The wet weather of May and June hasn’t exactly been conducive to outdoor activities – including camping.
The weather has been taking its toll on business at Vermont State Parks.
Montpelier set a new record for wettest June and most of the state feels like it could be wrung out.
Besides concerns over flooding and problems for farmers, the dreary weather has put a damper on camping at Vermont’s 52 state parks. Craig Whipple, who heads the state park system said overnight visits are down 25 percent compared to last summer when glorious weather boosted visits to 20-year high.
“This year’s a little bit different story. We start tracking visitation Memorial Day weekend and of course that was pretty much a bust, because it was rainy and cold and miserable kick off to the summer,” he said.
Whipple says Memorial Day visits were half what they were last year and day visits in general have been much lower than normal.
Not surprisingly many businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts have also seen a slowdown.
But in the glass half full category, consider Base Camp Outfitters in Killington, which is just off the Appalachian Trail. Owner Mike Miller said wet weather can actually boost his business.
“Two years ago it was an incredibly wet summer and we had a good summer because we sold raingear and socks and waterproof shoes - so it brings the people that are here on vacation for hiking in for those items.”
And call them optimistic, but campers are hoping for at least some sunshine heading into the forth of July weekend. State Parks Director Craig Whipple says they expect all 2,100 campsites to be full.
