Brighton State Park Campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with sites ranging from $20-50 per night and reservations available through the state park system. The campground accommodates RVs up to 32 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups, though campers should note the access road can be rough. The facility provides drinking water, restrooms, showers, and a dump station across its 60-plus sites arranged in three separate loops.
Most sites sit elevated above Spectacle Pond with substantial shade and generous spacing between neighbors. Several waterfront sites offer direct lake access, while lean-to shelters provide covered accommodation during Vermont's unpredictable weather. Sarah C. notes that "most sites are up above the water, well shaded and quite large." The campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities, with a newer bathhouse in the second loop featuring three toilets per gender and four coin-operated showers.
Spectacle Pond supports fishing and boating, with easy water access from many campsites. The park's trail system includes the Shore Trail and Boreal Forest loop, connecting to additional hiking opportunities in the surrounding area. A separate day-use area down the road provides beach access, changing rooms, and restrooms. Loons call regularly across the water during evening and morning hours, adding to the lake's acoustic environment.
The campground sees steady use during peak summer months, particularly around holidays, though September visits coincide with fall foliage season. Staff rake sites between guests to maintain level ground for tents. Ice and firewood are available for purchase on-site. Island Pond sits 2.1 miles southeast for additional services and supplies, while places to camp near Island Pond provide alternatives when Brighton reaches capacity.
Description
Welcome to Brighton State Park, located on the shores of Spectacle Pond. The outstanding attraction of this area is its remoteness: mountains with tree-covered slopes, fast running streams, and clear lakes. It is common to hear loons calling at night. The wild lands to the northeast and southeast of the town of Island Pond are suited to the angler, the hunter, or the outdoor lover who likes to roam away from developed roads or towns. Logging roads into the deeper reaches of this area offer adventurous side trips.
Island Pond enjoyed a heyday from the late 1800's until the Depression years, along with the fortunes of the Grand Trunk railroad between Montreal, Canada and Portland, Maine. Island Pond was the site of the first international railroad junction in the United States. At the height of the town’s population, its streets were lively with railroad men and loggers, most of whom rode in on one of the 13 rail tracks that passed through town. A mere two tracks remain today. The unique wooden bridge, which once held all 13 tracks, is gone, but the heritage of railroading is still evident in the well-kept train station and a few associated structures at the north end of town.
Cabin at Brighton State Park The park has five cabins available to rent There are 5 cabins, 54 tent/RV sites and 23 lean-to's. All three restrooms have flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. A sanitary dump station is available, but there are no hookups. There are hiking trails, a campers' beach with boat rentals, a nature museum, an amphitheater, a garage theater, and a play area. At the nearby day use area (at the southern end of Island Pond) there is a long, sandy beach, a bathhouse with restrooms, and boats available to rent.
There are 5 cabins at the park that are available to rent. They are all located near the waterfront.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBrighton State Park Campground is located in Vermont
Directions
From Island Pond: Go 2 mi. E on Hwy 105, then 3/4 mi. S on local road.
Address
102 State Park Rd
Brighton, VT 05846
Coordinates
44.79600013 N
71.85700036 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/4/26
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/4/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/4/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 4/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 2 min from Burlington, VT
- 2 hrs 27 min from Manchester, NH
- 2 hrs 41 min from Lewiston, ME
- 3 hrs 15 min from Portland, ME
