Hidden In The Northeast Corner Of Vermont Is A State Park With Camping, Cabin Stays, And Water Recreation

The Green Mountain State's Northeast Kingdom offers some of the most remote natural beauty in the area, spanning more than 2,000 square miles of mountains, lakes, and forests. Travelers have several scenic destinations to discover in the region, one being Brighton State Park. Located in Essex County, this hidden gem allows you to reconnect with nature and detox from city life, with waterfront views keeping you company throughout your stay. The state park has a variety of family-oriented amenities and recreation, with one Google reviewer vouching for it: "Our kids had a blast and asked when we were coming back."

Covering 152 acres of forested terrain, mountain backdrops, and lakefront, the Brighton State Park area was once a major hub for loggers and railroads in the late 19th century. Those days might be long gone, but the land remains as a secluded retreat for those who'd like a remote getaway. The state park gives you access to two bodies of water: Island and Spectacle Ponds. You can go for a refreshing swim and lounge on the beaches, or take your kayak out for a fun paddle. Both bodies of water hold a number of fish species, making them perfect for casting a line and enjoying a bit of angling.

If you haven't had enough of the activities at the state park, you can spend the night at the campground. Whether you'd like to pitch a tent or park your RV, the campground provides a well-maintained outdoor experience. Those who aren't too excited about roughing it out can opt for a cabin rental. Since Brighton State Park is hidden all the way in Vermont's northeast corner, you'll have to drive for over two hours from Burlington to get there. Stowe is a little closer at one and a half hours.

Planning a camping trip to Brighton is a great way to take full advantage of the state park's offerings. Visitors have praised the campground as a clean and scenic spot on the along the shores and within the woods of Spectacle Pond. The camping season runs from the Friday before Memorial Day to the second Monday of October. The campground is divided into three loops, with a total of 54 dog-friendly campsites, four of which are ADA-accessible. Of these, seven are designated tent-only sites. Many spots are located right by the waterfront. There are water spigots, restrooms, and coin-operated showers at each camping loop. The eastern zone boasts an amphitheater and is steps away from the beach. Campers can play horseshoes at the pit, situated between the eastern and middle camping loops.

Although the campground has a dump station, you won't have access to hookups — your vehicle must handle its own power, water, and waste. Since camping can have a six-legged welcoming committee, you can keep your dishes safe and deter bugs with a common household item. Besides the campsites, you'll find 23 lean-to spots at the campground spread across the middle and western loops. Only one of these has ADA-accessible features. There's a maximum capacity of eight people at the lean-to and regular campsites.

You can also book one of the state park's cabins for a comfortable stay. With five one-room units available for reservations, the cabins are equipped with electricity. Three of the cabins are ADA-accessible and one is dog-friendly. Guests have to book the cabins for at least two nights. The cabins accommodate a maximum of six people — however, there are extra fees for the 5th and 6th guests, who either have to set up camp outside or use floor mats.

Brighton State Park sits between Island and Spectacle Ponds, with both offering different types of water recreation. Spectacle Pond is the smaller of the two, with a water surface area of 102 acres, but it doesn't lack activities. There's a designated swimming area near the campground, so make sure to create the ultimate packing list for a successful beach trip. When you're not splashing around or soaking up the sun, take your boat out for a leisurely trip. Although non-motorized watercraft are allowed on the pond, keep in mind that there's no boat launch at the campground.

You'll see pedal boats drifting across the water, kayaks dotting the lake surface, and canoes moving from one shore to another on Spectacle Pond. Stand-up paddleboarding is popular, too. If you don't have your own vessel, rentals are available here for campers. Island Pond doesn't offer day-use boat rentals either, despite it being larger at 614 acres. Similar to Spectacle Pond, however, you can still set out on the water. Island Pond has a beach, too, on its eastern shore. This beach provides facilities like a restroom and picnic area. Neither of the beaches is dog-friendly.

When it comes to angling, you can cast your line in either lake. Both are inhabited by similar species — you'll catch smallmouth and largemouth bass, bullhead, yellow perch, and brown trout. Island Pond is also home to walleye, burbot, rainbow trout, and rainbow smelt. As for Spectacle Pond, other common catches include bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed, and chain pickerel. Later on, take the 1.6-mile out-and-back trail to admire the pond views and look back at your getaway. While you're still exploring the Northeast Kingdom, make the 30-minute drive to Vermont's breathtaking glacial body of water, Lake Willoughby, which thrives in fall.