Cabin camping near Belvidere Center, Vermont offers lodging options within an area dominated by the Green Mountains at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F, while summer days average 75-80°F. Most cabin accommodations remain open from May through mid-October, though Smugglers Notch State Park maintains select winter-accessible cabins for cold-weather adventurers.
What to do
Trail access from campsites: Smugglers Notch State Park provides direct connections to Mount Mansfield trail systems. "Good flat sites. A little small but comfortable. Rangers are very helpful. All in all a very nice place with easy access to the whole Mt. Mansfield and Stowe area," notes Matthew H. Many cabins serve as starting points for day hikes.
Off-season activities: The region transforms during winter. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing," reports Ed M. from Smugglers Notch State Park.
Water recreation: Lake access points exist at several cabin camping locations. At Lake Carmi State Park, the shoreline offers water activities despite sometimes challenging conditions. "The sunsets were spectacular," notes Karen, though some visitors mention that "the beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix" and occasional algae concerns exist during peak summer heat.
What campers like
Secluded walk-in sites: Many visitors appreciate the privacy offered by non-drive-up sites. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," explains Jess O. from Smugglers Notch State Park.
Ranger programming: Educational offerings enhance cabin stays throughout the region. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking. Relatively modern campsite but still a simple state park setup with one exception: true to northeast tradition many of the camp sites are lean-to style," writes Harry H.
Winter accessibility: Some cabins remain open during colder months. At Little River State Park, visitors report "easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road." Alison O. adds: "The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak periods require advance planning. "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" advises Ben C. Most cabins book 6-11 months in advance for September foliage season.
Bathroom facilities: Shower availability varies widely between locations. At Mountain View Campground, "the campground is updated with a new laundry room and shower house. There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and a hot tub," reports Michelle C. Conversely, state park facilities typically offer coin-operated showers with limited hot water.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between cabin locations. "Clean bathrooms. No cell service," notes Kate R. about Lake Carmi State Park. This can affect planning and communications during stays, particularly at more remote sites.
Tips for camping with families
Family-oriented activities: Supervised swimming areas provide recreation for children. "The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net," reports Lee D. from Lake Carmi State Park, who adds "Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends."
Multi-generational options: Different accommodation types suit varied mobility needs. "The ADA-accessible lean-to" mentioned by Rita M. at Burton Island State Park demonstrates the range of accessibility options, while other parks offer cabin configurations with varying entry steps and bathroom proximity.
Noise considerations: Sound carries between sites at some locations. "When we first pulled into this campground and saw how close our site was to our neighbors, we were a little dismayed," reports Nancy W. about Mountain View Campground, though she continues: "it turned out we had a really pleasant stay and came to like all the amenities and people and thought it was a nice campground."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing constraints: Many cabins share areas with RV spaces that have specific limitations. "The sites are gravel and seem pretty level," notes Michelle C. about Mountain View Campground, though she observes the campground layout places sites in close proximity.
Power capabilities: Electrical systems vary between locations. In some campgrounds, power grids support limited hookups. "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues," reports Nancy W., an important consideration for those needing medical equipment or temperature control.
Off-grid preparations: Many cabin locations have limited services. "No power hookups and no water hookup at site," explains Craig G. about Burton Island State Park, "ferry takes you to the island; for a few, your equipment will be delivered to your campsite; restaurant and store on site; wood is a little hard to gather, but rangers have plenty for sale."
