Cabin rental options near Jay Peak, Vermont offer access to scenic forests and mountain landscapes just minutes from outdoor activities. Accommodations range from rustic structures with limited amenities to full-service cabin rentals with modern conveniences. Winter cabin rentals typically operate from October through May, while summer season runs May through October with varying availability.
What to do
Paddling on Spectacle Pond: Brighton State Park Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities on their scenic lake. According to one visitor, "We enjoyed biking, hiking, campfires, etc and everyone was so nice and helpful for us, especially since we were first timers." The park features a small beach area for launching kayaks and canoes.
Tubing on Lamoille River: Mountain View Campground provides river access for tubing during summer months. A camper noted, "There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground." The campground offers tube rentals at reasonable rates with convenient put-in and take-out points.
Winter backcountry access: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides winter cabin users with excellent backcountry access. "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. The park sits adjacent to extensive nordic and alpine backcountry skiing routes.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Lake Carmi State Park Campground offers cabin and lean-to accommodations with water views. As one visitor described, "Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section." These lakefront sites provide filtered views through the trees.
Dark night skies: Brewster River Campground cabin users appreciate the exceptional darkness for stargazing. According to a visitor, "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night." Their lean-to accommodations include queen-sized platforms ideal for air mattresses.
Wildlife encounters: Little River State Park Campground provides opportunities to hear and see local wildlife. The park features both standard cabins and remote boat-in sites. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," reports one camper.
What you should know
Rustic bathroom facilities: Most state park cabins have limited bathroom amenities. At Lake Carmi, "The toilet paper was so thin, it was nearly transparent!" notes one visitor. Showers typically require quarters, with most parks charging $0.25 for 5 minutes of water.
Limited cell service: Cell reception can be unreliable at many cabins near Jay Peak. One camper at Lake Carmi reported "No cell service" in their review, which is common throughout the region's more remote cabin locations.
Off-season considerations: White Caps Campground and other facilities have different amenities during shoulder seasons. "No dump site on property, i was told my only option was to go down the road to Willo Campground and i could dump my tanks there for $30," mentioned one camper about unexpected limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Mountain View Campground offers multiple swimming options for children. "There are 2 pools (one for adults only) and hot tubs for kids and adults. Tons of other activities for kids- splash pad, water slides, playground, basketball court, etc," reports a family visitor.
Lean-to advantages: Brighton State Park Campground provides lean-to structures that work well for families. "We did a lot of camping this year, but we really loved the remoteness of Brighton State Park in September. It was too cold for swimming, but the leaves were just starting to turn. We stayed in the Poplar lean-to, which was very private, with a short trail leading down to the lake," shares one family.
Youth programming: Grand Isle State Park Campground offers structured activities for children. The park features "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," according to a recent visitor, making it ideal for families seeking educational components during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Most cabins near Jay Peak have restricted access for larger vehicles. At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, sites are marked as "good flat sites. a little small but comfortable." The park is "not big-rig friendly" according to their amenities list.
Hookup availability: Tree Corners Family Campground provides more robust amenities for RVers transitioning to cabins. Their facilities include "two separate pools and hot tubs for kids and adults" and are "massive campground made mostly for those with kids."
Off-grid considerations: Winter cabin users should prepare for primitive conditions. A Smugglers Notch winter visitor advises, "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag."
