1 campground with availability next weekend
Smugglers Notch State Park Campground includes upscale glamping options within reach of Bristol, Vermont, with fully furnished accommodations set against the backdrop of Mount Mansfield. The park's glamping sites feature plush bedding, private fire rings, picnic tables, and seasonal availability from May through October. Button Bay State Park also offers premium safari tent experiences along Lake Champlain's shoreline, complete with comfortable platform beds, rustic furnishings, and electrical outlets for device charging. Most glamping accommodations include basic amenities like drinking water access, while some upgraded options feature private decks with Adirondack chairs for enjoying sunsets over the mountains. A recent visitor noted, "Very clean campground and bathrooms with gorgeous views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, perfect for a luxury camping experience without roughing it."
The glamping sites around Bristol connect visitors with Vermont's natural beauty through curated outdoor experiences. Hiking trails at Mount Philo State Park lead to panoramic vistas overlooking Lake Champlain, with the summit just a ten-minute walk from premium canvas tent accommodations. Shelburne Camping Area maintains year-round safari tent rentals with proximity to Shelburne Museum and local wineries. Many glamping accommodations provide fire rings for evening gatherings, with firewood available on-site for purchase. The region's glamping options typically require advance reservations, particularly for peak foliage season between September and mid-October when Vermont's landscape transforms. According to one reviewer, "The waterfront sites are fantastic with wide spaces perfect for enjoying the lake views, while the facilities remain clean and well-maintained throughout the season."
"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
"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."
"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."
"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
"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
"The bathrooms and shower houses are maintained and cleaned daily, which is good because some campers are just inconsiderate and disgusting."
"great campground, perfect location to also drive up to the high peaks"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $172 / 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
"I have done tent, cabin and t.v. camping here. a lot of family activity in my favorite place. the outdoor choices are plenty, but the campground is slipping trying to be too much and seems to let the infrastructure"
"Very large and busy campground, close to Lake Placid and other cool activities to take in. Pros- hot showers, convenient laundromat, you are guided to your site by staff on golf carts."
"The problem for me is it's really two or three connected fields, with hookups in places and lean-tos and fire pits. There was no privacy."
from $20 - $110 / night
"This campground is the number one rated in Vermont for a reason. The staff were wonderful, the sites are pristine and picturesque, the faculties are decorated with wildflowers."
"Gifford Woods takes the cake in friendliness of its staff. The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont."
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.
ScoutThis was our first trip away from home. The campgrounds are clean with beautiful views.
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.
TravelerJust stayed at Drapers Acres for the Iron Man in Lake Placid. We stayed in a cabin and daughter and her husband stayed in their rig in an RV site. They clearly state that they are not a camping resort, but a base camp for the area adventures. Rest rooms were clean and had plenty of hot water. Staff was friendly and welcoming! Great playground for the kids to play on and plenty of privacy. Cabin was basic - had fan, heat, mini-fridge and microwave. If visiting the area again, I would not hesitate to stay there again! The RV site was large with plenty of space for their 40 foot rig and jeep. Use AT&T towers and had the ability to use phone as a hotspot.
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!
Bristol, Vermont offers rustic yurt camping options within 30 miles of town. Situated at 570 feet elevation in the Green Mountain foothills, Bristol serves as a gateway to camping experiences that range from primitive tent sites to fully furnished glamping yurts. The area experiences average summer temperatures around 70°F with cooler nights, making it ideal for camping from late May through mid-October.
Hiking at Mount Philo State Park: Just 17 miles from Bristol, this compact park offers accessible trails with lake views. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!" notes Kaelin P. about Mount Philo State Park Campground.
Winter yurt camping: For experienced winter campers, yurt accommodations provide a comfortable option during colder months. "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 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.
Swimming options: Several parks offer water access for cooling off. "Simple campsites and not too crowded. Bathrooms are relatively close and complete with showers! Basketball courts, a park and swimming are some of the things to do there," reports Isabel L. about Button Bay State Park.
Privacy levels: Campers appreciate well-spaced sites that provide natural screening. "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. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms," advises Drew Q. from Mount Philo State Park.
Year-round options: Some parks near Bristol maintain yurt rentals beyond the typical season. "Camped here for the Burlington Questival. Perfect place to hang out with friends and be outdoors. Love that it's open year round!" notes Alyssa S. about Shelburne Camping Area.
Clean facilities: "Bathrooms are clean, facilities are great. Easy access to the lake. Book early for the best sites," recommends Ian P. about Button Bay State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of advance planning for waterfront sites.
Reservation timing: Popular yurt and cabin sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes," advises Beau B. about Mount Philo.
Seasonal limitations: "We've been camping at Button Bay for years, and while it can be hot and buggy in the summer months, there is no place we'd rather be in September!" shares Tara S. about Button Bay State Park Campground, indicating that post-Labor Day offers improved camping conditions.
Proximity to local attractions: "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," reports Alison O. about Little River State Park.
Playground access: Several parks offer child-friendly amenities. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" recommends Debbie S. from Button Bay.
Short hiking options: Choose sites with accessible nature paths for younger campers. "We visited and camped here 3 years ago with children. We love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks or the Green Mountains," shares Rita M. about Little River State Park Campground.
Educational elements: Some parks offer programs specifically for young campers. "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," notes Harry H. from Smugglers Notch State Park.
Site selection for large vehicles: Choose appropriate campgrounds that accommodate larger rigs. "This has been one of our favorite campsites so far. We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here. You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options," reports Laura L. from North Beach Campground.
Water and electric details: RV sites vary in hookup availability. "Nice, clean, friendly park. Not a lot of trees for privacy, or for that wilderness feel, but the sites are spacious and the park has swimming pool with life guard. Nice park for cycling the Lake Champlain Byway," says M.A.D. P. about Button Bay.
Dump station access: "Great campground. Everything from sunny meadow sites to more wooded private sites. Nice pool. No hookups but have a dump station," notes Barbara Y. about Button Bay State Park, providing essential information for self-contained camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Bristol, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Bristol, VT is Mount Philo State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Bristol, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 glamping camping locations near Bristol, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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