Glamping accommodations near Jericho, Vermont provide access to some of Vermont's most diverse outdoor recreational areas. The region sits at the foothills of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet, where campers experience moderate summer temperatures averaging 75°F during daytime. Seasonal variation affects campground availability, with most locations operating from mid-May through mid-October when freezing temperatures typically end the camping season.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Access directly from Little River State Park Campground, where trails range from beginner loops to challenging technical routes. "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. The hiking trails are really good--the actually pretty steep," explains one visitor.
Winter backcountry sports: Explore Smugglers Notch State Park Campground during off-season months when camping is free but requires reservation and proper winter gear. "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. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing," notes a winter camper.
Water activities: Paddle on the Waterbury Reservoir at Little River State Park, which offers canoe and kayak rentals. Campsites provide access to swimming areas with gradually sloping bottoms suitable for children. A visitor mentioned, "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe 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."
What campers like
Historic exploration: Discover abandoned settlements at Little River State Park Campground, where hiking trails reveal old foundations and Vermont's early settlement history. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shares a camper who visited with their family.
Private wooded sites: Enjoy seclusion at Mount Philo State Park, despite limited site availability (only 7 tent sites and 3 lean-tos). "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. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms," advises a camper who appreciated the privacy.
Car-free camping experience: Escape to Burton Island State Park Campground which requires a ferry or personal watercraft to access. "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains a regular visitor who appreciates the resulting atmosphere where "the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book waterfront sites months in advance for premium locations at North Beach Campground. "Since this campground is withing Burlington city limits it is a bit cramped and can get crowded. However its location makes it convenient too. Plus it's right on Lake Champlain with great beach access," notes a visitor explaining the trade-offs.
Seasonal limitations: Check opening dates carefully before planning your glamping trip close to Jericho, Vermont. Most campgrounds operate from mid-May through mid-October, with Burton Island having the shortest season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Mount Philo runs Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Transportation logistics: Plan for required boat access at certain locations. Burton Island requires either taking the passenger ferry ($8 per person) or paddling from Kamp KilKare State Park (approximately 10 minutes across). "After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it," recommends one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible adventures: Choose Singing Wood Farm for proximity to Stowe while avoiding crowds. "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. It is a private landowners land, and she has up to 5-6 campers at any point in time. Sites are set up with picnic or other small tables, and randomly spread out across the field," explains a visitor who appreciated the convenience.
Kid-friendly water options: Select campgrounds with gentle swimming areas for younger children. Little River State Park offers a small boat launch and beach area ideal for families, though one visitor notes: "We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children."
Playground access: Check for on-site play structures to keep children entertained during downtime. AuSable Chasm Campground includes "Large and nice-looking playground, pool, volleyball net, disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails," according to a visitor who stayed there with children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at Singing Wood Farm and similar rural sites. "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," warns a visitor who nonetheless would return despite the challenges.
Electric hookup verification: Test electrical connections before setting up at Shelburne Camping Area, where visitors have reported occasional electrical issues. Though most sites provide reliable 30/50 amp service, a visitor recommends bringing testing equipment: "My husband is a licensed electrician and of course had his own testing equipment. It showed 25 amp coming out of it."
Location convenience: Choose North Beach for cycling access to Burlington without driving. "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," shares a regular visitor, adding "Reasonable price for campsites and the sites are large."
