This is our new favorite VT State Park. We spent two nights here and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I only wish we had been feeling better (we were all suffering wicked colds) as we would have done more hiking on the trails. We didn't make it to the vista, which we hear is beautiful.
As it was, we were in one of the prime lean-to sites and had a beautiful mountain view. We'd recommend most any of the prime lean-to sites for their views, but prefer a little more privacy for ourselves. In our opinion the best sites on the lean-to loop are: Shadblow (somewhat private), Hornbeam (for it's view), Ash, (great view, not so private, though), Aspen (view), Basswood (privacy with a decent view), and Apple & Hickory together if you're with a group (Apple has more privacy & Hickory has a little bit of a view and the best fire pit in the park).
The tent loop wasn't open yet (only in July & Aug this year due to budget cuts) but we did walk through it. For the most part the sites are well spread out from one another but don't offer much privacy from people passing by on the loop road. We'd recommend getting sites 14 & 15 for a group stay - but if you wanted only 1 site and some privacy, it could probably be achieved by taking site 15 and parking your vehicle as to block the view for the people at site 14 (or just hope it stays vacant). Sites 23 & 23a would be a decent choice for a group as well.
The beautiful views, serenity & cleanliness of this park really impressed us. We many not make it back there this camping season, but I am certain we'll be back there again next year! read more