cabins available to rent There are 5 cabins, 54 tent/RV sites and 23 lean-to's. All three restrooms have flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. A sanitary dump station is available, but there are no hookups. There are hiking trails, a campers' beach with boat rentals, a nature museum, an amphitheater, a garage theater, and a play area. At the nearby day use area (at the southern end of Island Pond) there is a long, sandy beach, a bathhouse with restrooms, and boats available to rent.
There are 5 cabins at the park that are available to rent. They are all located near the waterfront.
$20 - $50 / night
Located directly across the street from Lake Willoughby.
$35 - $75 / night
Moose River Campground, located in the Saint Johnsbury, Vermont maple country, is here to cater to your camping comfort and enjoyment. Our spacious campsites are nestled along a curve of the Moose River, a rocky, scenic river originating high in the hills of East Haven, Vermont. We are the perfect place to base yourselves while touring the many attractions in our area. If you come to relax and unwind from the hectic work life, and just want to kick back and watch the river roll by, you will have come to the right place. If you're looking for a change of pace, with some new and interesting entertainment and activities, Moose River Campground is also your right choice! We offer plenty of planned activities every weekend, and nature presents a remarkable show every minute and around every turn! Come enjoy our Saturday night bonfires … and simply relax!
$30 - $80 / night
The Vermont River Conservancy’s Nulhegan Confluence Hut is a 14×18, timber framed cabin located the confluence of the Nulhegan River and its East Branch. Situated along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and an easy five-minute walk or ski in, it provides an excellent, family friendly base for all-seasons exploration of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom woods and waters.
Built by students from the Yestermorrow Design-Build School, and finished by over 40 volunteers, the hut’s amenities include:
Kitchen area with propane cooking stove top Wood stove and firewood Composting privy Deck and covered porch Sleeping loft with mattresses and downstairs futon
$85 - $95 / night
$50 / night
This popular state park, located in Vermont, is a narrow passage that leads through the Green Mountains. In 2003, the park was relocated to allow room for expansions, including an updated campground and sites featuring alternative energy. Despite this, great care was taken to relocate and restore the original structures that were built there by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The site originally housed the many young men looking for work during the Depression era, so it was important for their work to be preserved as much as possible.
Visitors report satisfaction with the new renovations, as the new campground has sites that allow for much more room than before, and ample thought was given to the facilities operating on alternative energy. Campers can now enjoy hot showers, firewood and ice for sale, as well as a new location that provides easy access to Bingham Falls.
Before planning a stay at the park, travelers should be aware that most sites in the park are first come first serve, and not easily accessible by vehicle. Because of the limited space and narrow geography, there are only a small number of sites that can accommodate a trailer or RV. Animal lovers are welcome to bring their furry pals for a visit to the park as well.
Day use of the park consists of a variety of recreation and fun. There's a wetlands boardwalk near what's called the Barnes Camp Visitor Center. Bouldering and cave exploring commonly take place here as well, and when the weather allows it, some try their hand at ice climbing. Day use of the park comes with an entrance fee of $4 for adults, $2 for kids 12 and younger, and children ages 0-3 enter the park free of charge.
$20 / night
Legend
General: Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section. Sites/lean-tos are designated premium (lakefront) or non. There is also an ADA-accessible lean-to. Upon check-in, you are given a gate code to enter.
Site Quality: Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site. Most sites don’t have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt (or mud if it has rained recently). A large wooden picnic table and fire ring complete the site. There are plentiful trees, so each site has at least some shade and some are very shaded. Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees.
Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower. Cold water only at both the sinks and the shower (at least I didn’t get any hot water). The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can’t imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I’ve experienced in quite some time. But, after I finished, I saw my quarter had been returned. The toilet paper was so thin, it was nearly transparent!
Activities: Although swimming is allowed, the “beaches” are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming. There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat. There was one very annoying motorboat revving its engine while doing circles in the lake. The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net. There is a short nature trail and one other small walking trail. Nearby is access to the Missisquoi Rail Trail.
A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading! Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced. We were annoyed by one loud boat so I can’t imagine what it would be like if the lake was filled with boaters. This is why we prefer shoulder-season camping!
Scout
I stayed at Art and Health Chill Camping recently, and it was a truly relaxing experience—just nature, art, and fresh air all around. The only thing I’d advise is to come prepared if you're concerned about health safety. When camping in remote areas, it's always wise to have a few essentials, especially if you’re camping with a group. Personally, I’d recommend taking a rapid STD/STI test on https://readyhelp.it/rapid-std-sti-test/ beforehand. It’s quick and easy, giving some extra peace of mind.
Guide
Loved this campground! Quiet and pretty private spots - outer loop a bit more. Great facilities w wash sink - nice camp store and not at all too close to town! 20 min drive to Mt Washington (be sure to check weather as we had rain at the campground which was ice on the mtn so we couldn’t go to top/they stopped us halfway.)
