Vermont's state park system provides a range of cabin camping accommodations across numerous locations, with options available at Grand Isle, North Beach, Little River, Quechee, Smugglers Notch, and Woodford State Parks. Most cabins feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. State park cabins typically do not include electrical hookups, with the exception of North Beach Campground in Burlington which offers both electric and water hookups. Private campgrounds like Shelburne Camping Area supplement the state offerings with additional cabin options, often providing more amenities than their public counterparts.
Cabin availability is highly seasonal, with most Vermont state parks operating from mid-May through mid-October. Reservations are required at all state park cabin sites and should be secured well in advance, particularly for summer weekends and fall foliage season. Facilities vary significantly between locations, though most provide access to showers and toilets. A visitor at Grand Isle noted, "We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional."
Campers consistently mention the natural beauty surrounding cabin sites as a highlight of their Vermont experience. State parks with cabin options are strategically positioned near recreational opportunities, including hiking trails, swimming areas, and fishing spots. Several visitors commented on the family-friendly atmosphere at Vermont state parks, with amenities like beaches and nature centers enhancing their stays. The cabin experience at Vermont state parks strikes a balance between rustic camping and comfort, with clean facilities and well-maintained grounds frequently mentioned in reviews. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Green Mountain National Forest offers dispersed camping alternatives, though these lack the structured amenities of developed campgrounds.
$6 - $28 / night
"Beautifully set on Lake Champlain in Vermont! This is a relatively large campground but is well laid out and doesn't feel small even when it's packed to the gills."
"Since the park is on a island in Lake Champlain in Vermont there is water all around. Good places to walk and ride."
$37 - $100 / night
"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."
"Sites 1 to 16 are close to each other. Sites 113 to 119 are bad. Very close to each other. No redeeming qualities.
Sites have 30 amp electric and water but might need a longish cord or hose."
$19 - $28 / night
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
$38 / night
"The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."
"Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."
"Woodford State Park is situated between Wilmington and Bennington VT in the southern part of the Green Mountain National Forest."
"The views on some of the sites to the lake are beautiful. the grounds and facilities are well kept. and you are close to both Bennington and Wilmington. a great spot to camp at in Southern Vermont!"
$20 / night
"I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"
"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"
$20 - $42 / night
"This tops our list for camping in Vermont. There is so much to do here, and yet the campground feels very private and quiet. There are 41 tent/RV sites to choose from and 18 lean-tos."
"This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a delightful visit. They worked with us to get the right site."
$45 - $57 / night
"Our first time in Vermont and we picked an awesome campground. This place has a great layout with lots of great sites to choose from. There are several sites right on the river!
Clean bath houses."
"Site 16 had a path to the river and was slightly tucked away. Sites 13 and 14 were cool spots too, I’d imagine in the summer you may have less privacy because it’s near the swimming area."
"Beautiful campground in south central Vermont. On a lovely emerald green small lake with nice beach. Good for fishing and kayaking. Well kept."
"The camp sites are quite a bit of a walk up the hill from the lake where there is swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and picnicking."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
ScoutJust about what you would expect in a national forest. Nice dirt road without too many potholes. As far as I can tell about 10 different sites, maybe more, all spaced out enough you don’t see anyone else. No toilet or water but there is a fire ring.
LegendThe Lake Champlain Islands are amazing, and camping at Grand Isle State Park also makes them pretty affordable. I camped here in October, so I chose to stay in one of the small camping cabins (Camels Hump). It had electricity, but no indoor plumbing, and was very cozy!
This is the most popular campground in the Vermont State Park system, and I think it's because of the location, as aside from camping, there isn't a whole lot to do - no hiking trails to speak of and a small, rocky beach that isn't ideal for swimming.
The cabin was an affordable way to explore the Islands, and for that I would absolutely stay here again!
LegendThis is basically a Stillwater overflow campground. It's small, so I thought it would be quiet and peaceful. We booked at the last minute, and it was Father's Day weekend, so we didn't have many options.
These sites are very close together with no privacy. We booked the Moose lean-to, which faced the campsite next to us, about 15 feet away. Our neighbors were nice, so it wasn't a huge deal, but it got kind of awkward, like we were sitting and watching them go about their business.
