Best Glamping near Hardwick, VT

Smugglers Notch State Park Campground and Little River State Park Campground both house glamping accommodations with access to Vermont's natural splendor, operating from mid-May through mid-October. Each location offers canvas tents and upscale cabin experiences that combine rustic charm with modern comforts. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grates, and proximity to clean bathroom facilities with hot showers. Ricker Pond State Park adds glamping options with waterfront views, where guests can wake up to serene pond landscapes just steps from their canvas accommodation. The sites are strategically positioned to provide a balance of privacy and convenience to amenities. One camper noted, "The sunset was gorgeous and it cleared up for a beautiful morning paddle around the pond."

The glamping sites in Groton State Forest connect visitors to extensive hiking trails, pristine swimming areas, and paddling opportunities. Tree Corners Family Campground provides luxury camping with full amenities including electric hookups, water, and sewer connections for a more pampered outdoor experience. Kingdom Campground, a newer addition to the region's glamping scene, features a heated saltwater pool and spacious sites with beautiful mountain views. Safari tents at these locations typically include raised platforms, proper beds, and electricity. According to a recent visitor, "The sites in the field are generally un-level, but we had access to water via a hose, and a very large flower garden." Winter glamping options are limited, as most sites operate seasonally from Memorial Day through mid-October, making summer and fall the prime seasons for luxury outdoor stays.

Best Glamping Sites Near Hardwick, Vermont (40)

    1. Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Stowe, VT
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 253-4014

    $20 / night

    "This campground just outside of Stowe on the way to the drive up and through Smugglers Notch."

    "This year we stayed in Hemlock, and it was so secluded and quiet. The whole place has a real wilderness feel, but it is very close to lots of hiking and the attractions in Stowe."

    2. Little River State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Waterbury Center, VT
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7103

    $19 - $28 / night

    "We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp on Site 5. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit."

    "Bathhouse/Shower: Basic but clean  Activities: Boating, swimming, and hiking. Plus a nature center."

    3. Ricker Pond State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Groton, VT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3821

    $19 - $110 / night

    "Nice table and fire pit and LOVED the view we had!! Bathrooms are clean and take quarters. Wood and ice are able for purchase."

    "Was greeted by a friendly staff member and shown how to get to our site. Arrived in the pitch black but was easy to find out site. Tent site #10."

    4. Big Deer State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Peacham, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3822

    "Peaceful and quiet, camp sites are well maintained, great fire pits. Plenty of different tent sites available, a nice walk down to the lake. Enjoy."

    "Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer. For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy."

    5. Stillwater State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Groton, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 584-3822

    "Great spot, especially for families, it is a bit expensive, at $30 for tent spot and $40 for lean to. the staff was helpful and kept the grounds clean."

    "Our site(site 8) had two fire pits--an older, stone hearth one, and the newer round metal type with a grill."

    6. Kingdom Campground

    5 Reviews
    Lyndonville, VT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 626-1151

    $46 / night

    "Very clean and quiet campground mostly set up for RVs. All RV sites have water, sewer, and electric. Tent sites have water and electric. Toilets and showers were very clean but showers were coin op."

    "Foliage is just past peak, the staff is friendly, the store is pretty well stocked and everything is clean and tidy. Not too many people know about this place yet, partly due to a vague website."

    7. Singing Wood Farm

    2 Reviews
    Morristown, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 760-0579

    $30 - $125 / night

    "If you want a place to nomadic camp that is near Stowe, but away from the hustle and bustle, then this place is for you.  "

    "I'm so excited to welcome this new host. This property boasts so much acreage for you to play on. Check them out and come back here to give them some love."

    8. Tree Corners Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Orleans, VT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 754-6042

    $42 - $100 / night

    "Great place to go if you’re looking to go trail riding- trail is right across from the campground alongside the corn field."

    9. North Beach Campground

    28 Reviews
    Burlington, VT
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 862-0942

    $37 - $100 / night

    "Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.

    Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."

    "We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike."

    10. Breezy Meadows Campground

    2 Reviews
    North Concord, VT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 695-9949

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Great place to camp; very friendly staff, and lots of activities!!"