Legend
Nice and quiet
Traveler
Great campsite!
Bear box, food area, water source, cabin, Privy, and platforms.
ScoutOur first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. And while there are many nice campsites to visit in Quebec... we've done them all, within a 2-hour radius. Well, guess what? Lake Carmi in Franklin (Enosburg?) Vermont, is less than 1 1/2 hours from Montreal! I think it must be the closest campsite to Quebec, in Vermont. The drive there was really pleasant too. It wasn't all highway. It took us mostly through very scenic routes in both Quebec, and Vermont.
After booking, I had read some bad reviews about the place - which gave me second thoughts. About the staff being very unpleasant, etc. Well I'm happy to say, that turned out to be absolutely untrue! To say that Kathy, Daniel and really, the entire staff that we met, was very friendly to us, is an understatement. They literally saved our bacon!
It's a long story, but in short... our car broke down at one point, and we had to get it towed. Our phone wouldn't work, and it was by the good graces of the Lake Carmi rangers and staff, and the use of their wireless, that we were eventually able to return back home to Canada. I don't know what we would have done, if they weren't there to help us! So - big thanks to the amazing staffers at Lake Carmi.
We had reserved a site by the lake, and saw that the campground itself was quite nice. Just acres and acres of lush green forestation. Clean grounds and washrooms. A beautiful sunset over the lake. No electrical 'pollution'. No noise pollution - except for crickets, in the field. Other than the car trouble - quite a pleasant stay! We'll be returning next year.
Traveler
Great campground! Clean, well maintained, playground and heated pool. The view of the mountains was worth the price alone
Guide
This campground is wonderful for camping with kids. It has a great playground and a small but nice and clean pool.
The amenities are clean and well taken care of.
Super nice staff is the finishing touch for this great campground.
Spaces are reasonably spacious and in wooded area.
We would definitely recommend.
TravelerWe stayed two nights at P-08 and loved both times. The side we stayed at is more for larger campers and is much quieter than the larger side. Paid showers, that’s a bummer, but we make do. Nice camp store, great access to rivers for fishing. Pulled an 8” brook trout out of a 10’ wide stream onsite. Awesome experience
GuideWe booked 2 nights and stayed for 3! Nice small campground with very clean bathrooms and showers! Staff was friendly and mountain biking trails were good and easy to get too.
GuideWe did not have reservations so our pick of sites was limited. There are several styles of sites here from tucked in/private to open areas and not so private sites. Bathrooms were clean and there is a nice wash station to do dishes. Campground is well maintained. We came for easy access to mountain biking trails!
Legend
I come back to this area every year; I missed my spring trip this year though. A friend was camping and invited me to join them. We had a site on the B loop, I have only camped on the A loop...
The site was nice with some great rock features, the sites have enough space between them to give privacy, but you know you're not alone. The facilities on the B loop are vintage 1950s, simple clean but not new or the same caliber as the facilities on A loop. Plenty of water faucets on the B loop.
Both A & B are easy to get around on, all of the roads are dirt but well maintained. Both loops have their own Trash and Recyling. The access road into the park is a well-maintained dirt road and about 5 miles long. Look for the bears, and other cutouts creatures in the clearings on the way in.
This campground is remote and it's about 45 min. to the nearest town. There is no cell service, even with a booster. The lake is wonderful.
