Cabins near Cambridge, Vermont offer secluded woodland settings at elevations ranging from 500-1,500 feet, providing both valley and mountain accommodations. Winter cabin options remain limited, with Smugglers Notch State Park offering free lean-to sites during off-season requiring advance reservation by phone. Most campers report temperatures dropping below freezing from November through April, necessitating proper cold-weather gear for winter cabin stays.
What to do
Mountain trails with cabin access: At Smugglers Notch State Park, cabin and lean-to accommodations serve as perfect starting points for hiking Mount Mansfield. "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," notes Mackenzie B.
Winter cabin opportunities: Smugglers Notch offers unique winter cabin access unavailable at most parks. "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. No facilities off season… Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing," explains Ed M.
Waterfront cabins with paddling access: Little River State Park offers lakeside cabins with water recreation. "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," reports Caitlin M., noting the paddle-in cabin options available.
What campers like
Privacy between cabin sites: Campers consistently praise the spaciousness between cabin accommodations at Brewster River Campground near Jeffersonville. "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night. Simple bathrooms and showers. Put thought into choosing which site to reserve to enhance your experience," advises K.M.
Screened cabin options: For those wanting protection from insects while maintaining outdoor exposure, Brewster River offers unique screened structures. "My husband and I stayed in the lean-to with our two toddlers. It has 3 walls and netting on the fourth. Inside there are two queen sized platforms (we put an air mattress down) and it is right on the river," explains Kiarra M.
Quiet off-peak cabin stays: Lake Carmi State Park provides tranquil cabin experiences after Labor Day. "Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced," notes Lee D., highlighting the benefit of shoulder-season visits.
What you should know
Advance booking requirements: For premium waterfront cabins, plan far ahead. "If you want to stay in a waterfront lean-to, I highly recommend booking well in advance as they book very quickly," explains Patricia E. from Grand Isle State Park.
Winter cabin amenities: Winter cabin campers should prepare for self-sufficiency. "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises Ed M. about winter lean-to use at Smugglers Notch.
Transportation logistics: Some cabin locations require special access planning. Burton Island cabins require boat transportation: "We chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it. We were lucky enough to get a waterfront lean-to and the view was spectacular," shares Michael L.
Tips for camping with families
Educational programming: State parks offer family learning opportunities throughout summer months. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," reports Harry H. about Smugglers Notch State Park.
Child-friendly cabin locations: Some cabin layouts specifically accommodate families. "This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills. We spent a long weekend here to enjoy some mid-summer bike riding along the many bike-paths Vermont has to offer," describes Sarah C. about Grand Isle State Park.
Family cabin activities: Look for cabins with nearby recreation options. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares Rita M. about Little River State Park.
Tips from RVers
Cabin vs. RV considerations: Mountain View Campground offers both RV sites and cabins with differing amenities. "We stayed in a cabin and it was absolutely wonderful. It was clean and had everything we needed. All of the buildings were meticulously kept and the staff were incredibly friendly. They have a small camp store with s'more fixings and a great beer selection," explains Sarah C., noting the cabin advantages.
Seasonal cabin availability: Most cabin rentals near Cambridge operate seasonally. "Our site was level and all the hookups were well-placed and worked fine. Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues," reports Nancy W., highlighting that cabin rentals offer an alternative for those without air conditioning units during summer heat.
