Cabin accommodations near Milton, Vermont range from rustic lean-tos to fully equipped units with partial lake views. Most cabins require reservations 6-11 months in advance, especially for summer weekends when temperatures typically reach 75-80°F. Cabin locations vary from waterfront settings to forest-surrounded spots, with many providing direct trail access.
What to do
Paddle the reservoir: Little River State Park Campground offers excellent water access for kayaking or canoeing. "We stayed here on the reservoir. Staff was friendly and helpful," notes one visitor who spent a week enjoying the water. The park features numerous boat-in campsites that are "only accessible via the water" with "flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables."
Cycle island trails: Apple Island Resort provides cabin rentals with proximity to excellent cycling opportunities. "We should have brought my roadbike, this is a bicyclers heaven," mentions one camper. The resort offers cabins with lake views and is centrally located "between Burlington and north hero" with "amazing views of lake Champlain."
Hike mountain trails: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground cabins provide direct access to extensive hiking networks. "This sweet campsite is the perfect spot to start or end a hike. It's well kept, private, beautiful, and right in the mountains. Nearby waterfalls are lovely!" reports one hiker. Cabins are situated "within minutes of some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike."
What campers like
Private cabin layouts: Campers appreciate thoughtfully arranged cabins that maximize privacy. At Little River, "the sites are spacious, the grounds and facilities are clean." One visitor noted they "visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights" and found "the facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water."
Winter accommodation options: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers off-season cabin availability for winter adventurers. "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," shares a winter visitor who enjoyed "silent and starry nights."
Multi-generational cabin management: Many cabin rentals near Milton benefit from long-term family ownership. At Camp Skyland, "the owner (family owned and operated across generations) took my booking via phone and months later, checked us into camp upon arrival." Cabins typically include "gorgeous Lake Champlain with a mountain backdrop" views.
What you should know
Seasonal booking patterns: Secure cabin reservations well in advance, especially for waterfront units. At Camp Skyland, "cabins... book up in advance and it's a YOY reservation that previous bookers get first access each year for dates."
Cabin amenities vary significantly: North Beach Campground cabins offer convenient city access with rustic accommodations. "Since this campground is within 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."
Insects require preparation: Pack appropriate supplies for seasonal bugs. "Mosquitos were intense here, so bring spray & plan accordingly! Our screened-in tent area saved us from being eaten up," notes a Camp Skyland visitor. Most cabin sites have outdoor fire rings but limited bug protection.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites with playgrounds: Grand Isle State Park Campground cabins offer family-friendly features. "What a lovely state park! We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional," reports one family. The park includes "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs."
Consider ferry-accessed cabins: Burton Island State Park cabins require boat transportation but reward with unique experiences. "This is one of my favorite places to camp because it's on an island and just getting there is part of the experience," shares a visitor. "The campground is very clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. There are a lot of activities to do on the island. We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe."
Check for youth programming: Several parks offer scheduled activities for children. "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," notes a Smugglers Notch visitor.
Tips from RVers
Consider winter cabin alternatives: When RV camping isn't practical, several parks offer cold-weather cabin options. At Smugglers Notch, winter visitors "Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed. No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing."
Check cabin parking configurations: Shelburne Camping Area offers cabin rentals with specific vehicle requirements. "We had a lean-to site that was just far enough from the bathroom that it felt far. I found the site to be well maintained and for the rangers to be kind and help," notes a visitor, while another mentioned "While the site itself was small (only room enough for barely 2 cars and 1 tent) it made up for it in other big ways!"