Scout
DO NOT GO HERE! The rudest and most unprofessional management we have ever encountered. Anywhere. Hands down. I Would need a book to adequately warn people. 1) We were accidentally overcharged and were met with total annoyance by owner when attempting to rectify. Ultimately we were refunded the wrong amount, to the wrong account, which I let slide because the management does not appear to be cognitively able to understand how to compute charges. 2) My bf and his son collected some old dead wood at site to burn(didn’t know it was against rules- not in written policy- although they said it is)and when they were not so warmly reprimanded by the owner on her golf cart full of wine coolers(no judgement here, but, it IS an alcohol free campground. just saying…..), and then immediately radioed for husband for back up in his golf cart(no wine coolers there…) to reprimand us even further! Completely unnecessary, as they had already stopped collecting wood when first told- but he did let us in on a fun fact- that they(the Campground)“let people have fires here,without training!” Which we thought was odd, and hysterically funny. It’s a campground!! We’re supposed to feel grateful they allowed campfires- without training?😂 3) Lastly& most importantly, my boyfriend poked his head in the bathroom at 7 am while the lady was cleaning- not their regular scheduled cleaning time- and he REALLY needed to go, and politely, from the door, asked how long she might be. He just wanted know if he should wait or to look for someplace else to go, and he was absolutely chastised by the cleaning lady when she came out! She was absolutely nasty and rude to him! When we mentioned this incident we were told by employee(golf cart man) that we had no right to ask her questions! He told us she was going through a rough time in her life(who isn’t?) and that she having personal issues(kind of agreeing that, yes, can be a bitch), and something about somebody’s pregnant and her husband wants to ring her neck? We couldn’t really follow because we were all still trying to process the“you’re lucky we let you have a campfire without training“comment. Obviously, We had already decided we would never be back, and have already made reservations elsewhere for our fall trip- but when I got home today, I opened a scathing email(sent 2 days ago) from the owner ACCUSING my bf of“HARASSMENT” of the the cleaning lady! Who, she claimed, was very fearful because a male popped his head in the door while she was alone, and asked her a simple question! Cleaning lady can rest assured, that if she was the last woman on this planet, my bf wouldn’t touch her with an 10 foot pole. She was most definitely in no danger. The owner then wrote that we are now banned from their campground!!!😂 She also asked us to leave two days early- which I was not aware of until I read the email after I got home! All because my bf asked somebody a question, I asked to be billed to be correctly, and we tried to burn a dead log. That is INSANE! Let’s just say, it would not have been well received and that they are extremely lucky we were blissfully unaware of her email and finished out our stay, because if we had known then that she was falsely accusing my bf of harassment, it would not have gone well for them. Her accusation of harassment is BOLD FACED LIE!!! All of this has been mind blowing, but she really took my anger to a whole new level when she sent me that nasty email- and then she BLOCKED me from responding! She also blocked me from FB- so I couldn’t leave a review there! She took it way too far…. They have had other similar poor reviews in the past, which they respond to by calling the reviewers liars, and then making up ridiculous lies about them- which I fully anticipate they will do here. DO NOT BELIEVE A WORD OF WHAT THEY SAY.We have NEVER had problems like this with any business! Ever. We are LIVID that my bf is being FALSELY accused of harassment, and we do not take it lightly. THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT RIGHT IN THE HEAD.
TravelerWe went to this campground for the ATV event, and were pleasantly surprised. Our campsite was up in the “back” over looking the mountain. It was great. Quiet and good location.
Traveler
Great location and amazing private campground. Owners are very attentive and keep the entire campground in tip top shape. Super clean bathrooms and pool is crystal clear. Onsite store with great selection of beverages, ice cream and sweets. Lots of families due to the safe nature of the campground and owners ensure everyone has an enjoyable time. Noisy campers are spoken to very quickly to everyone can enjoy the serenity of the campground and its beautiful location.
ScoutStayed the last weekend in June and I was able to book the site 3 days prior. I was shocked there was still availability. Self check-in, no alcohol allowed and quiet hours start at 10:00 p.m. and fires out by 11:00 p.m. Who I believe to be the owners working in the store at the entrance were super friendly and helpful. My site wasn't the greatest (#32) as it seemed to be one of the few that was sort of out in the open and within view of numerous other sites. Not much seclusion but almost every other site seem to be more secluded. The riverfront sights looked absolutely beautiful and some had better/ easier access to the water then others. We had our travel trailer and it was easy to get it in and out and the dump station was conveniently located on the way out as well as the dumpster for trash. There are quite a few tent sites and our site was right near the clean bathroom and showers. We didn't eat there but there's also a pizza place at the entrance too. Everything is within walking distance.
Will go back again for sure but would look for a river front site next time!
Guide
Stayed for a quick overnight. The electric and water sites we stayed at was just dirt, no grass anywhere. The full hookups looked better from what I saw. They were very gracious on a late check out for us so we could go explore before leaving which was great.
Legend
Pros: Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP) 1.7 mile from #7 Ranked World's Best Disc Golf Course: Fox Run Meadows New fire ring New picnic table Gorgeous Mountain View
Cons: Grass site No amenities No Wi-Fi Soft ground, sinked during setup
GuideDespite being so remote, one of the busiest back country camps in the Whites.
Has a nice shelter, spring, privy, platforms, some sites have somewhat of a view of far away mountain tops.
No space for non-free standing tents. Quite a hike dropping down from the main trail to the campsite, 15-20 min straight up to hike out in the morning
ScoutCamped here twice in 2023. Once tent camping in July and the other was in our TT on Columbus day weekend. While the sites may be a bit close, they have everything to will need for a pleasant stay.
RangerI absolutely loved this park. From the natural beauty to the very nice camp office that also serves as the camp store. Don't get me wrong, this is a quaint little park that is mostly for tenters, but we still managed to get our campers in and we're comfortable. This is a no electric hookup and no dump station park, but it's still worth your time. We took our generator and did just fine. Lots of trees, and quiet sites make this camp a peaceful retreat. They have an honest to goodness swimming hole with fresh water running off of the mountain (FYI it's freezing cold, but refreshing) The bathrooms are very nice and clean. The staff was very friendly. If you're in the White Mountains and looking for a low key stop, give Moose Brook a try.
