When we go camping, we want to get away from the hectic routine of everyday life and truly enjoy nature. We have been to numerous campgrounds, and Coolidge is probably our favorite. The campsites are great and we haven’t had issues like we have at other campgrounds of being too busy, loud, cramped or crowded. Coolidge has an interesting history and is a great place to escape to.
Calvin Coolidge State Park is located in Plymouth, VT, not far from Ludlow. There are some great hiking trails and a small playground, but not a lot of other amenities – when we go to this campground, we enjoy the quiet (and travel outside the park for those other activities).
There are two types of campsites at Coolidge – tent sites and lean-tos. While we like both kinds of camping, we often get lean-tos especially if we book well in advance, in case the weather is rainy.
The views from the lean-to sites that we have stayed at are amazing! Not all sites have a view overlooking the mountains, so if you can get a nice site (usually in advance), there are some really great sunrises and sunsets.
We have also rented tent sites at Coolidge.
There is a small playground at the park. There are the longest swings we have ever seen! The kids love these. There is also a small playhouse and sandbox.
We always buy wood at the park for our campfire. You aren’t supposed to bring wood in (because of invasive pests). It is easy to pay for the wood when you check in and grab a bundle before heading to the campsite.
There is also a small cabin that serves as a nature center. We like to check it out and explore the displays, and the kids usually find a bunch of fun places to explore in the park and on the trails.
We usually book a campsite that isn’t too far of a walk to the bathroom. There are several bathrooms with flushing toilets, sinks, and showers (bring quarters for the showers).
There are lots of trails around Coolidge State Park, easily accessible from right within the park.
While there aren’t a lot of activities at Coolidge other than hiking, you can drive over to Plymouth State park nearby, and use your car tag to get in for free (instead of having to pay a day use fee).. There is a beach with facilities like bathrooms and concessions. The beach does get busy, but it is a nice lake, with nice swimming, and you can rent paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes.
My 9-year-old snorkeling at Plymouth State Park
There are other places we like to go around the park. There are some eateries in Ludlow, including Tacos Tacos (awesome burritos there!).
Coolidge is a great place to escape and relax. Let me know if you have any questions!
Coolidge State Park: http://vtstateparks.com/coolidge.html
Plymouth State Park: http://vtstateparks.com/plymouth.html
oooh I’m in love! I never heard of the lean to before for camping, it would be nice. I still remember the time a tarp we had over our tent collapsed in the weight of the rain. What a nice camp site, this is a must! with the views and fun things to do.
I’ve always wanted to go to Vermont. I lived in New Hampshire for two years but never had the opportunity to get to Vermont. The park sounds terrific and those views you had for sunsets look great.
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This looks like such fun! I’m excited for the day when my girls are old enough to go camping!
This looks so lovely! I’ve never heard of lean-to camping before but it looks perfect for rainy day spots!
Thank you for showing a photo of the lean-to. I’ve never seen one but often hear people talk about them. So, it was great to see one all set up with your tent. That would be perfect-especially when camping in areas where there is possible rain or even high wind.
Before I leave this world, I will love to go on a camping trip. like out on the woods like this.
This looks like such a nice place to visit. I can’t wait to go camping this year!
What a great spot! Close to the lake there too! Nice photos! Looks like you had a great time!
I love travel.recommendations! Hope to check this out if we are ever up that way!
My grandfather Lucius Pettingill was the park ranger at Coolidge State Park. I used to watch squirrels climb up my grandfather’s shirt to get peanuts in his pocket. I also remember the large endless swings in the park.
Thank you for this great article about this stupendous park.
Hi Peter, I remember your your grandfather and grandmother working to keep the park beautiful Our family used to come from CT one or two times a year from CT in the early to mid 70`s. Your grandparents were so very wonderful!
Those tent shelters are awesome. Every time my husband camps it rains so he needs this.
Honestly I am not a camping fan but this place looks perfect. Everything for fun in the outdoors and a beautiful view.
Oh my goodness this looks fun! Makes me want to go camping now! Such fun memories!
Wow! That looks like a really perfect place to camp! My family would really love this place!
What a really lovely and wonderful place to visit! This is a great place for camping!
I miss going camping. We used to go every year growing up on vacation to Colorado. We camped in tents during my younger years and then my parents discovered pop up tents. They were so much cozier and you don’t have to worry about your tent or belongings getting soaked. This looks like a great campsite. I wish I could go camping but my back probably wouldn’t like it.
Vermont is such a beautiful state! Until the pandemic, we usually took a (tent) camping trip at least once a summer. Putting your tent in a lean-to site sounds like a wonderful option.
Vermont is one of my favorite states to visit. Just added Coolidge State Park to my travel bucket list: this park looks gorgeous and so family-friendly.
This is the first time that I’ve heard or seen lean-tos. That would be the right choice, for sure if rain’s in the forecast. So cool!
This can be an awesome experience for the whole family! My kids will go crazy over this!
I totally love camping and it may be the girl scout in me… but seriously… there is nothing better than time spent in the great outdoors with family. I love this and what a beautiful spot! I nay have to visit!
We are not really campers. But I did find the idea of the lean-tos at Coolidge State Park to be an interesting idea. A good way to stay dry and up off the ground. Great that you get access to the Plymouth State Park nearby. We would certainly want to check out the beaches.
This looks so cozy and fun! I’m sure it was a wonderful bonding experience for you guys. I always wanted to visit New England since it looks so different from the places I’ve already been to in the US.