Anyone booking a stay at Vermont State Parks this upcoming season will notice a few changes.
Vermont State Parks officials recently announced a series of changes to their camping reservation policies.
They said the policy updates are designed to give visitors more flexibility, fairness, and access, especially during the busiest months.
These changes take effect on February 11.
Rolling 11-Month Reservation Window
Instead of releasing all reservations on a single day each month, camping reservations will now open daily, rolling 11 months in advance at 9 a.m.
For example, if you want to book a reservation beginning on June 15, 2027, the earliest date you can make the reservation is July 15, 2026.
This change gives visitors more chances to book the dates they want—30 or 31 opportunities each month instead of just one.
This rolling window applies to all parks, including Burton Island.
Reservations can be made online, by phone between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or directly through the park during the operating season.
Restrictions on Making Changes to Reservations
When bookings are made on the first day of the booking window, campers cannot change their arrival or departure dates for 21 days to prevent overbooking. Officials said this is to maintain fair and equitable reservations.
Campers can still cancel their reservation or change details (i.e., camping accommodation units, number of people) during this time.
The restriction does not apply to reservations booked well within the booking windows.
Reservations cannot be moved or changed until 22 days after booking.
Same-Day Reservations Are Now Available
Visitors can now make same-day reservations until 2 p.m. on their day of arrival. This update makes it easier to plan a last-minute getaway when sites are available.
Same-day reservations can be booked online, by phone, or by contacting the park directly.
Updated Cancellation Policy for Tent, RV, Lean-to, and Cabin Sites
Park officials updated cancellation timelines to better align with neighboring state park systems and improve site availability.
For tent and RV sites, lean-tos, and cabins, anyone who cancels at least 10 days before their scheduled arrival date will receive a full refund, minus the $8 reservation fee.
Those who cancel three to nine days before their scheduled arrival date will receive a full refund, minus the $8 reservation fee and the cost of one night of camping.
No refund will be issued for those who cancel with two days of their scheduled arrival date.
One-Night Reservations Allowed Within 7 Days of Arrival
One-night stays are now allowed within seven days of arrival any day of the week. Reservations made more than seven days in advance require a two-night minimum.
However, their are a couple exceptions to these rules.
Remote sites at Waterbury Reservoir, Osmore Pond, and Kettle Pond will continue to require a two-night minimum stay.
Individuals arriving at a park by hiking, bicycling, or paddling, as well as those camping in designated group camping areas, are still eligible to make one-night reservations further than seven days in advance.
Learn more about Vermont State Park reservation policy changes.
