Cabin accommodations near Calais, Vermont sit at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal experiences throughout the year. Forested sites in Groton State Forest offer protection from weather, while riverside locations follow the Lamoille River valley. During fall camping season, nighttime temperatures can drop below 40°F even when days remain mild, making insulated cabin options particularly valuable.
What to do
Water recreation at Little River State Park: Access Waterbury Reservoir for canoeing, kayaking, and swimming less than 30 minutes from Calais. "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 Little River State Park Campground.
Explore historical sites: Hike trails featuring 19th-century foundations in the surrounding woods. As Rita M. describes, "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover."
Stargazing from remote sites: Take advantage of minimal light pollution in the Northeast Kingdom for exceptional night sky viewing. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019... Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," shares Ed M. about Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
What campers like
Privacy of woodland sites: Many cabin locations offer seclusion despite being established campgrounds. At Ricker Pond State Park, "My favorite cabin site is set back from the water, is private, and also fills fast for the season," explains Neena B. about Ricker Pond State Park Campground.
Winter cabin access: Some properties maintain limited cabin access during winter months, creating unique off-season experiences. "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," reports a Smugglers Notch visitor.
Local activities nearby: Cabin camping puts visitors within reach of Vermont's attractions. A visitor to Little River notes, "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!"
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Prepare for minimal cell service and internet access at most cabin locations. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns Michele S. about Ricker Pond.
Electrical availability varies: Not all cabins include electrical hookups or outlets. A guest at Art and Health Chill Camping explains, "There is a common area building on the property with Wi-Fi, a bathroom and a kitchen area, which seemed to be used mostly for making tea or accessing the kitchen sink for water. I am not sure if you could use it for cooking - you would need to ask the landowner."
Quarter-operated showers: Many state park facilities require quarters for showers. According to one Ricker Pond camper, "There is an electrical outlet in the basic cabins, quarter-run showers, and an excellent country store/restaurant a few miles away that has anything you may need and might have forgotten."
Reservation timing matters: Art and Health Chill Camping offers unique cabin accommodations with wellness components. As Heather C. describes, "You hear roosters in the morning from a local farm. The views are vast, and it's relaxing. Logistically, there is a good place for RV parking below the garden hoop house. It is a flat long gravel area, which can access power, but you'll need an extension chord or two to reach it."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra blankets: Night temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months. A Ricker Pond camper shares, "We stayed here in early August 2016 with friends and kids. The tent only loop is so private and perfect for kids biking and swimming."
Explore rail trails: Former railroad corridors provide flat, easy paths for all ages to bike. "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years... We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," notes Emma B.
Book early for waterfront sites: Waterfront cabin accommodations book months in advance. As one Mountain View Campground visitor explains, "We loved our stay here. Nice grass site with a large field behind, and just a short walk to the river. Clean facilities and proximity for exploring Stowe and surrounding areas."
Look for activities beyond swimming: Some locations offer multiple recreation options. "The tube rentals for the river behind the campground... The sites are gravel and seem pretty level," reports Michelle C. about Mountain View Campground.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup options: Many cabin camping properties offer RV sites with partial hookups only. "There is no bathroom/shower. The owners are very nice. Mary put together a very comprehensive list of places to go, things to do, etc," reports Laurie W. about Moose River Campground.
Consider pull-through accessibility: RV sites near cabin accommodations may have limited space for larger units. A visitor notes, "We stayed in a large pull thru (well over 125'), full hook-up site in the center section of the campground. The electric worked fine and the sewer was easily reached with my 20' sewer hose."
Look for level sites: The rolling terrain requires careful site selection for RVs near cabin areas. "When we first pulled into this campground and saw how close our site was to our neighbors, we were a little dismayed. But it turned out we had a really pleasant stay at the campground and came to like all the amenities and people and thought it was a nice campground," shares Nancy W. about Moose River Campground.
