Vermont State Parks announces the annual opening of its summer operating season this weekend.
The Memorial Day holiday, the unofficial beginning of summer, also marks the beginning of the prime season for all 52 state parks. Officials are optimistic that this year's park visitation will at least match last year's 20-year record.
“There is a heightened interest in our park system these days because of improvements we are making, our quality staff and a renewed appreciation for the value of outdoor recreation to improve our lives in a variety of ways.” according to Craig Whipple, Director of State Parks.
The system saw over 915,000 visits last summer.
This year, Vermont State Parks has put together a bag of “Camping Tips & Tricks” at vtstateparks.com/howto. The site includes a series of amusing and informative how-to videos, printable checklists, menus, recipes and shopping lists, weekend itineraries, instruction sheets and activity ideas for kids.
You can also download the Vermont State Parks Android or iPhone app and learn about one of the free “Learn S'more About Camping” clinics taking place throughout the state this summer with help from Eastern Mountain Sports. Even if you're a veteran camper, you'll find some great resources to use on your next trip.
If you're ready for some additional outdoor fun, be sure to check out Venture Vermont, the statewide outside scavenger hunt. Just download a score sheet from vtstateparks.com/htm/venturevt.htm, do fun outdoor activities, and take photographs of yourself doing those activities. Once you reach 250 points, send in your score sheet and photos and you will receive a gold VIP medallion, giving you free park day entry for the rest of this year and all of 2014.