Cabin camping near Newport, Vermont offers a distinctive camping experience in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. Located on the shores of Lake Memphremagog with elevations between 700-1,200 feet, this area experiences cooler summer temperatures than southern Vermont regions. Winter cabin options remain limited, with most facilities closing after Columbus Day weekend when nighttime temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Maidstone State Park provides access to a pristine lake ideal for kayaking. "We heard some loons calling every night which I love," noted a visitor to the park. Clear water conditions make this a top destination for paddling enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: The Boreal Forest loop at Brighton State Park Campground offers unique hiking experiences through northern forest habitat. "Great trails right in the park, including the Shore Trail and the Boreal Forest loop. There are lots more trails to discover just a short drive from the park," reported one camper who visited during foliage season.
Mountain biking access: White Caps Campground serves as a convenient base for mountain biking enthusiasts. "Good launching area for MTB. Cheaper than a hotel for kingdom trails though and right next to lake Willoughby," states one reviewer. The Kingdom Trails network is accessible within 30 minutes from multiple cabin locations.
What campers like
Remote setting: Cabin campers appreciate the seclusion available at Lake Carmi State Park Campground. "We were there during Covid and they did a great job spreading everything out and setting visitor expectations to follow the safety guidelines," noted one visitor. The park's isolation provides a sense of wilderness despite developed facilities.
Night sky viewing: Clear mountain air makes cabin camping excellent for stargazing. "It is on a gorgeous lake to sit by on the beach and watch the stars at night," explains a Brighton State Park visitor, highlighting the minimal light pollution in this rural area.
Seasonal advantages: Fall visits offer unique experiences. "We visited just as the foliage season was getting underway, end of September is peak this year," reported a Brighton State Park camper. Many cabin sites feature hardwood forests that provide spectacular autumn color.
What you should know
Water conditions: Lake quality varies significantly by location and season. "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water," reported one Lake Carmi visitor, noting this isn't universal to all area lakes.
Facility limitations: Most cabins have minimal amenities. "No cell service with either Verizon or AT&T but there is limited WiFi at check in building," notes a Maidstone State Park visitor. Bathroom facilities typically close for winter months.
Reservation requirements: Booking well ahead is crucial for prime summer weekends. "Plenty of water faucets on the B loop," mentioned a Maidstone visitor, but cabin sites with better amenities fill quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety planning: Lakes suitable for children vary widely. "Great campground with allot to do for the whole family, we went late to see or hear allot of loans but we still heard some," noted a visitor to Brighton State Park, highlighting that shallow swimming areas are limited.
Playground options: Some parks offer better kid-friendly facilities than others. Little River State Park Campground provides modest playground equipment: "The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water."
Educational opportunities: Historical foundations at Little River offer learning experiences. "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," shared one family.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Many cabin sites aren't designed for larger vehicles. "Great for tenters and small campers. Plenty of Bug spray will be needed but well worth it," noted a Brighton State Park camper, reflecting the rustic nature of sites.
Hookup availability: Moose River Campground provides better RV accommodations. "We stayed in a large pull thru (well over 125'), full hook-up site in the center section of the campground," explained a visitor, noting these sites work well for larger vehicles when cabins aren't available.
Winter storage: Almost no parks offer winter RV storage services. "The road noise as it sits on busy road," mentioned a Moose River visitor, highlighting one of the considerations when looking for longer-term arrangements.