The Department of Environmental Management includes two divisions with primary responsibility for parks and recreational facilities, as well as the forest environment division, which also has some functions related to recreation. The Division of Parks and Recreation manages a system of approximately 14,000 acres of parks, beaches, campgrounds, bicycle paths, parkways, a golf course, and numerous smaller properties and historical sites, including 14 state parks and 7 state beaches. The State Parks Division of the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation manages state parks in Vermont. The division manages 51 state parks which provide opportunities for picnicking, swimming, camping and other outdoor recreational activities. Summer Series, an arts program in the parks is held annually, and selected parks also provide interpretive and educational opportunities.
Several parks offer spacious meeting and gathering facilities.
Park operations personnel are based out of four regional offices, located in North Springfield, Pittsford, Essex Junction, and Barre.