Smugglers Notch State Park Campground and Little River State Park Campground house upscale glamping accommodations within Vermont's Green Mountains, just minutes from Bolton. The glamping cabins at these locations feature comfortable beds with premium linens, electricity, and climate control systems for year-round comfort. Little River's glamping sites boast private decks overlooking the reservoir, while Smugglers Notch offers secluded woodland settings with mountain views. Both locations provide enhanced amenities not found at standard campsites, including kitchenettes with basic cooking supplies, outdoor furniture, and dedicated fire pits with complimentary firewood. A recent visitor noted, "The sites are huge. We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit."
Waterfront glamping experiences at these locations connect visitors directly to Vermont's natural beauty while maintaining resort-style comfort. Guests at Little River can launch kayaks directly from their glamping sites to explore the reservoir's clear waters, while Smugglers Notch glamping cabins provide easy access to hiking trails leading to Sterling Pond and Mount Mansfield. Both parks maintain nature centers with interpretive programs, including guided hikes and wildlife viewing opportunities. During summer months, glamping guests can participate in bark boat building workshops at the lakeside pavilion. Winter visitors enjoy proximity to world-class skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort, just minutes from Smugglers Notch's heated glamping accommodations. According to a camper, "Smuggler's Notch is close enough to Stowe to not be a hassle to drive to, but far enough away that it's quiet and remote. The staff was helpful and very good about controlling excessive noise from other sites."
"We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp on Site 5. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit."
"It was amazing - the site is so secluded, wooded, and had a lot of forest for the kids to explore."
from $19 - $28 / night
"This campground just outside of Stowe on the way to the drive up and through Smugglers Notch."
"This year we stayed in Hemlock, and it was so secluded and quiet. The whole place has a real wilderness feel, but it is very close to lots of hiking and the attractions in Stowe."
from $20 / night
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
"We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."
from $37 - $100 / night
"We were near the pool (didn't feel warm, so we didn't partake) and office."
"Called them same day from Capital Region Welcome Ctr in NY, about 3 hrs away (below Albany). They had a full hook up, pull-thru corner space for us."
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
"Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!"
from $23 / night
"Been coming here for a few years now and it’s my favorite place to go in Vermont so far."
"It’s a beautiful and quiet campground with limited spots that you have to reserve before going (they don’t do walk in’s). The woman in the office is so sweet and helpful."
from $45 - $70 / night
"If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you. "
"I'm so excited to welcome this new host. This property boasts so much acreage for you to play on. Check them out and come back here to give them some love."
from $30 - $125 / night
"We selected it because it was nearby for our second outing with our new (used) R-Pod camper. Turns out it's a wonderful park."
"There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails."
"Site Quality: RV sites are arranged around an oval. Pads are gravel. Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly."
"The laundry room is near most sites. The campground is in the perfect location to visit Lake Champlain. There is so much to do in the area."
from $25 - $40 / night
"Upon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like."
"I didn’t know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground. Showers were clean, staff was very friendly."
GuideCar camped on Sunday of Columbus Day weekend in October. This was their closing weekend and lots of spaces were available. Stayed in tent circle loop and it was almost empty. Great access to lake shore and bike path. Walked back toward marina and town in the evening and ran in the morning the other direction going out to Rock Point. Didn’t use the shower facilities. The bathroom near our loop only had sinks and toilets and was fine.
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
GuideStayed here to be able to do the bike trail. Was warned to keep the bikes locked up. The sites are very close together. The picnic tables and fire pits(tire rims) are moveable. Our picnic table was in rough shape and broken.
The bathrooms have keypads on them but on our last morning there was a guy in the bathroom with his pants on the floor sitting in a shower chair for a couple of hours. The bathrooms also have spiders all throughout them. The water pressure was high and the showers were hot.
GuideIt’s a nice relatively small campground in a pretty setting. Sites are fairly close, and there’s definitely some longer tempura residents, but it’s well kept and seems like a nice place to stay.
ScoutPeaceful, quiet, relaxing space. Super friendly staff.
