Cabin camping options around Castleton provide access to the Green Mountains and multiple lakes at elevations between 500-1,500 feet. Most forest service cabins operate from mid-May through mid-October when temperatures range from 45-80°F, with summer nighttime lows often dropping into the 50s. Seasonal considerations affect both availability and pricing at rustic accommodations throughout the region.
What to do
Kayaking at Half Moon Pond: Paddle directly from waterfront sites at Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, where many cabin sites offer direct water access. "We had a waterfront site so we could launch our kayaks right from our site. The pond is very weedy, so fishing was not so great, but the hiking trails around the park were fun," notes one camper.
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Several trails connect directly to Gifford Woods State Park Campground cabin areas, offering moderate day hikes. "The Appalachian trail runs directly through the park. For a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges nearby," shares a regular visitor.
Swimming in Lake Dunmore: The beach at Branbury State Park Campground provides a sandy swimming area near cabin sites. "The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground. There was hiking nearby, but with the rain we weren't able to go," reports a family who stayed in the wooded cabin area.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Cabins at Chittenden Brook Campground offer more seclusion than many alternatives. "Great tent camping area with good privacy at sites. Would be tough for any but the tiniest RV. No water. Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground," mentions a visitor who appreciated the privacy.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at most state park cabins maintain high standards. "Restrooms are modern and clean. Everyone seems to adhere to quiet hours so it was easy to get a good night's sleep," notes a camper at Half Moon Pond State Park, highlighting the well-maintained facilities.
Lake access from sites: Waterfront lean-tos at Bomoseen State Park Campground allow for direct water activities. "I go here for a week every July with a group of ladies. The waterfront lean-tos are kind of close together. We like the waterfront lean-tos so we can keep our kayaks on the water the whole week," explains a regular visitor who returns annually.
What you should know
Bear precautions required: Food storage protocols must be followed at cabins throughout the region. "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly," cautions a Branbury State Park visitor, emphasizing an important safety consideration.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between cabin locations. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, "Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)," reports a camper, highlighting connectivity challenges.
Varying bathroom facilities: Shower availability differs between cabin locations. "Bathhouses are clean but laundry costs were high at $3.50 for a wash and $3.00 for a dry," notes a visitor to a nearby private campground, indicating the importance of planning ahead for these necessities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with playground access: Several cabin locations offer dedicated play areas. "There is a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," reports a visitor to Branbury State Park, highlighting amenities beyond just the cabin itself.
Choose cabin locations with swimming beaches: Several parks offer sandy beaches with gradual entry points. "The beach is small but it is never busy," shares a visitor about Half Moon Pond, noting the convenience for families with young children.
Prepare for weather variability: Mountain locations can experience significant temperature changes. "Unfortunately, we stayed here on a pretty rainy weekend in June, but I have nothing but good things to say about our visit to Half Moon Pond," mentions a camper who adapted to challenging conditions.
Tips from RVers
Book early for holiday weekends: Cabin rentals fill quickly, especially at popular locations. "We stayed at Bomoseen State Park on a busy weekend in the squirrel lean-to, which was right on the water. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are happy to report that everyone wore masks in public spaces," notes a visitor who planned ahead despite challenging circumstances.
Consider cabin amenities carefully: Furnishing levels vary significantly between properties. "Most sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers. The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it," explains a visitor to Gifford Woods State Park, emphasizing the importance of knowing what each cabin provides.
Check road access: Some cabin locations have challenging access roads. "There's a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair," cautions a visitor to Chittenden Brook Campground about potential access challenges.
