Park Access Fund
2025 Pilot Program
Providing Free Day-Use Entry to State Parks
for Eligible Vermonters
New Pilot Program in 2025
for Eligible Vermonters:
Come Visit Vermont State Parks!
Vermonters receiving services through the Economic Services Division of the Department for Children and Families and the Department of Health's WIC Program will have free day-use entry to the state parks during the 2025 season through a new pilot program expansion of Vermont Parks Forever's Park Access Fund.
Learn more about this benefit below and view the FAQs.
How to use this benefit:
1. Confirm Eligibility
Eligible Vermonters include those enrolled in:
3SquaresVT
Essential Person Program
Fuel Assistance
General Assistance
Reach Up
Summer EBT
WIC
2. Find a State Park
Find a state park based on your location or what you would like to do.
3. Show Your Card
Show your EBT or WIC card at the park entrance, and you and your household will get in for free.
If you receive services from the Vermont Economic Services Division but don't have an EBT card, learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I participate in this program?
Eligible Vermonters include those enrolled in:
3SquaresVT
Essential Person Program
Fuel Assistance
General Assistance
Reach Up
Summer EBT
WIC
I'm eligible - how do I use this new benefit?
If you have an EBT or WIC card with active benefits: Bring this card with you and your household can enter the state parks for free. That's it!
If you don't have an EBT card: Visit your local Economic Services District Office to receive an ESD card that can be used for state park entrance this year or call 1-800-479-6151 to request one be mailed to you. Cards will be available after May 7th.
I'm not eligible for this program - how else can I get help to enter the state parks?
In addition to this pilot program in 2025, Vermont Parks Forever (VPF) works with dozens of community partners to help ensure access across the state through VPF's ongoing Park Access Program. Visit the Park Access Fund page to see if you're already working with one of these partners and reach out to them.
Your local library may have day-use entry passes available for check out. Learn about the Vermont State Park and Historic Site Passes Program here.
Additionally, Vermont residents aged 62 or older and honorably discharged veterans receive life-time day-use for a one-time cost of $2 via the Green Mountain Passport, available only from your local Town Clerk's office.
Where are the state parks?
In Vermont, we're lucky to have 55 state parks spread throughout the state. Check out the map for which parks are near you.
You can also search by activity you want to do. Looking for a place to swim on a hot day? Wondering which parks have playgrounds for the kids? Interested in having a picnic? Check out the activities section.
When can I use this benefit?
Vermont's state parks are open May-October. Check here for the specific opening and closing dates for the parks you're interested in. This pilot program ensures you can enter the state parks for free as often as you like during this 2025 season.
Is this a new benefit from the State of Vermont?
No, this is privately funded. It's an expansion of the Park Access Fund Vermont Parks Forever began in 2016. Day-use entry for those eligible is covered in 2025 through Vermont Parks Forever. VPF hopes to expand this pilot program to future years if funds allow.
What does day-use entry mean?
There are 41 state parks that charge a day-use fee to enter. Those fees help cover the operational costs of running the park. This program covers the day-use fee, but does not include camping or rental of recreational equipment.
Questions?
For more information on if you qualify for the programs listed above or to ask about your benefits, contact the Economic Services Division of the Department for Children and Families at 1-800-479-6151.
For more information about WIC, contact wic@vermont.gov or visit https://www.healthvermont.gov/family/wic or apply for WIC here.
For questions about the state parks, contact 1-888-409-7579 or visit https://www.vtstateparks.com
Media Inquiries: For questions about the history, the future, and the funding of this program from Vermont Parks Forever, the foundation for the state parks, visit the Pilot Program Media Partners page.
Interested in supporting access to the state parks? Donate to the Park Access Fund.
Thank you to Sevenpair Studios for the top photo!