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Glamping Reviews near Hardwick, VT

291 Reviews of 40 Hardwick Campgrounds


  • J
    Aug. 5, 2019

    Prouty Beach Campground

    RV campground w some tent spots

    This is an RV campground w a handful of tent spots. We stayed at T4, a site w electric right on the lake. I was initially very excited to be so close to the lake but my enthusiasm waned a little after a swim- the lake bottom was murky sticky mud which is fine it’s just not my favorite. My fiancé went swimming and got a leech or leech-like thing on his foot so swimming for him was pretty much over. Being at the lake meant a lot of noise from others including the campers that use the facility, I mean like actual camp, like groups of kids and counselors. I don’t mind kids but others might. It was the usual kid squealing and stuff. When we arrived a counselor was using our site and picnic table, spilling cheese-it’s all over the place which made us popular with the many many seagulls. She left when she saw us pulling in but left the mess behind so the birds were an issue. They continued to be an issue the whole 3 days we were there- every day we’d come back to our tent to find our stuff scattered a bit- not a huge problem but a present nuisance nonetheless. We tried to keep our things contained but still they tried to carry some stuff away. On the lake shore was a lot of seagull feathers and goose presence, poop, it’s not my favorite way to swim. The bathrooms were ok, pretty basic, very much reminiscent of when you get sent to camp as a child, bare bones. The stalls in the bathroom are uncomfortably short so when you stand up your head is poking out over the door, you can make eye contact w everyone else in the room which is just weird! We went two days without paper towels being restocked to dry your hands, I finally had to call the office. (Everyone in the office was super awesomely nice, always!) Sunday morning there is a group that makes breakfast in the pavilion I guess for donations which they use to beautify the campground. This is a lovely gesture. However the pavilion is right next to the tent sites and the group started setting up about 6:30 AM, which included honking their car horn, and talking very loudly with complete disregard for quiet hours or the full row of tent sleepers. My fiancé finally approached them and told them they must be unaware of how much their voices are carrying but that everyone was still sleeping. They didn’t apologize or say anything and honestly I don’t think they cared or lowered their voices at all. Our site was comfortable, water and electric worked fine, clean fire ring, we didn’t use it. The group next to us talked late past quiet hours (I didn’t not approach the campground about it we just dealt w it), and used a drone which was extremely uncomfortable, loud, and disruptive. I did call the office about that the next day and asked if there was a drone policy, she said there was not but that she would address it if they used it again, they ended up leaving so it wasn’t a problem but there should definitely be a policy about it. All in all, people were nice but the lake location meant a LOT of additional noise from other users and there did not seem to be any reminders about quiet time. Don’t come here if you’re looking for solitude but do come here if you’re looking for a great location in northern Vermont close to a cute town and amenities. Just set your mindset that it’s not a secluded or quiet spot but a spot w stuff to do and lots of people to interact w. We did not use the boat rentals or tennis courts or other stuff.

  • Brian R.
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Twin Mountain Campground

    Awesome family spot.

    Stayed the last weekend in June and I was able to book the site 3 days prior. I was shocked there was still availability. Self check-in, no alcohol allowed and quiet hours start at 10:00 p.m. and fires out by 11:00 p.m. Who I believe to be the owners working in the store at the entrance were super friendly and helpful. My site wasn't the greatest (#32) as it seemed to be one of the few that was sort of out in the open and within view of numerous other sites. Not much seclusion but almost every other site seem to be more secluded. The riverfront sights looked absolutely beautiful and some had better/ easier access to the water then others. We had our travel trailer and it was easy to get it in and out and the dump station was conveniently located on the way out as well as the dumpster for trash. There are quite a few tent sites and our site was right near the clean bathroom and showers. We didn't eat there but there's also a pizza place at the entrance too. Everything is within walking distance.

    Will go back again for sure but would look for a river front site next time!

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    Great little park

    What a great little park! apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes. Firewood sold on site. Sites are well groomed and have a fire pit and picnic table.

  • T
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Little River State Park Campground

    One super state park campground for the entire family

    This is the only campground in the area I will stay at. It has so many benefits, I may not be able to do it justice in this review. The sites are huge. We fit two camper vans, two tents and put up a 20x20 rain tarp on Site 5. The site was freshly raked when we got there, and the leftover wood was stacked next to the fire pit. Picnic table easily seats 8. Lots of bathrooms around the park, each with showers. Firewood and Ice, along with some necessities are available at the office. Cell phone service is touchy depending on where you are in the park. There is fresh water available. Lots of activities to do here, from the Nature Center and hiking trails to seriously wicked mountain biking trails designed by Mr. Knight overlooking the reservoir where boating of all kinds is allowed. And the fishing in the river below is quite stellar. There's even an abandoned town up on top of the mountain for younto check out.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Ammonoosuc Campground

    Year-round camping convenient to Franconia and Crawford Notches

    This is one of the rare New Hampshire campgrounds that is open year round. For years I drove by this campground deterred by the run-down, deserted red building next door that is NOT associated with the campground. On a last-minute whim I called and snagged one of the final two sites for the holiday weekend, spending 3 nights here. I wanted to be someplace where I could track the baseball playoffs, so finding a place with wifi (fair, better closer to the bath house) and 2-3 bar 3G/4G Verizon access was a plus. This campground has a large number of seasonal sites, but also has sites available for the occasional camper, with discounts available if you stay for a week.

