Cabin camping options near North Troy, Vermont provide year-round access to the Northeast Kingdom's forested landscapes. Located near the Canadian border at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet, this area experiences early fall color changes and cooler summer temperatures than southern Vermont locations. Most cabins in the region remain accessible during winter months, though amenities may be limited during the November-April off-season.
What to do
Kayak and canoe access: Lake Carmi State Park Campground offers two boat launch areas for water exploration. "There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat," noted a visitor about the access points at this park located 30 miles from North Troy.
Hiking to historic ruins: Explore abandoned foundations and other historical remnants on trails throughout the area. A camper at Little River State Park Campground shared, "The hiking trails are really good—they're actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover."
Winter camping experiences: Lean-to cabins remain accessible even during colder months. "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," reported one visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park who enjoyed winter cabin access.
What campers like
River access: Many cabins provide direct water access for cooling off during summer months. At Brewster River Campground, visitors appreciate the natural soundscape: "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night," commented one reviewer about their cabin stay.
Privacy between sites: Brighton State Park Campground maintains good separation between cabin units. "Campsites are private and the place is often not busy affording extra privacy," noted a visitor who stayed in the park located about 25 miles from North Troy.
Dark skies for stargazing: The limited light pollution in the region creates excellent conditions for night sky viewing. "We loved being able to just jump in the boat and float around, especially at night to look at the sky," shared one camper at Brighton State Park Campground about the stargazing opportunities.
What you should know
Bathroom and shower facilities: Amenities vary significantly between locations, with some cabins sharing central facilities. "The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower. Cold water only at both the sinks and the shower," reported a visitor at Lake Carmi State Park about the shared facilities.
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons differ significantly between parks. "Smuggler's Notch is close enough to Stowe to not be a hassle to drive to, but far enough away that it's quiet and remote," commented a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, which operates from May 19 to October 15.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and WiFi access varies throughout the region. A reviewer at Tree Corners Family Campground noted that "Campground has no cell service and you have to pay for WiFi which is less than ideal," highlighting connectivity challenges common in rural Vermont.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and recreation options: Some locations offer additional amenities for children. "They have two separate pools and hot tubs for kids and adults. Tons of other activities for kids—splash pad, water slides, playground, basketball court, etc.," shared a visitor to Tree Corners Family Campground.
Youth programming: Several parks offer educational activities for children. Grand Isle State Park features "a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," according to a recent visitor to the park.
Cabin orientation: Choose cabin locations strategically based on family needs. At Mountain View Campground, a visitor noted "A lovely family camp ground with rv and tent sites, all near the bathrooms, amenities galore, and a great camp store," highlighting the importance of bathroom proximity for families.
Tips from RVers
Water and power access: Hookup availability varies between locations. At White Caps Campground, a visitor warned about inconsistent electrical service: "It was a 110 conversion electric not 30 amp. No dump site on property, I was told my only option was to go down the road to Willo Campground and I could dump my tanks there for $30."
Site dimensions: Cabin and RV sites have specific size restrictions throughout the region. "We camped here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," shared a family that visited Little River State Park.
Seasonal road access: Roads to cabins may have winter restrictions. A visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park advised, "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."
