Camping at Fort Dummer State Park, Vermont – Site – Site 8
| Date: | 7/26/2024 – 7/28/24 |
| Location: | Guilford, VT |
| Price: | $30 |
| Site Number: | T8 |
| Toilets: | Flush/Shower |
| Max People: | 8 |
| Parking: | 2 cars per site |
| Dogs/Pets: | Yes |
| Hammock: | Yes |
We have a new tent and have only taken it out once so far this year. So Steph, Liberty and myself decided to go on a camping trip to one of Vermont’s State Parks. We have visited three so far and they have all been nice.
The weekend is supposed to be beautiful so many of the parks were already full. We noticed Ft. Dummer was right near Brattleboro VT. This was ideal since we would be setting out about 5:30 PM. Fort Dummer is about a 2-hour drive from out home in New Hampshire.
We ended up arriving about 8:15 PM. It was still a little light, so we pulled the tent out right away and set it up. The tent takes about 15-20 minutes to set up. We had out camp put together within an hour and were enjoying dinner and a fire by 9:15 PM.
Our site was T8. It was very spacious with lots of options for the placement of our tent. The site was gravel and very level. We had a fire ring with grill bars attached. There was a picnic table. There was also a stump for chopping wood, but we did not have an ax.
The sites are nicely spaced out however this particular site did have a big opening that was right near our neighbor’s fire ring. Other than that, it was perfect.
Most of the campsite is in wooded areas. Our site was a quick walk to the clean bathrooms, with showers (paid), sinks and flush toilets.
There are three short hiking trails in the park. The Broad Brook Trail, Sunrise Trail and Sunset Trail. The Broad Brook trail leads to a local swimming hole, so we decided to do that one first.
This trail starts on the south end of the campground and drops down quick and steep to the brook below. I’d say it goes down about 300’ feet or so. It is also very steep is some spots.
When we got to the stream it was busy with people and dogs. So we just found a spot and let Liberty play in the water. The water was about knee deep and pretty refreshing on a warm Saturday afternoon.
After we had our fill, we started the climb back up. The trail was again steep, so we took our time and enjoyed some of the unique features like the bridge toward the bottom.
After that we went back to camp and hung out for the evening. The next morning Liberty and I were up early and decided to go check out the Sunrise Trail.
This trail is a one-mile loop with some gradual hills here and there as it weaves through the forest. Toward the hight of land there is a small lookout with a bench and picnic table that looks out over the Connecticut River and where the old Fort Dummer once stood before they flooded the valley. We continued till we got back to the loop sign and decided to go check out the Sunset Trail down the road as well.
The Sunset Trail starts at the back of the field area. There is a large open field with volleyball net, disc golf chains, horseshoe pits, picnic tables and fire rings. Liberty and I started down the trail which was about three feet wide cut through some thick wild weeds and flowers.
It gradually went downhill towed the road then turns back up and gradually climbs back up to a look out facing west. There is a fence and picnic table there as well. We took some pictures and continued. We were not far from the field where we started. These are both fun little trails and Liberty enjoyed being out on an adventure.
After that we had some brunch and started packing everything up. Once we were all packed, we took a drive and looked at all the campsites and made notes of what site looked good to us if we return. Those are 10, 18, 20, 21, 9, 36, 37, 39, 43. Of course all the site were good these are just ones that suited us well.
On our way out I wanted to check out the old mining quarry by the entrance. I could see the entrance when we got to the park, and it is carved right into the mountain. Steph stayed in the car while Liberty and I set out.
This trail is only about 200 feet long. As I was taking pictures, I heard a splash and turned my head and saw Liberty in the mucky smelly water and mud. Well, at least she looked like she was having a good time, but I knew it would be a long 2-hour drive home.
I loved the park. It was very easy to get to and all the rangers and staff were very friendly. Wood is available at the ranger station. The dumpsters and recycling are conveniently located along with sewer dumping if you have a camper. There are also a lot of lean-tos available for renting. I’d like to try one of those sometime.
And most of all, Vermont State Parks are super dog friendly. Liberty always has a great time.