    Sites are wooded, generally moderately sized, though the seasonal sites are much larger. Tent sites do not have hook-ups, but they have small shelters that provide additional protection fro the weather. Some of the tent sites are sloped. They also tend to be long and narrow, opening up to a wider area with the picnic table, fire pit and tent pad. Tent sites in the K row are near the road, so although you don't get much campground noise, you do hear road traffic.

    The bathhouse is clean, well-lit, and heated (a treat on those cold autumn mornings). There's also a laundry room with 4 washers and dryers if you need to clean up or dry out after a rough day on the trails. Sites are close to each other. They've separated sites with fence panels in some places to provide some privacy. There's an inground pool, a large playground, and a horsehoe pit.

    Activities in the area include very convenient access to hiking trails ranging from family friendly Surgarloafs to classic 4000-footers along Franconia Ridge, and peaks along the northern ridge of the Pemi Wilderness (Garfield, Galehead, Twins), trails to Mt Washington and the Presidentials, as well as numerous peaks and waterfalls in the Crawford Notch area. Cog railway is just a few miles down the road if you want to catch an early ride. Trails for ATVs and snowmobiles are also nearby.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Zealand Campground

    Large grassy riverside sites but the traffic will keep you awake

    This is a roadside campground with several large, grassy sites that wasn’t my first choice, but it was late at night and my other option hadn’t panned out. It is located right beside US302 and you’ll hear vehicles and see their lights driving by all night. Zealand Rd, which takes you to the 2 Sugarloaf campgrounds as well as the Zealand Trailhead, cross the Ammonoosuc River here and there is a picnic area on the other side of Zealand. 

    When I pulled up at night, there were fireflies lighting up the grass and woods. There are water faucets and vault toilets. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Some of the sites are more secluded, particularly 4-10. They’re all first-come, first-served, so you can choose your site upon arrival. Be prepared to carry your tent and other gear a short distance from your car for several of the sites. I was surprised to see how the sites with wooded parking areas opened up to the grassy expanse near the river. Access to the river isn’t great. It’s not a place where you’ll be swimming. 

    Stay here because you couldn’t get a site at one of the Sugarloafs and you want to hike in on the Zealand Trail or you want to head south into Crawford Notch explore there. The Cog Railway station isn’t far away. If you need any last minute items, stop by Foster’s Crossroads in Twin Mountain. For a quick hike with nice views, drive up Zealand Rd to the Sugarloaf trailhead. It will take you to a saddle between two peaks on the 52-with-a-view list.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2018

    Country Bumpkins Campground and Cabins

    quaint campground with a great central location and prices

    This is a great little campground on Rt 3 in Lincoln, convenient for exploring along the Kanc and Franconia Notch. Prices are amazingly competitive for sites with utilities, though most of the riverfront sites do not offer utilities. The north section has tent sites tucked back in the shade along the river, a great option for hot summer days. The rest of the north section is open and grassy, well-suited to those with larger rigs. The main section is more compact, but the sites along the river are sunnier, though they still do not have utilities. Wifi is available and good quality.

    Although sites are near and often open to each other, the campground is quiet. There's a great playground for younger kids and ducks just waiting to be fed. The sky above is beautiful if you're in the north section or toward the river/middle area in the main section. There seems to be a mix of seasonal and intermittent campers. They offer a discount if you stay 7 nights. For more desirable sites, they require a longer stay. It's not ideal if you're camping with friends who are all driving up separately (carpool, folks!) because parking for extra vehicles is limited and you may need to park off-site. They don't offer online reservations and you need to submit a deposit to secure a reservation, so pick up the phone to call. It's worth the extra effort to make the call!

    I've only stayed here late in the season, but I've enjoyed it both times with friendly staff. They have a cute little camp store and sell firewood on site and provide paper and kindling, a definite advantage if it's been wet! The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that the main bathroom, while clean, tends to be dark and crowded.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2021

    Big Deer State Park Campground

    Nice Lean-To Sites but...

    This is one of many state parks all clustered around a few bodies of water in Vermont. The campground has a mix of standard tent/rv(no hook ups) sites and lean-to shelters. Sites are relatively close to one another but have a decent amount of vegetation between them to create a little more separation. That being said, we could hear our neighbors reading Harry Potter at bedtime to their kiddo. 

