Maidstone State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The Civilian Conservation Corps used the area where Maidstone State Park now lies as a headquarters from which they went forth to build many of the surrounding parks and campgrounds. The CCC built Maidstone State Park in 1938 after the State of Vermont designated the land for that purpose. Today, the original lodge and picnic shelter from 1938 are still in use. Maidstone State Park's remoteness in the wilds of Northern Vermont makes it popular with people who want no distractions from the world beyond the park.
Spring 39-66 F
Summer 70-78 F
Fall 43-57 F
Winter 0-28 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Maidstone State Park
The RV campground at Maidstone State Park has 34 rustic campsites with fire rings and picnic tables. Other amenities at the campground include communal potable water, coin-operated showers, restrooms, a dishwashing station, a playground, a beach, a picnic pavilion, and a dump station. The maximum length for an RV or vehicle pulling a trailer is 30 feet.
What to Do at
Maidstone State Park
The water is cooler than you might expect, but it's just right for you and the family to enjoy a nice dip during the dog days of summer. A popular activity at this park is fishing, and you can roast your catch at your campsite at the end of the day. If you are a paddle sport enthusiast, you can launch your kayak or canoe right from the beach.
Hiking
Three short, flat, and easy trails border the lake. They are the Loon Trail, the Moose Trail, and the Shore Trail. None of them is much over 1,000 feet long, but they're great for laps and nature watching, especially if you bring your birding binoculars along.
Stargazing
The stargazing at Maidstone State Park is above average, rating a Class 2 on the Bortle Scale. That means that there is only the barest hint of light pollution from distant sources. The sky will be black, and you can see almost everything in the heavens. On the clearest nights with no moon, you will have a good view of the Milky Way without needing a telescope.
Flora and Fauna
Loons are famous "citizens" of Maidstone Lake. Joining them are mergansers, herons, bitterns, and other waterfowl. Moose and black bears are common in the woods surrounding the park, too. Spring beauties, trout lilies, and trilliums are three of the beautiful types of wildflowers found in Maidstone State Park.
Fishing
The State of Vermont stocks Maidstone Lake with rainbow trout, and the native lake trout are also plentiful. Burbot and pumpkinseed are two great fish to eat, and the burbot has the distinction of being one of the ugliest fish on the planet. You can also catch bass and yellow perch. The lake is up to 121 feet deep, and you can fish at different depths from a boat.
Swimming
There are several swimming areas at this state park. The water is shallow along the lake's shore, so it is a great place to bring kids.
Boating
There is no boat launch at Maidstone State Park, but you can set out right from the beach with kayaks, canoes, and rowboats. There is a boat launch just down the shore at a fish and wildlife area. Remember, all motorized boats must maintain no-wake speed within 200 feet of shore or a swimming area.
How to Get to
Maidstone State Park
Proceed to St. Johnsbury. From there, go east on Route 2 to Lancaster. Drive north on Route 102. Turn west on Maidstone Lake Access Road. Proceed to Maidstone State Park.
Entering Maidstone State Park
There is no place to park your vehicle outside Maidstone State Park, so you must enter to find a lot. The park is open from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. for day use.
Maidstone State Park Entry Fee (adults) : $5.0
Maidstone State Park Entry Fee (children aged 4-13) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Maidstone State Park
Summer is the best time to visit for watersports. However, Northern Vermont is famous for its fall foliage. Autumn colors are at their peak from the end of September to the middle of October.
The birds are the most populous wildlife in the park, and birders will see a variety of waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors. Mammals you may encounter include black bears, moose, and river otters.
Yes, you will find RV-specific campsites in addition to the tent-only campsites. Each has a fire ring and a picnic table.
No, you don't officially need to have reservations. However, it's usually best to have them because the park can fill up quickly. RV sites cost $20 per night for Vermont residents and $28 per night for out-of-state visitors.
Your pets are welcome at this state park and are allowed on the three hiking trails. They must be on a leash, and you are responsible for picking up any pet waste.