Silver Lake State Park Campground

Pet Friendly Day Use Area:  While pets are allowed in all Vermont State Park campgrounds, we are currently experimenting with allowing pets in the day use area of this park.  Pets are allowed in campground and day use area but are not allowed on the sand beach or in the swimming area.  Pets must be leashed at all times.  Your comments on this policy are welcomed and appreciated. Barnard is a classic Vermont hill town surrounded by high rolling hills, dotted with farms and affording many scenic vistas.  This busy park is popular for its sandy swimming area, picnic grounds, and camping area. Its proximity to Woodstock and other central Vermont tourist destinations makes it ideal for family vacations.  The park encompasses the northern shoreline of 84-acre Silver Lake which supports excellent fishing of northern pike, perch, smallmouth bass and other warm-water species.  The lake is popular for paddling and quieter recreation, with only occasional motorboats passing by.  During the winter months, when the park is closed, the lake is a popular spot for ice skating and ice fishing. Silver Lake State Park was established in 1955 when two pieces of land were donated to the State by Mr. and Mrs. John McDill of Woodstock, Miss Margaret Crosby of Barnard, and Mr. Richard H. field of Boston.  Development of recreational facilities began soon after.  Silver Lake was originally called Stebblings' Pond after Benjamin Stebblings who owned land at the outlet where the Barnard General Store now stands. When Benjamin Stebblings moved out of the area, the lake became known as Barnard Pond. In 1869, Barnard Pond was renamed Silver Lake. Barnard, chartered July 17, 1761 from the New Hampshire Grants, quickly became an agricultural town. Early homestead farms were replaced by sheep farms in the mid 19th century, and later dairy operations, a few of which remain today.   The 35 acre state park was once part of several farms; a farm homestead was located near the current park entrance; the remains of a barn foundation are still visible in the campground. Today the town is known for the state park, and picturesque New England charm of the village center. There are 40 tent/trailer sites and 7 lean-to sites. There are two rest rooms in the camping area with running water and hot showers ($). There is a sanitary station, but no hookups. The beach has a large grassy area, play area food concession, rest rooms, changing rooms, and boat and canoe rentals.