Vermont state parks near Granville offer glamping accommodations from May through mid-October, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,800 feet. The Green Mountains create distinct microclimates where temperatures can vary by 10-15 degrees between valley campgrounds and those at higher elevations. Nighttime temperatures often drop into the 40s during spring and fall, even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s.
What to do
Hiking trails for all abilities: At Gifford Woods State Park Campground, trails range from gentle nature walks to challenging ascents. "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," notes Kyle R. The park offers direct access to the Appalachian Trail with varied terrain.
Kayaking and canoeing: Little River State Park Campground provides excellent paddling opportunities on the reservoir. "Canoeing or kayaking on the lake is great and there are paddle only sites available," reports Miccal M. The reservoir's calm waters make it suitable for beginners and families.
Snowshoeing and winter camping: Winter adventurers can access lean-to sites during the off-season at Smugglers Notch. "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," explains Ed M. Winter visitors should be prepared with appropriate cold-weather gear.
What campers like
Waterfront glamping sites: At Half Moon Pond State Park Campground, waterfront sites allow direct water access. "We stayed in site T06, which is right on the water. We were easily able to go straight from the tent to our kayak, which was so awesome," shares Tara S. These sites typically require early reservations due to high demand.
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacious, well-separated glamping areas at Mount Philo. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 and the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private," advises Drew Q. The park's limited number of sites (only 8) contributes to a quieter experience.
Clean, modern facilities: Vermont state parks maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. At Quechee State Park Campground, visitors find "immaculate" bathrooms. "Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping," reports one camper. Most shower facilities require quarters, typically 50 cents for 5 minutes.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most glamping sites operate from mid-May to mid-October. Rogers Rock camper Kim T. notes practical concerns: "The restrooms were unsanitary, and the showers were not cleaned at the posted time." Always check current operating schedules before planning late-season trips.
Road noise at some locations: Some glamping sites experience traffic noise despite natural settings. At Button Bay State Park Campground, the main camping area is "essentially a huge field, so not much shade or privacy," according to one reviewer. Sites nearest to main roads typically have more ambient noise.
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies widely between glamping locations. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, "Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)," reports K L. Visitors requiring reliable internet should research connectivity options in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for children: Families should consider sites with swimming areas. At Button Bay, "There is a pool for swimming, paved roads are good for bikes & scooters, pavilion for activities, lake for swimming & fishing and hiking trails," explains Lacy C. Many parks offer designated swimming areas with lifeguards during peak season.
Educational ranger programs: Several parks offer structured activities for children. At Quechee State Park, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," shares Jen B. Program schedules typically appear on bulletin boards at park entrances.
Playground access: Rogers Rock Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a nice trail to walk that follows along the shoreline. Each site has a fireplace and table," notes Lauren S. The day use area includes shaded spots with grills that work well for family picnics.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: While most glamping sites don't offer full hookups, many provide sanitary dump stations. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, "There is an odd $10 CASH deposit for gate key that no one asked for. No ATM on site to get cash," cautions one reviewer. RVers should bring cash for unexpected deposits or fees.
Site leveling challenges: Many Vermont campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Quechee State Park, Chris A. observed, "It looks like the state has spread out RCA on the sites, which probably could have spread out better and made more level. Also tough to drive a stake into." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for all RV glamping.
Limited navigation space: Narrow park roads can challenge larger rigs. At Lake Bomoseen, Dave S. noted, "The campground is ok. It was a little tight for our 36ft 5th wheel but managable." RVers should research site dimensions and road widths before booking glamping accommodations for larger vehicles.
