With the Northeast Kingdom having
over 1.3 Million of acres, there are many different camping
areas. Ranging from Mom and Pop, to large commercial campgrounds
and an excellent choice of camping areas located in state parks.
The choice is yours to make, below is a listing of campgrounds
and state parks in the Island Pond area.
Please note that many of our campgrounds fill up early so make
your reservation as early as possible.
Lakeside Campground
1348 Route 105
East Brighton Rd/
Island Pond, VT 05846
Lakeside Campground located in scenic Island Pond, VT. in
Vermont's Northeast Kingdom,, lies just 17 miles south of the Canadian border. With
200 campsites, (both wooded and open, tent and pull through,
full hookups and 30 amps) Lakeside Camping is a must for your
next visit to the Kingdom.
Majestic pines, over 1500 feet of sandy beach and a priceless
lakeshore view provide an exceptional setting. Lakeside camping
is just over a mile east on Rt. 105 from the quaint Vermont
village of Island Pond. Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking,
biking, and just relaxing in the clear Vermont air are some of
the activities campers enjoy. There are playgrounds, fireplaces,
picnic tables, a game room, a convenience store, metered LP gas,
hot showers, laundry facilities, trailer sanitary stations,
restrooms, boat rentals and boat cruises.We are pet friendly,
but all pets must remain on a leash at all times, and walked on
dog paths outside the campground only. Wildlife abounds in Island Pond and a moose
sighting is almost inevitable, so bring your camera! Seasonal
are welcome.
The cold waters of Island Pond, (2 miles in length surrounding a
wooded island of conifers), offers some of the regions best
trout fishing. The ponds nesting loons are a sight to behold and
what better way to slip into peaceful sleep than to the sounds
of Loons calling for their mates.
Brighton State Park
102 State Park Road
Island Pond, Vermont 05846
The primary attraction of this general area is its remoteness:
mountains with tree-covered slopes, fast running rivers and
streams, and clear lakes. The land northeast and southeast of
Island Pond is especially suited to the angler, the hunter, or
the outdoor lover, and is virtually without roads or villages.
Logging roads into the deeper reaches of this area are numerous
and offer interesting side trips.
The Town of Island Pond had its heyday in the 1800s up until the
Depression years, when the railroad from Montreal, Canada to
Portland, Maine passed through. The population was much larger
than it is today. The streets were lively with railroad men and
rugged loggers from around the region, and 13 tracks passed
through the town. Only two tracks remain today, and the unique
wooden bridge that once traversed all 13 tracks is gone. The
heritage of railroading is still evident in the train station
and a few other massive structures at the north end of town.
Interestingly, Island Pond was the site of the first
international railroad junction in the United States.
Facilities:
The campground sits on the mostly undeveloped Spectacle Pond
where it is common to hear loons calling at night. There are 5
cabins, 61 tent/trailer sites and 23 lean-tos. All three
restrooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is
available, but no hookups. There are hiking trails, a camper's
beach with boat rentals, nature museum, an amphitheater, a
garage theater, and play area. At the nearby day use area there
is a long sandy beach, (at the southern end of Island Pond), a
bathhouse with restrooms, and rental boats.
In 2000, an additional 430 acres were added to the park. Most of
this acreage includes a series of complex wetlands and fens as
well as critical wildlife habitat. Located within the park is
the 15 acre Natural Area, which is noted for its understory of
boreal plant species and stand of mature red pines.