Cabin accommodations in the Huntington area range from remote wilderness options to family-friendly resorts, with availability primarily from May through October. Most Vermont state park cabins operate seasonally, closing after mid-October due to harsh winter conditions. Cabin sites vary in accessibility, with some requiring short walks from parking areas while others offer drive-up convenience.
What to do
Explore abandoned settlements: Little River State Park features historic hiking trails leading to old foundations from an 1800s mountain community. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes one visitor from Little River State Park Campground.
Kayak reservoir waterways: Access remote areas by water at Little River State Park's reservoir. "Great campground for hanging out and a place to bring your boat. The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," shares a camper.
Winter backcountry access: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides off-season cabin access for winter enthusiasts. "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 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," explains one winter visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront cabin options: Button Bay State Park offers lakeside cabin access. "Wonderful state park, the waterfront sites are fantastic, they are wide so smaller units can be parked parallel to the lake. Bathrooms are clean, facilities are great. Easy access to the lake. Book early for the best sites," advises a repeat visitor at Button Bay State Park Campground.
Secluded forest settings: Cabins at Camel's Hump State Park provide true wilderness immersion. "This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. The designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike. If I recall it had about 10-12 sites. The area had a host who was there 24/7 and a shared area for eating and food storage," reports a backpacker from Camel's Hump State Park.
Urban-adjacent locations: North Beach Campground cabins offer proximity to Burlington's amenities. "Burlington is my favorite city by far, and this campground is right on the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location. Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain," explains a North Beach camper.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Cabin sites at popular parks book months in advance. "The cabins at Button Bay fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. Book early for the best sites," notes a regular visitor.
Amenity variations: Cabin facilities range from primitive to full-service across different parks. "They don't have all the usual amenities, it's more of a primitive set up," explains a visitor about Smugglers Notch cabins, while Apple Island Resort offers "full hook-ups at our site that was plenty long enough."
Wildlife considerations: Apple Island Resort cabins provide more protection from local wildlife. "There is a short trail on the property which leads to a large open grassy area with a great view of the lake and area where we threw a ball for our dog," shares a visitor, while Camel's Hump requires "a shared area for eating and food storage (I guess Bears are a problem there)."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly cabin options: Shelburne Camping Area offers family conveniences. "The grounds were landscaped well, and they were changing flower beds over to mums for fall during our stay. The bathhouse was clean. The ladies side had a fresh flower arrangement everyday," reports a family from Shelburne Camping Area.
Swimming access: Grand Isle State Park provides cabin options with beach proximity. "What a lovely state park! We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The park has swimming pool with life guard. Nice park for cycling the Lake Champlain Byway," notes a recent visitor.
Educational opportunities: Little River offers family learning experiences. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," mentions a visitor who appreciated the educational aspects of cabin camping near Huntington.
Tips from RVers
Winter weather considerations: Mountain cabins require appropriate preparation. "Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises a winter visitor to Smugglers Notch cabins.
Off-season availability: Several parks offer reduced rates for cabins during shoulder seasons. "In October, you get a second night free!" at Shelburne Camping Area, according to a visitor who appreciated the value.
Proximity to amenities: North Beach provides urban convenience for cabin stays. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous Lake Champlain and can bike into Burlington for meals and city street strolls," recommends a North Beach camper, highlighting the advantage of cabin camping with quick access to services.