GuideOriginally we reserved mountain view. It waa getting ready to rain...alot for 1 - 1/2 days. The mountain views didn't have gravel, but hard dirt. However beautiful shady areas (we drove thru the another day to check it out) looked nice, but it's hard to imagine on the side of hills to level 🤷🏼♀️
We really like the riverside view..it's across the street & about 300' down the street.
But is a great location for places to go & things to see. A few Miles from Whiteface mtn & about 15 min to downtown Lake Placid.
ScoutLove it here, great for swimming, kayaking and camping with your family
ScoutI've stayed on and off for 20 years, love the atmosphere, hospitality, pools, water slides. Laundry room and clean showers.
ScoutWe have stayed here a few times. It’s always clean and quiet. Pool is nice but very family (kid) oriented. Love the trails to the water from both camp loops. Great place to stay with a kayak or paddle board!
Little River State Park Campground and Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offer rustic camping alternatives near Bolton, Vermont. Located within the Green Mountains, these parks provide standard tent and RV sites without the amenities of their glamping counterparts. Both parks maintain basic facilities with potable water and toilet access throughout the camping season from May through mid-October. Winter temperatures in the region can drop below 0°F, while summer averages 75-80°F.
Kayak Ricker Pond: Ricker Pond State Park features quiet waters where motorboats are restricted. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," notes Caitlin M. about Ricker Pond State Park Campground.
Hike local trails: Access the Cross Vermont Trail directly from campgrounds. "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," explains Emma B. The trail connects multiple state parks throughout Groton State Forest.
Winter recreation: Some campgrounds offer off-season opportunities. "Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," shares Ed M. about Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Cycling: The Burlington bike path connects to several campgrounds. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous lake champlain and can bike into burlington for meals and city street strolls," recommends Mackenzie B. about North Beach Campground.
Private camping options: Mount Philo offers secluded sites. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private," advises Drew Q. about Mount Philo State Park Campground. With just 8 campsites, this smaller park provides a more intimate camping experience.
Natural swimming areas: Several parks feature swimming access to ponds and lakes. "The lake is really nice for kayaking or swimming, and has some loons, but when we were there it carried lots of noise from other sites," mentions Emma B. about Ricker Pond.
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds serve as central locations for regional exploration. "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road! We stayed on the B side. The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking," shares Alison O. about Little River State Park Campground.
Historical features: Some parks include unique historical elements. "The hiking trails are really good—actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M.
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Book early for the best sites. I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years (except for the years that I don't book enough in advance and aren't able to secure a spot for my desired length of stay)," advises Neena B.
Bathroom facilities: Most parks offer basic facilities with pay showers. "Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes. Firewood sold on site. Sites are well groomed and have a fire pit and picnic table," reports Beau B. about Mount Philo State Park.
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. "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. about Smugglers Notch.
Water access challenges: Not all waterfront sites offer easy lake access. "Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site. Left kayak down at beach," shares Cindy L. about Little River State Park Campground.
Playground availability: Some parks offer dedicated play areas. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," mentions Rita M. about Little River State Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature nature programming. "We love hiking and this sweet campsite is the perfect spot to start or end a hike. It's well kept, private, beautiful, and right in the mountains. Nearby waterfalls are lovely!" recommends Mackenzie B. about Smugglers Notch State Park.
Swimming options: Look for parks with beach areas. "The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one! The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail," notes Michele S. about Ricker Pond State Park Campground.
Cell service considerations: Remote parks have limited connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns Michele S. about Ricker Pond State Park.
Limited hookups: Most state parks near Bolton lack full RV amenities. "No electrical or water hook ups. The water is delicious by the way, so don't bother with any bottled variety—this is the good stuff," advises Shari G. about Ricker Pond.
Off-grid power solutions: Prepare for limited power access. "No electrical hookups to be found, so bring your solar panels if you want power. There is a ton of space between sites—we could barely see our neighbors or hear them," continues Shari G.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly," reports Lee D. about Maple Grove Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Not all facilities operate year-round. "Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," Ed M. cautions about winter camping at Smugglers Notch, adding, "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Bolton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Bolton, VT is Little River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
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