    Lean-tos are large enough to accommodate 2 moderately sized free-standing tents(2-4 person, depending on the style). All sites have standard fire rings and large picnic tables. The bath house is centrally located to all sites and was adequate as it relates to cleanliness and accommodations. Despite their being a ton of signage regarding mask wearing in the bathrooms, there were very few heading the request. 

    I was disappointed to see trash and cigarette butts left in our fire pit from the last campers. Additionally, our lean-to did not appear to have been swept out and tidied in between parties. 

    I would also say that the staff who checked us in were not super attentive or helpful. One thing to note: check in for this park happens up the road at Stillwater State Park. I would probably stay somewhere else before staying here again. But if the surrounding parks are full(common this summer), this location allowed us to still explore the area and enjoy some time outdoors.

  • Drew H.
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Stillwater State Park Campground

    Helpful staff, clean camp, kinda busy

    Great spot, especially for families, it is a bit expensive, at $30 for tent spot and $40 for lean to. the staff was helpful and kept the grounds clean. We ended paying more for the lean to because it was more secluded and quiet, the rest of the park was busy.

    Our spot was right on the brook which was peaceful and beautiful. It also had a fire pit with a grill grate and they sold firewood at the front gate.


Guide to Hardwick

Glamping options near Hardwick, Vermont feature a mix of canvas tents and cabin accommodations situated within the Green Mountains. Most sites operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with winter options limited due to Vermont's harsh climate. Campgrounds around Hardwick connect to extensive trail systems throughout Groton State Forest, with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,300 feet above sea level.

What to do

Backcountry skiing access: During winter months, Smugglers Notch State Park offers free off-season camping at lean-to sites. "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. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing," notes Ed M. from Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.

Paddle exploration: Ricker Pond offers multiple watercraft rental options for those who don't bring their own equipment. "A quiet camp ground on Ricker Pond, a motor free pond, is a wonderful way to spend the weekend. The pond is serene and a great place to swim, paddle, explore, and fish. If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing," shares Hannah H. from Ricker Pond State Park Campground.

Historical hiking: Explore abandoned homestead foundations throughout the trails surrounding Little River State Park. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," explains Rita M. about the hiking trails at Little River State Park. The trails connect multiple camping areas throughout Groton State Forest.

What campers like

Private lean-tos: Smugglers Notch offers walk-in sites that create a more secluded experience. "Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," explains Jess O., highlighting the unique camping layout that differentiates this location from other state parks.

Reservoir access: Little River's proximity to the water provides convenient swimming and boating opportunities. "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road! The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking," shares Alison O. from Little River State Park Campground.

Bike trail connectivity: Multiple campgrounds connect directly to the Cross Vermont Trail (formerly the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail). "The campground is right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing. There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," notes Michele S. about Ricker Pond State Park Campground.

What you should know

No cell service: Most glamping sites in the Groton State Forest area have extremely limited connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns Michele S. about the remote nature of these camping areas.

Weather considerations: Late spring camping can involve significant insects. "Beautiful campsite in Smugglers Notch State Park. Central to everything in Stowe and minutes away from the resort. The only complaint is mosquitos were rampant in standing water near our site. Bring bug spray," advises Eleanor W. from Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.

Grocery planning: Limited shopping options exist near camping areas. "Make sure you bring the right provisions. This area of VT is 25-30 minutes from any type of grocery store. There is the camp store, but their stock is limited," notes Rita M. about Stillwater State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Ranger programming: State parks offer educational activities throughout the summer. "On our second day, there was an interpretive program at the pavilion. The ranger led visitors in making bark boats out of materials found in the park. The project was a great idea, as the kids could test their boats right there in the lake," shares Rita M. about the family-friendly activities at Stillwater State Park.

Swimming areas: Multiple beaches cater to families with young children. "There is a small beach with sand for swimming. We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," explains Emma B. about Ricker Pond State Park.

Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "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," notes Rita M. about her family's experience at Little River.

Tips from RVers

Uneven terrain: Many campsites require extra work for RV leveling. "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer," explains Heather C. about her experience at Singing Wood Farm.

Seasonal accessibility: Most glamping options and RV sites close by mid-October. "We are here for their last weekend the campground is open. Foliage is just past peak, the staff is friendly, the store is pretty well stocked and everything is clean and tidy," notes Keith L. from Kingdom Campground regarding the end-of-season conditions.

Limited hookups: Most state parks lack extensive RV amenities. "They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up," explains Michael V. about Smugglers Notch, reflecting the rustic nature of most state park campgrounds in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Hardwick, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Hardwick, VT is Smugglers Notch State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Hardwick, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 40 glamping camping locations near Hardwick, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.