Cabin accommodations near Craftsbury Common, Vermont provide year-round shelter options in the Northeast Kingdom region. Most cabins require reservations 2-4 months in advance for summer stays. Elevations in the area range from 900-1,500 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between valleys and ridges. Winter cabin rentals remain available at select locations when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking at Smugglers Notch: Access Mount Mansfield's trail system directly from Smugglers Notch State Park Campground with minimal driving. "Near by are all sorts of awesome hiking trails. Boreal forest. THE best. Some of my favorite photos from hiking, and the trail names/maps are below. The Moose Observation Platform is no lie. We saw one, crossing the road right by it when we were about to give up," reports Tina D.
Kayaking at Brighton State Park: Paddle directly from your cabin onto Spectacle Pond. "Great campground with VERY clean restrooms. Campsites are private and the place is often not busy affording extra privacy," notes Jordan S. The park includes Shore Trail and Boreal Forest loop for land-based activities.
Kingdom Trails mountain biking: Located within 30 minutes of several cabin rentals. "Good launching area for MTB. Sites close together, lots of RVs, not cheap. Cheaper than a hotel for kingdom trails though," explains Mike M. at White Caps Campground.
Winter snowshoeing: Off-season cabin stays offer unique access to snow-covered terrain. "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. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing," shares Ed M. about Smugglers Notch.
What campers like
Morning wildlife viewing: The early hours provide prime observation opportunities. "We went late to see or hear allot of loans but we still heard some. Love listening to the loons in the morning," mentions Heather O. about Brighton State Park Campground.
Riverside relaxation: Many cabins offer direct water access. "We had site 9 two years in a row. Love it. Right on the river," notes Rick C. about Moose River Campground. The shallow Moose River provides a "clear flowing rocky river" where you can "dip your toes in the water."
Clean bathroom facilities: While rustic accommodations vary, bathroom quality remains a priority at established campgrounds. "They have a small camp store with s'more fixings and a great beer selection but that's about it. There is a pool and a hot tub! Luxurious camping to say the least," shares Sarah C. about Mountain View Campground.
Privacy between sites: Many cabins and camping areas maintain adequate spacing for privacy. "The land is 8 acres, and you feel a sense of privacy and serenity. You hear roosters in the morning from a local farm. The views are vast, and it's relaxing," describes Heather C. about Art and Health Chill Camping.
What you should know
Limited amenities at some locations: Facilities vary significantly between cabin rental areas. "It doesn't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up," explains Michael V. about Smugglers Notch State Park. Bring appropriate supplies for your location's level of development.
Seasonal operations: Most cabin rentals operate from May through mid-October. "Great place to camp with rv or tent, the cabins were cozy and perfect just a short walk to the lake that's easily viewed from your cabin," writes a reviewer. According to White Caps Campground, "the cabins are set back from this area and behind other gardens, near a water source."
Varying pet policies: Check restrictions before booking. "Not allowed any bully breed or what they consider aggressive type dogs," warns Jessi C. about Tree Corners Family Campground. Meanwhile, Moose River Campground "has a decent size dog park" according to Nancy W.
Wi-Fi availability: Cell coverage can be limited in rural Vermont. "WiFi worked only if you went up to the office," reports Michelle H. about White Caps Campground. Similarly, Art and Health Chill Camping offers "a common area building on the property with Wi-Fi."
Tips for camping with families
Youth activities: Look for properties with dedicated children's facilities. "They have two separate pools and hot tubs for kids and adults. Tons of other activities for kids- splash pad, water slides, playground, basketball court, etc.," notes Mallory P. about Tree Corners Family Campground.
Water access for children: Cabins near designated swimming areas provide safer options. "Just down the road is a nice day use area with a beach, changing rooms and restrooms. If you arrive early, it is a nice place to spend a little time while you wait for 2:00 p.m. to come around," advises Sarah C. about Brighton State Park.
Noise considerations: Family-friendly locations have varying quiet time policies. "Quiet time is 10pm but for the most part, people were pretty quiet and respectful long before 10pm," mentions Mallory P. about Tree Corners. Some properties enforce stricter rules with "lights have to be off by 10 at the latest."
Ice cream options: Several cabin locations feature on-site dessert options. "We stayed in a cabin and it was absolutely wonderful. They have a small camp store with s'more fixings and a great beer selection," says Sarah C. about Mountain View Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some cabin and RV sites require adjustment equipment. "Our gravel pad had a slight slope to it but we were able to get level. The pad was long enough to fit our RV with just enough room to fit the car in front," explains Nancy W. about Mountain View Campground.
Electrical service variations: Confirm power availability before booking. "Our site looked angled on map so thinking it would be easier to approach from a certain direction to back in, drove in as I needed but found site was perpendicular to road. Family staying next to us found their site had 50 amp service not the expected 30 amp," advises Russ V. about Sugar Ridge RV Village & Campground.
Proximity considerations: Site spacing affects privacy levels. "The sites are pretty close keep in mind there is a big weekend crowd and we found that a number of people seemed to clear out on Sunday," notes Nancy W. about Mountain View Campground.
Electricity reliability: Confirm power capacity for larger units. "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues," shares Nancy W. about their Mountain View Campground experience.
Legend
