Mount Ascutney State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The Mount Ascutney State Park has been welcoming visitors for nearly a century. Since it was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and became one of Vermont's original state parks, this recreation area has evolved into a hot spot for hikers, hang gliders, and scenery-seekers who come for the stunning vistas from the summit. Whether you plan to hike the 12-mile trail network or enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest, this stunning park is a beautiful wilderness getaway. Though it feels wild and remote, Montpelier is just 77 miles north, and small towns like Windsor are within a 10-minute drive.
Spring 20-55 F
Summer 55-80 F
Fall 30-60 F
Winter 10-35 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Mount Ascutney State Park
Whether you're visiting Mount Ascutney State Park in the heat of summer or on a chilly fall weekend, an RV is a surefire way to ensure a comfortable camping experience. Don't have your own RV? You can still enjoy the same luxurious experience with an RV rental.Find pet-friendly models and features to suit everyone in your crew.
Mount Ascutney State Park Campground
Be the first person on the trails when you park your RV at the Mount Ascutney State Park Campground. With 38 campsites, this spot is located near the base of the mountain for easy access. You can buy firewood and ice in the campground, so there's no need to leave, and the on-site bathrooms and showers are convenient perks for groups. Campsites start at $19 per night for a basic site and $21 for prime sites. If you're not a Vermont resident, you'll be charged an additional $2 per night. Planning to bring more than four people? Each additional person also incurs an extra $5 per night fee.
Running Bear Camping Area
Located just a few minutes down the road from Mount Ascutney State Park, Running Bear Camping Area is a great alternative. This popular family campground offers a range of activities from kid-friendly bingo games to regular concerts. Walk from your site to the playground, heated swimming pool, basketball courts, and the camp store. The campground also offers a rec hall, laundry, and dump station. Rates start at $45 for full hookups and $39 for sites with water and electric hookups. If you're staying for a week, your seventh night is free.
Getaway Mountain Campground
Boasting large, shaded sites, Getaway Mountain Campground is a beautiful retreat. Many of the campground's 100 sites offer ample privacy, so you can relax inside or outside of your RV. Each spot offers full hookups and easy access to all of the on-site amenities. Cool off with a swim in the heated pool, take advantage of the showers, or wash clothes in the laundry room. Kids love the camp store and the fish-feeding pond, and every camper is welcome to join in the many organized dinners and activities.
What to Do at
Mount Ascutney State Park
Inside Mount Ascutney State Park
Bring your hiking boots on your trip to Mount Ascutney State Park because the best way to see the park is by hiking the 12-mile trail network. Take four different trails to get to the summit of Mount Ascutney; on the Weathersfield Trail, you'll pass the beautiful Cascade Falls. Bring your camera, too, as each trail offers stunning views of the Connecticut River Valley. If you prefer a shorter hike, drive to the highest parking lot and take the 1-mile route to the summit. While you're there, keep an eye out for the hang gliders who launch off the peak.
Outside Mount Ascutney State Park
Nestled between the Green Mountain National Forest and White Mountain National Forest, Mount Ascutney State Park sits amid Vermont's most beautiful landscapes. There's something to do every month of the year—from summer hiking to winter snowboarding, outdoor activities are abundant. If you visit in the fall, New England's legendary leaf-peeping awaits.
Restaurants
Exit Ate Restaurant
Set less than five minutes from Mount Ascutney State Park, Exit Ate Restaurant is a handy spot to grab a quick dinner or lunch. The menu offers typical diner foods and a selection of fantastic pies.
Type: American
Location: 202 Route 131, Ascutney, VT 05030
The Maple Kitchen
Relaxed and welcoming, The Maple Kitchen is a fun spot for a family meal. Try a burger or a steak, enjoy Vermont cheese, and top it off with a locally distilled whiskey.
Type: American
Location: 485 Hotel Rd, Brownsville, VT 05037
Windsor Station Restaurant & Barroom
Come hungry to Windsor Station Restaurant & Barroom, where the chefs serve house-made pasta every day of the week. The menu also includes a variety of meat dishes and salads.
Type: American
Location: 26 Depot Ave, Windsor, VT 05089
Pizza Chef
At the popular Pizza Chef, you can pick up a pie to enjoy at your campsite. This spot also serves a range of hot sandwiches, so you'll find something for everyone in your group.
