Maidstone is the most remote of Vermont's state parks and still retains much of the character associated with the Northeast Kingdom. Maidstone Lake was created when glacial ice carved out a deep basin in a preexisting valley. When the last glaciers melted 12,000 years ago, a deep, clear, cold lake was formed.
The lake offers good lake trout and salmon fishing and has had some outstanding record catches. Maidstone Lake is one of the few lakes in Vermont where loons have reared their young in recent years. The loon loves the solitude of the northern lakes whose shores are rimmed with spruce-fir shade. Once common in Vermont, the loon has recently been removed from the endangered species list, but remains a species of concern.
Maidstone was designated by the state of Vermont as a state park in 1938. The camp areas were wilderness, but the area around the lodge was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp. The CCC built many sites with fireplaces for camping, the lodge, and a picnic shelter, which are still in use today.
Facilities / Amenities:
The campground has 34 tent/RV sites and 37 lean-tos. Three of the four rest rooms include hot showers ($). A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. There are play areas, hiking trails, and swimming beaches in the campground. A swimming beach and an additional rest room is available at the day use area.
Surrounding the park are acres of forest lands that offer miles of logging roads for mountain biking or just walking.
ACTIVITIES:
Camping: There are 34 tent/RV sites and 25 lean-to sites.
Hiking: There are hiking trails throughout the park.
Swimming: There are several beaches with designated swimming areas at the park.
BoatingBoating: Boats are welcome at the park, though there is no boat launch. A Fish & Wildlife Access Area is available nearby to launch boats. Kayaks, canoes and a rowboat can be rented through the park office by registered campers for use on Maidstone Lake from the campground.
Fishing: Trout, perch, bullhead and panfish can be found in Lake Maidstone.
Picnicking: There are plenty of great picnicking spots throughout the park. There is also a pavilion available to rent for group functions.