For reference, we've stayed in a lot of Vermont State Park lean-tos, and most face the woods, even if the neighbors are close. The water faucet closest to our site was out of order, and the bathrooms were dingy, old, and not very clean.
In case you are planning a trip to Groton State Forest, here are our top picks in order:
1. Waterfront lean-tos at Ricker Pond State Park
2. Waterfront lean-tos at Stillwater State Park
3. Most sites at New Discover State Park (sites are pretty private)
4. Big Deer (we won't stay here again)
We absolutely love this part of Vermont, though. I hope you get to visit!
TravelerWe spent 2 nights on S61 right on the edge of the river. Very few other visitors. High water mark on road surface above bridge is crazy. July 2023 flood closed the campground for almost 2 years. We would recommend a stay and riverfront sites are awesome. Unfortunately the fishing in both the brook and main river sucks
GuideGreat clean quite campground full hook up and plenty of space. Big spots
LegendWe camp here a lot. We recently scored the Cherry lean-to, and I think it has the best view in the park! Bugs were bad this spring, but the sunsets made up for it. We hiked the Stevenson Brook Trail (amazing), swam in the 55-degree water (exhilarating), and cooked lots of yummy food (campfire nachos!).
GuideWe had a great stay despite the rain from May 29 - June 1st. We had the entire loop to ourselves for 2 of 3 nights. The restroom was clean. Showers took tokens and there was plenty of water. The manager Julia and staff member Aiden were great. All the sites in the upper loop were large and had platforms. The lower loop smaller with no platforms. There are some lean tos as well. They have a small discovery room for families. There were trails nearby and the dam was a short drive away. The only downside is that there is no washing station for dishes and the sites are close together. The staff did say that the park does not get crowded.
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
Camping in Vermont offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there's something for everyone.
Vermont camping is all about enjoying nature, so pack your gear and get ready for an adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Vermont state parks offer the best camping facilities?
Grand Isle State Park Campground on Lake Champlain stands out with excellent facilities. Despite being a larger campground, it's thoughtfully designed so it never feels crowded. The park provides well-maintained amenities and convenient access to Vermont's extensive bike paths. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground is another excellent option with clean facilities and access to mountain biking trails. For campers seeking variety, Emerald Lake State Park offers drive-in sites with water access, toilets, and big-rig-friendly accommodations. Smugglers Notch State Park provides diverse access options (drive-in, hike-in, walk-in) with reservable sites and basic amenities in one of Vermont's most scenic areas.
What are the best campgrounds in Vermont for family trips?
Vermont offers exceptional family camping experiences with something for everyone. Jamaica State Park Campground tops the list with its 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, providing privacy while offering numerous activities. The campground feels quiet despite having plenty for families to do. For water-loving families, Silver Lake Campground features clean swimming areas with a concrete dock perfect for kids to jump from, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours on the lake. Other family-friendly options include Mountain View Campground with riverside sites and amenities like pools and a well-stocked camp store, and North Beach Campground with its convenient access to Burlington's attractions via bike paths.
Is camping available year-round in southern Vermont?
Year-round camping in southern Vermont is limited, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Wilgus State Park Campground is notably the first Vermont state park to open each spring, well before Memorial Day. While traditional camping might be cold in early May, their four camping cabins offer an early start to the season. Brattleboro North KOA provides extended season camping opportunities with clean facilities and proximity to downtown Brattleboro. Camping On The Battenkill near Arlington may offer longer seasons for hardy campers. Most southern Vermont campgrounds typically operate from May through October, with precise opening/closing dates varying by location and weather conditions. Winter camping is generally limited to backcountry sites for experienced winter campers.
Where can I find the best primitive tent camping sites in Vermont?
Moosalamoo Campground offers an authentic primitive camping experience with no amenities beyond natural features. What it lacks in facilities, it makes up for with cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming holes, and access to Silver Lake. Sites are accessible from the Silver Lake trailhead parking lot on Vermont Route 53. Another excellent primitive option is Hapgood Pond in the Green Mountain National Forest, offering an affordable camping experience in Vermont's beautiful wilderness. For those seeking island primitive camping, Woods Island State Park provides remote tent sites accessible only by boat, offering a true wilderness experience with basic facilities and stunning lake views.
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