Mount Philo State Park - United States

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About Mount Philo State Park

RV quick facts for Mount Philo State Park

DetailInformation
Max RV lengthLimited; summit road is narrow and steep, small trailers and short motorhomes only
Full hookupsNo hookups at campsites; rustic tent and small-RV sites only
Dump stationNo dump station on site; nearest services are in Shelburne and Burlington
Generator hoursQuiet hours apply; generator use restricted per Vermont State Parks rules
Cell serviceGenerally good at the summit due to valley line of sight; variable in wooded sites
Road restrictionsSteep, narrow auto road with sharp curves; oversized rigs discouraged and the road closes in winter
Reservation windowCampsite reservations open months in advance through the Vermont State Parks reservation system
Operating seasonCampground and auto road operate seasonally, typically mid-May through mid-October

Best time to visit Mount Philo State Park

Late June through early September offers the warmest, driest weather and full campground operation, making it the prime window for RV travelers. Late September and early October bring cooler temperatures, smaller crowds, and some of New England's best foliage views from the summit. May and mid-October are quieter shoulder-season options, though nights can be cold and some facilities may be limited. The park road typically closes to vehicles once snow arrives, so winter visits are foot traffic only.

Jan 60 mm
27°F - 10°F

Park road closed to vehicles (snow and ice); foot access only.

Feb 55 mm
30°F - 12°F

Park road closed to vehicles; winter hiking only.

Mar 65 mm
39°F - 23°F

Park road typically still closed; mud season conditions.

Apr 75 mm
54°F - 34°F

Campground closed; road may remain gated until spring opening.

May 85 mm
66°F - 45°F

Park typically reopens in mid to late May; check current status.

Jun 95 mm
75°F - 54°F

Warm days and strong black fly and mosquito activity early in the month.

Jul 100 mm
81°F - 59°F

Peak season; summit parking fills quickly on sunny weekends.

Aug 95 mm
79°F - 57°F

Peak season; reserve campsites well in advance.

Sep 90 mm
70°F - 48°F

Pleasant hiking weather with thinning crowds.

Oct 85 mm
57°F - 37°F

Peak fall foliage in early to mid-month; park typically closes mid-month.

Nov 80 mm
43°F - 28°F

Campground closed; road gated for the season.

Dec 70 mm
32°F - 18°F

Park road closed to vehicles; day-use hike-in only.

Things to do at Mount Philo State Park

  • Summit Overlook and Picnic Area Easy
    RV parking available

    The Summit Overlook is the park's main attraction, offering sweeping views of Lake Champlain, the Champlain Valley, and the Adirondack Mountains. Picnic tables and open lawn make it an easy post-drive stop for RV travelers.

  • House Rock Trail Easy
    RV parking available

    House Rock Trail is a short loop from the summit area that passes large glacial erratic boulders tucked into the forest. It is a quick leg-stretcher suitable for most ability levels.

  • Devil's Chair Trail Moderate
    RV parking available

    Devil's Chair Trail leads to a rocky outcrop with another set of valley views distinct from the main overlook. Expect uneven footing and a modest climb on the approach.

  • Mount Philo Summit Hike Moderate
    RV parking available

    Hiking up the mountain from the entrance station is a popular alternative to driving, with a footpath that parallels the auto road. The climb gains roughly 600 feet over less than a mile, making it a steady but short workout.

  • Sunset Viewing Easy
    RV parking available

    The west-facing summit is one of the best sunset viewpoints in northern Vermont, looking out across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks. Arrive early on clear evenings, as the summit lot is small and fills quickly.

  • Fall Foliage Drive Easy
    RV parking available

    Driving the auto road in late September and early October delivers panoramic foliage views over the Champlain Valley farmland. Small rigs only due to the narrow switchbacks.

  • Birdwatching at the Summit Easy
    RV parking available

    Mount Philo is a known seasonal hawk-watching site during fall raptor migration along the Champlain flyway. Bring binoculars and scan the ridgelines from the overlook on clear, breezy days.

Top Hosts near VT, United States

Timothy3 trips - Joined Jan 2023

The Rv worked out perfectly! This was our first experience! The host was helpful and immediately responsive to any questions. Unit was clean, well maintained and well appointed. Thank you Tim. We hope you will rent to us again.

Janet G. - Aug 2023

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RV Rentals Mount Philo State Park

Mount Philo State Park, VT, United States

How to get to Mount Philo State Park

The park sits just off U.S. Route 7 in Charlotte, about 15 miles south of Burlington, a drive of roughly 25 minutes. From Middlebury to the south, expect about 45 minutes via Route 7, and from Montreal it is roughly a two and a half hour drive via I-89. The summit access road is narrow, steep, and winding, with sharp switchbacks, so large motorhomes and long trailers should check posted length limits at the entrance and consider parking at lower sites and hiking up. The nearest airport for fly-and-rent trips is Burlington International Airport (BTV), about 20 miles north.

RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental

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