Glamping accommodations near Jay Peak, Vermont provide convenient access to outdoor recreation opportunities throughout all seasons. The area sits between Lake Champlain to the west and the Green Mountains to the east at elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000 feet. Weather patterns vary significantly across seasons with average summer temperatures reaching 75°F while winter months often drop below freezing with substantial snowfall.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access miles of trails directly from campsites at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. The park connects to numerous trails of varying difficulty levels on Mount Mansfield. "There are beautiful trails that cover the island. The south tip of the island gets more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming," notes one visitor about the park's natural features.
Paddling: Explore Lake Carmi with kayaks and canoes at Lake Carmi State Park Campground. The lake offers multiple launch points for non-motorized watercraft. A camper shared, "There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat."
Winter recreation: Book off-season stays at state parks when facilities officially close. Winter camping offers solitude and access to snow sports. "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," reports a winter visitor to Smugglers Notch.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer well-spaced sites. At Burton Island State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural separation. "While we didn't technically have shore line access, there was a short path through the woods that led to a rocky shoreline where we left our canoe and kayak," explains one camper about their tent site.
Water access: Multiple campgrounds feature direct water access for swimming and boating. Burton Island State Park provides numerous water entry points. One reviewer notes, "The northern part has shale beaches, and a few areas of mucky/pebbly beaches. Lots of old trees abound as well."
Local biking opportunities: Trails connect many campgrounds to nearby towns. A visitor to North Beach Campground shared their experience: "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."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many rural campgrounds have spotty or non-existent coverage. At Lake Carmi State Park, visitors should prepare for disconnection. A reviewer noted simply, "Clean bathrooms. No cell service."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close after mid-October. Little River State Park Campground operates "May 19 to October 22" according to park information, making it one of the later-closing options in the region.
Water conditions vary: Lake conditions change throughout the season. A Lake Carmi camper reported, "The beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix. The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating."
Advance reservations required: Popular sites book months ahead. For glamping accommodations, especially at waterfront locations, plan early. "Campsites at Burton Island book far in advance. When we booked our Labor Day weekend tent site back in March, there were only 2 leantos (out of 26) left and a handful of tent sites," warns one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas. Prouty Beach Campground offers family amenities beyond just camping. One visitor describes, "The campground is in a county run facility... Horseshoes and a basketball hoop on a grassy area and a play structure for kids."
Quiet hours enforcement: Most campgrounds maintain noise restrictions. At Lake Carmi, a camper observed, "Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced."
Swimming safety: Check water quality reports before planning water activities. A camper at Lake Carmi noted, "Although swimming is allowed, the 'beaches' are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra effort to level rigs. At Singing Wood Farm, RVers should come prepared. A camper explained, "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer. While we were there, there were car campers, tent campers, and a class C rv, in addition to us in our travel trailer."
Electrical reliability: Power fluctuations occur at some campgrounds during peak season. One RVer at Prouty Beach reported, "Our electric pedestal showed readings between 110 and 115 volts which was constantly cutting off our air conditioners."
Water and sewer connections: Not all glamping sites offer full hookups. Check campground specifications before arriving. A visitor to Lake Carmi stated, "You can fill up the camper with water on the way in but no sites have any hookups. And there are few that are big enough for large rvs."
