Glamping sites around Lake Elmore, Vermont occupy the transitional zone between the Green Mountains and Lamoille River Valley at elevations between 700-1,400 feet. Winter temperatures frequently drop below 0°F, while summer highs typically reach the mid-70s with cool evenings in the 50s. This climate variation requires campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations, even during peak summer months.
What to do
Hike the local trail system: Smugglers Notch State Park offers direct access to Mount Mansfield's extensive trail network. One camper reports, "They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont" (Michael V., Smugglers Notch State Park Campground).
Winter camping options: For those seeking off-season adventures, Smugglers Notch offers free lean-to camping during winter months. "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" (Ed M., Smugglers Notch State Park Campground).
Explore local waterways: Little River State Park provides easy reservoir access. "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" (Hannah H., Little River State Park Campground).
What campers like
Secluded sites with wilderness feel: Several campgrounds offer sites that feel more remote than they actually are. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. 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" (Jess O., Smugglers Notch State Park Campground).
Convenient access to local attractions: Little River State Park provides a strategic base for exploring Vermont highlights. "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!" (Alison O., Little River State Park Campground).
Lake-based glamping options: For those wanting lakeside glamping near Lake Elmore, Ricker Pond State Park offers direct water access. "This is a pretty small State Park, so it fills up quickly. The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one! The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail" (Michele S., Ricker Pond State Park Campground).
What you should know
No cell service in many areas: Prepare for limited connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly" (Michele S., Ricker Pond State Park Campground).
Coin-operated facilities: Most state parks have pay-per-use shower systems. "Excellent showers (coin operated) and bathroom facility. Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" (Ben C., Smugglers Notch State Park Campground).
Ranger-enforced quiet hours: State park staff actively manage noise levels. "The resident campground staff do a good job patrolling to keep things quiet. He even came and check on us because the girls were a little too loud!" (Rita M., Stillwater State Park Campground).
Limited grocery access: "My only piece of advice would be to make sure you bring the right provisions. This area of VT is 25-30 minutes from any type of grocery store" (Rita M., Stillwater State Park Campground).
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Many parks offer family-friendly water recreation. "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" (Hannah H., Ricker Pond State Park Campground).
Educational ranger programs: State parks regularly offer family-friendly learning opportunities. "On our second day, there was an interpretive program at the 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" (Rita M., Stillwater State Park Campground).
Winter family activities: For families seeking glamping near Lake Elmore during winter, consider Smugglers Notch. "The Green Mountains of Vermont are amazing all year. Check with the local ski resorts for summer activities like gondola rides. The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking" (Harry H., Smugglers Notch State Park Campground).
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state parks near Lake Elmore lack full hookups. "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" (Nick, Kingdom Campground).
Off-season accessibility: RV camping becomes limited during shoulder seasons. "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. Not too many people know about this place yet, partly due to a vague website" (Keith L., Kingdom Campground).
Proximity to mountain biking: RVers can access extensive trail networks directly from some campgrounds. "Great place to go if you're looking to go trail riding- trail is right across from the campground alongside the corn field" (Mallory P., Tree Corners Family Campground).
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