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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