RangerNice, wooded sites. Staff was great and very helpful. I didn't see the restrooms with the showers on the one end of the campground, but the restrooms I did see on the end that I stayed were like outhouses but with flushable toilets--kinda meh.
Guidewe camped here in early October and it was gorgeous. Well spaced out sites. Friendly staff , flush toilets, showers, Quiet and peaceful. Good spot to summit Mansfield from.
ScoutThey don't give your money back to you and it not like other campground around there and very strict on the rules and i use to camp here when I was little.
LegendWe made the mistake of camping here for the 4th of July and should have known better, especially with a dog terrified of fireworks! While they aren't allowed in the State Park, much of the lake is private property...so between the rule breakers and the private land owners this was a cacophony of noise for days. The other bummer about this park in particular is that many of the sites were marked as reserved even though they sat empty for the three nights we were there and many of them were lakeside. Sadly, no shows don't forfeit their sites which was frustrating.
Our site, though not on the water, was nice and had a lean-to. The nice new bathhouse was also very much appreciated. Though it seemed that the drainage system could use some work, as the showers continually backed pretty far up. Thank goodness for shower shoes!
The campground employee was incredibly talkative and a little nosy but we didn't mind it so much sense we are generally well behaved campers.
Our site was spacious and we enjoyed having a lean-to for some shade. It easily accommodated two vehicles, two canoes, three dogs and four humans. Firewood and ice are readily available. Be prepared to drive a fair distance down gravel roads to get there.
There are a few hiking trails available in the park as well as several public access points to the lake. There is also a small swimming area/beach.
Legend
As we got about a mile from the campground we had a moose walk out in the street in front of us. It looked at us for a few minutes and took off. That was a great sign. We were there for 14 nights over the 4th of July. We were in site 42 which has a waterview. You can kayak right from your campsite. It's a little tight trying to back in, yet the site itself is big. We had water & electric and there is a dump station onsite. Our site was shaded and private. They sell ice & firewood there along with a small store with a few supplies. We had a great sunset view and then the lighting bugs come out. The bullfrogs would sing and the Loons are nice to hear & see.
The staff and volunteers were amazing, helpful and you can tell they love their jobs.
There are some waterfront sites near the swim beach too some do not have any shade.
Site 1D is right on the water and has a little shade. Site 1 C next to 1 D isn't bad either. Site 41 is nice yet it's more for a tent camper. Site 43 backs up to the boat house so you don't have water access yet it's a big shaded site.
They have primitive sites you can boat to or you can hire the park to take you back & forth. I believe some are as far as 12 miles from the park. They have these metal boats that the front end drops down you can walk stuff right on & off the boat. There are side bar kayak/canoe carriers too so you can take your kayak with you. The park also rents kayaks & canoes.
We really enjoyed sitting on our chairs in the water at our site watching the boat take people out.
There is a nice bath house and laundry room. There are some cabins too.
When you leave the park and go left your in Maine within a few miles. There is a little store called Upton's that has some food, beer & wine, water and items for sale along with they do lunches and breakfast sandwiches. We bought some chicken salad, potato salad and fresh carrot cake cupcakes from there it was good. If you pass the store you will come to Grafton Notch state park. There are some overlooks and hiking trails. Screw Auger falls was nice and the beautiful wildflowers were in full bloom.
When you leave the park and turn right toward Errol there is a small grocery store that was just opening they had some groceries and Liquor. There is large outfitter/grocery/ Ace hardware store and a gas station. It was packed. We needed propane so Ace filled our tank. The outfitter store sells hunting/fishing permits and any sporting good item you can think of. There are a few little stores to shop for a souvenir.
Before you get to Errol you can take a right onto route 16 and drive to rangeley Maine. What a cute town with shops and good places to eat. There was a fresh market on wednesdays and a fresh seafood truck that sold good seafood from the truck. We bought native scallops, Salmon & shrimp and made a excellent dinner. The first 7 miles of 16 were a little rough yet once you hit the border of Main it's all new paved road. We ate at Parkside & main. Had a lobster roll of coarse and the clam chowder was the best. On the way back to camp we got some farm fresh eggs for $3.00 a dozen. There is an IGA grocery store there too.
We really enjoyed just sitting in our chairs in the water at our site and chilling. There were a lot of baby ducks that would visit everyday. They would swim around us & between us while we sat in the water. Very peaceful and quiet.
On the 4th of July someone had some great fireworks and put on a good show. We loved this campground it was a beautiful place to spend time.
Guide
Wooded sites, some a bit less private than others. Beach for swimming / paddling. Lean to options. There were some larger groups while there. Staff very helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Island Pond, VT is Brighton State Park Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 12 reviews.
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