Brighton State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Brighton State Park is located on the shores of 102-acre Spectacle Pond in beautiful Vermont near the border of New Hampshire. A day-use area with a sandy beach and bathhouse is located a half mile away from the campground on 600-acre Island Pond. The park is open year-round from 10 a.m. to sunset, while the campground operates from Memorial Day to the second Monday in October. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing, hiking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and picnicking along either pond's shoreline.
Spring 17 - 67 F
Summer 52 - 79 F
Fall 27 - 69 F
Winter 5 - 30 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Brighton State Park
There is one campground in Brighton State Park that is split into three loops. Each loop contains RV-friendly campsites that can hold an RV up to 30 feet in length. Sites are designated as either prime or non-prime, with prime sites carrying a slightly higher nightly fee due to their proximity to the waterfront. Pets are allowed, but you will be charged a $2 per night fee. If you are camping with more than four people in your group, there will be an extra $5 per person per night fee. The campground features several activities, such as swimming, horseshoe pits, an amphitheater, and a hiking trail. Fire rings and picnic tables are included with your campsite. There are also restrooms, showers, and drinking water throughout the grounds.
What to Do at
Brighton State Park
There is plenty to do within the boundaries of Brighton State Park, including hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, mountain biking, and nature programs. One unique aspect this park has to offer is a park interpreter. This is a member of the park staff whose sole job is to help educate you about the natural and cultural history of the park. Several programs are run by the park interpreter, including night hikes, nature crafts and games, campfire programs, and amphibian explorations. Check with the park headquarters for a list of current events during your stay.
While Bright State Park is nestled away in the remote mountains of Vermont, there are still plenty of adventures to get into while you are camping. Island Pond and Spectacle Pond offer the opportunity to enjoy your favorite watersports while hiking trails enable you to experience the area's beautiful nature.
Fishing
Anglers can find terrific fishing opportunities in Spectacle Pond and Island Pond. Cast a line to try and catch brown trout, pickerel, and largemouth bass. A state of Vermont fishing license is required.
Nature Watching
Brighton State Park is located in some of the most remote areas of Vermont and is home to a wide array of wildlife. Parkgoers can see black bears, bobcats, red foxes, coyotes, deer, and even moose. Wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, and many songbirds also call the park home.
Stargazing
The remoteness of Brighton State Park is one of its main attractions for many visitors and results in limited light pollution. This makes it easy to spot constellations, galaxies, and shooting stars in the night sky.
Flora and Fauna
The dense woods at the park feature a variety of pine trees, including balsam fir, red spruce, and red pine. In addition, Maple trees, aspen, and birch trees provide beautiful colors during the fall season as the leaves change to vibrant orange, red, and yellow hues.
Hiking
Four hiking trails within the park take you through the woodlands. These trails make a longer loop when combined.
Boating
Rowboats, canoes, and kayaks are available to rent for a fee of $40 per day. A half-day rate of $30 or $10 per hour rate is also available.
Swimming
Designated swimming areas are found in the northeast corner of the campground on Spectacle Pond and the day-use area on Island Pond. This day-use area features a sandy beach, perfect for soaking up the sun's rays.
How to Get to
Brighton State Park
Brighton State Park is located at 102 State Park Rd. Island, VT 05846. If you are driving from St. Johnsbury, VT, you will need to take I-91 N to exit 23 for US-5. Turn right onto US-5 and continue until it turns into VT-114 N. You will stay on this road for 20 miles and then turn right onto VT-105 E/VT-114 N. Take this road for just over one mile until you reach Pleasant St, and then turn right. Make a left-hand turn onto Lakeshore Dr and then a right turn onto State Park Rd, which will take you into the park.
Entering Brighton State Park
The park is open year-round and operates between 10 a.m. and sunset. As soon as you enter the park, you will pass the park office where parking is available. A dump station and drinking water access are also located near the park office. The campground area of Brighton State Park does not include any excess parking areas.
An admittance fee is required when entering the park. It is $5 for adults and $2 for children 4 to 13 years old. Day-use visitors are charged $1 per bag of trash. If you are staying overnight, showers cost $0.50 for four minutes and $0.25 for each additional minute. However, the dump station is free for guests to use.
Adults : $5.0
Children (4-13) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Brighton State Park
The summer months are the best time of year to visit Brighton State Park. You will be able to take advantage of all the park has to offer during this time, including park interpreters.
Black bears, bobcats, coyotes, deer, moose, wild turkeys, and migrating songbirds are seen throughout the park. In late spring, you may see mother black bears with their cubs.
Yes, there are designated RV camping spots in the campground located on Spectacle Pond. Each has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
Yes, you need to reserve a camping spot. This can be done online or over the phone if you need a same-day reservation. Residents pay a $20 per night fee, while non-residents are charged $28 per night. The prime sites with waterfront views cost an extra $2.
Pets are allowed at Brighton State Park but not in the day-use, beach, or swimming areas. Pets must remain on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.