Type: Pizza
Location: 88 Main St, Windsor, VT 05089
Yummp Yummp
Indulge your craving for Chinese food at Yummy Yummy, a casual spot located just 5 miles from the park. With its extensive menu and friendly service, this restaurant is popular with visitors and Vermont locals.
Type: Chinese
Location: 74 Main St, Windsor, VT 05089
Shopping
Ascutney Butcher Shop
Pick up fresh steaks or burgers to grill at your campsite at the Ascutney Butcher Shop.
Location: 625 U.S. 5, Windsor, VT 05089
Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company Market
Offering a wide selection of the state's best meats and cheeses, Vermont Farmstead Cheese Company Market is a must-visit store. You'll also find a range of Vermont products to enjoy in your RV or once you get home.
Location: 71 Artisans Way, Windsor, VT 05089
Quechee Gorge Village
With its charming collection of shops, Quechee Gorge Village is a delightful place to browse for a few hours. You can pick up everything from local cheese to antiques.
Location: 5573 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT 05059
Paradise Sports
Whether you need new fishing gear or a part for your bike, Paradise Sports has all of the supplies to make your adventurous vacation more fun.
Location: 55 Main St, Windsor, VT 05089
Mike's Store and Deli
Grab sandwiches to go or last-minute groceries at Mike's Store and Deli, which sits about 15 minutes north of Mount Ascutney State Park.
Location: 148 U.S. 5, Hartland, VT 05048
Sightseeing
Woodstock Village
The tiny village of Woodstock exudes New England charm. Spend an afternoon browsing through the adorable shops in the small downtown, stroll along the banks of the Ottauquechee River, and check out the town's three lovely covered bridges. In the summer, head to the village green to attend a concert or an open-air market.
Location: Woodstock, Vermont
Mountain bike from the Ascutney Outdoors Center
If you're a mountain biker, bring your bike and head straight for the trailheads at the Ascutney Outdoors Center. Here, a gorgeous single-track winds through the forest, offering access to killer climbs, technical features, and plenty of boardwalks. Routes are available for all skill levels, making this a fun spot for the whole family.
Location: Brownsville, Vermont
Upper Falls Covered Bridge
Drive 10 miles from Mount Ascutney State Park to see Upper Falls Covered Bridge, which is also known as Downers Covered Bridge. Built in the late 1800s, this structure is an example of Greek Revival architecture. If you have time, pull over and hike around the riverbanks to see every angle.
Location: Perkinsville, Vermont
Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park
Just over the state border in New Hampshire, Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park is a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. Once the home of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, this historic estate is now open to the public. Tour the house and the studios, where many of the artist's sculptures are on display, and learn about its importance in the Cornish Art Colony. Later, explore the grounds on the many short, kid-friendly hiking trails.
Location: Cornish, New Hampshire
Knapp Brook Wildlife Management Area
Take your Vermont wilderness experience to the next level at the Knapp Brook Wildlife Management Area. Multiple ponds offer excellent fishing; explore the woods on foot, or bring a snowmobile in the winter. The area is also popular with hunters and trappers.
Location: Reading, Vermont
How to Get to
Mount Ascutney State Park
Getting to Mount Ascutney State Park is a breeze; it's located immediately west of I-91. Just take I-91 north from Brattleboro or south from Hanover.
Entering Mount Ascutney State Park
Mount Ascutney State Park is open all year. If you're coming as a day-use visitor, the park opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes at sunset. The park is open 24 hours a day for campers.
Mount Ascutney State Park Per adult : $4.0
Mount Ascutney State Park Per child, age 4-13 : $2.0
Mount Ascutney State Park Per child, age 0-3 : $0.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mount Ascutney State Park
Mount Ascutney State Park is famous for its superlative hiking trails, so any time of year when the trails are open is great. Hang gliding is also popular at the park, and the best time for that is fall.
Summer highs top out at about 84 F. The highs during the fall foliage season are crisp in the high 40s. Winter lows drop nearly to 0 F while summer evenings are blessedly cool in the 60s.
Large creatures like moose and black bears roam Mount Ascutney State Park. Smaller predators like bobcats and grey foxes dot the countryside as well. Birdwatchers can spy many species along the trails.
There are 38 RV sites and 10 lean-tos. The RV sites count as primitive because there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Each loop of campsites has a restroom, and there is a single dump site.
Pets are welcome throughout Mount Ascutney State Park. Your dogs must be leashed, and campers must clean up after their pets. Pets are not allowed to bother other campers. You might have to board unruly pets elsewhere.