gifford woods state park

I am reviewing the campground. I went on a last minute camping/hiking trip in late September. There are not TOO many sites which is good in a lot of ways, including tent/RV, cabins and lean-to's. The sites are a decent size, not too big. we had two cars on site and fit two 2-person tents no problem. There is a fire pit and picnic table at each site as usual but some of them are the fire rings and some are the brick fireplace type that I think are better for throwing heat which is something we thought about in late September... but our site (6) with the fire ring had a cooking grate that folded down and was perfect for cooking over an open fire. I don't normally choose the lean-to's at a camping site but we did go check out an empty site to see how they were. they seemed sturdy, clean, definitely would give shelter from rain/sun and keep you off the ground - but it also makes the site a little crowded (not much other empty space around the lean-to). There were cabins that looked very cute but we couldn't see inside any. We were on the upper loop so for us to use the bathrooms, we were walking up and down a small hill. Not a big deal unless you just spent the day hiking and your legs are tired and you just don't want to walk another hill :). something to consider when picking your site!The bathrooms were good for camp bathrooms- they never seemed too messy but the floor was often wet. I assume from the shower. The showers either had a "vestibule" separate from the shower (this area could be closed off with a door from the toilet stalls and sinks) so there was room to change or I also saw a bigger room with a shower/toilet/sink that you could have all to yourself. They sold firewood at the office. There were a couple of nice trails that you could access from the campground and the little pond/lake was across the fairly busy road. you can hear the traffic from that road all day and starting up again in the early morning. That was really my only negative about this campground. You are very close to Killington and the ski towns and this a busy road. there was always traffic noise. but then again its getting harder and harder to get away from that these days.

We spent a few nights in this campground while enjoying the autumn colors. Our site was a good size, fairly private, and very neat and tidy. The site had been raked and the fireplace had been cleaned out. The restrooms were clean. Ice and fire wood available at the park office for a very reasonable price. Great hiking trails in the park. The AT runs right through the park. We especially enjoyed the short walk over to Kent Pond, which is really pretty. It would be a great place to canoe or kayak. My only complaint is the road noise. The park is situated near 2 main roads, but we found that this is something that cannot be avoided because the park is located in a fairly narrow valley. Even when we were hiking up the AT we could hear the road noise. We enjoyed our stay in Gifford Woods and will probably return in the future.

Nice hiking trails and campground looks clean and peaceful. Hiking can be easy to hard depending on your health and stamina.

My husband and I camped here in August 2014 for 3 nights on a lean-to site. The site was very clean and had clearly been raked and the fire pit had been cleaned out prior to our arrival so there was no need to shovel it out ourselves. The lean-tos are great because you can ut all of your stuff in there or set up your tent, or even, as we did, set up your air mattress inside of it and tarp the front to keep out critters at night. The bathrooms were very clean with hot water and pay showers for use. The staff was very friendly and helpful and were always available if need be. There are lots of hikers that come through this park since the Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail run right through the park. That said there are some nice trails in, around and near the park and Kent Pond is right across the street. Unfortunaltey we didn't have the chance to hike(due to some wet weather/muddy conditions) or rent a canoe for use on the Pond (maybe next time). Killington, Pico and bear are nearby as is Woodstock(a nice walking town with some neat shops) and Long trail Brewery. We have camped at numerous VT state parks and this was one of our favorites but they are all nice.

Chosen for the location near Long Trail Brewing and several high VT peaks, this was a great find. A little hard to find, however, but well worth it. Classing up to a "lean-to" instead of a primitive sight might be a good idea if travelling with little ones or testy female companions!

We camped here one night on a road trip through the western and central parts of the state. The park itself was peaceful but there is quite a bit of road noise from Rt. 100. We walked the Kent Brook Trail which was a nice walk but I was underwhelmed by the tree size. They are billed in the park brochure as "grand-sized." I didn't really see anything that looked much bigger than the trees in the woods behind my house. If you're not used to being in the woods it would probably be more interesting... One bit of advice - if you need supplies get them before you get into Killington. The closest grocery store is in Rutland according to the rangers. There is a small convenience store close by but the prices are pretty high. Make sure you walk or drive across the road to Kent Pond. It it beautiful and peaceful. It is not marked but there is a lovely waterfall just to the right of the pond- just listen for it. The highlight of the visit was hearing the loons calling from the pond during the evening and early morning.

The Ranger at the entrance is very helpful and friendly. You can spend as much time as you want hiking and enjoying the views. Kids of all ages will enjoy.

We stopped here on a rainy day to walk the Kent Brook Trail. Due to the weather, we were the only people in the park and had the trail to ourselves. The trail through the old growth forest was interesting and alerted us to look for similar conditions in other locations. This trail is suitable for young and inexperienced hikers. Total length about 1 mile.

A typical visit here might include a day hike through the trees or around the nearby lake. The lake trail is highly recommended for its lake views, but also a small but scenic cascade into the lake. Worth a visit, especially during the peak autumn color season.

I decided to go to VT for an autumnfestpolration and I was so happy to have done my research ahead of time! the sites are clean and tidy and the cabins clean and cozy! Easy access to bathrooms and showers.The trails and views were stunning. I completed 14.9 miles and hit 4 summits. I loved every minute. What impressed me most was the hospitality and kindness of the two college aged park attendants. They were nice, full of information and so excited to have visitors from out of state! Kudos to Gifford Woods State Park, you exceeded my expectations immensely!

This was just perfect for me to get some evening exercise while enjoying the beauty of nature. It has a great little brook, and the pathway was well marked. My visit was on October 1st, so I really enjoyed all the colorful leaves!

Stayed here for two nights while hiking and we had a great time. The ground is a bit hard, so you might want to bring sleeping pads. You don't have much privacy from your neighbouring campsites. I heard every conversation they were having.The bathroom facilities were clean and the rangers were knowledgeable about day hikes and what was in the area. It was nice that the long trail went right to the campsite - very convenient! Warning: there isn't a cheap grocery store in Killington. If you're coming by car, you may have to stop well in advance.

Stayed in one of their rustic cabins. It was perfect for our family of four. There was a "pullout" futon for grown ups and bunk beds for two kids. The way the cabin is angled it gave us privacy, but still access to bathrooms if needed. There were great little trails right from our cabin and we had a great time! I would definitely recommend if you want a camping experience - a little less rustic than tent camping.

Great for children! Story hike through the woods featured the Lorax, awesome!

Step back in time as you hike through this old growth forest.