Vermont State Parks Unveil Camping Changes for 2026 Season

Plus, updates on Act 76 child care funding and a whistleblower report on military hospital issues

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Vermont's state park system is rolling out new policies for the 2026 camping season, while the state's child care funding reform measure Act 76 is shoring up the system of care for young kids. Additionally, a whistleblower has come forward to shine a light on serious problems at military hospitals across the country that could put patients at risk.

Why it matters

Camping is a popular activity in Vermont, and changes to the state park reservation system will impact thousands of residents and visitors. Act 76 is a landmark piece of legislation aimed at improving access to affordable, high-quality child care, a critical issue for many Vermont families. The whistleblower report also raises important concerns about patient safety at military medical facilities.

The details

Vermont State Parks will implement a new reservation system for the 2026 camping season, with changes to booking windows and campsite availability. Act 76 is providing significant new funding to shore up Vermont's child care system, including increased subsidies for low-income families and higher wages for early childhood educators. The whistleblower, a former employee at a military hospital, alleges that understaffing, lack of training, and other issues are putting patients at risk of harm.

  • Vermont State Parks will roll out the new camping reservation policies for the 2026 season.
  • Act 76, Vermont's child care funding reform measure, was passed in 2021 and is now being implemented.
  • The whistleblower report on issues at military hospitals was recently made public.

The players

Vermont State Parks

The state agency responsible for managing Vermont's network of public parks and campgrounds.

Act 76

Vermont's landmark child care funding reform measure passed in 2021 to improve access to affordable, high-quality child care.

Whistleblower

A former employee at a military hospital who has come forward to report serious issues that could put patient safety at risk.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Vermont State Parks will provide more details on the new camping reservation policies in the coming months, and the state will continue to monitor the implementation of Act 76. The military hospital whistleblower report is expected to spur further investigation and potential reforms.

The takeaway

These stories highlight the evolving landscape of outdoor recreation, child care, and patient safety in Vermont and across the country. They underscore the importance of responsive policymaking and oversight to meet the changing needs of communities.