Cabin camping near Pittsfield, Vermont offers options within Vermont's Green Mountain National Forest region, where elevations range from 600 to over 4,000 feet. Winter temperatures can dip below zero while summer nights average around 55°F even in July. Most rustic cabin rentals close between mid-October and Memorial Day due to seasonal road closures and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access the iconic AT directly from Gifford Woods State Park Campground. "The campsite lies directly on the Appalachian trail, so for a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges nearby," notes Kyle R. The trail passes through the campground, making it convenient for day hikers.
Fishing opportunities: Half Moon Pond State Park Campground provides waterfront cabin sites with immediate water access. "We had a waterfront site so we could launch our kayaks right from our site. The pond is very weedy, so fishing was not so great, but the hiking trails around the park were fun," explains Cynthia K. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local sporting goods stores.
Swimming in natural settings: Several parks offer swimming options within a 30-minute drive. "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available," says Lisa S. about Branbury State Park Campground. Their beach area includes a marked swimming zone with a gradually sloping bottom suitable for children.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Chittenden Brook Campground offers cabins with good spacing between sites. "There's quite a bit of space between each site so you can't really see your neighbors which is excellent. The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing," shares Jessica C. Sites along the brook provide natural white noise that masks sounds from other campers.
Clean facilities: Many campers highlight the well-maintained facilities at state parks. "The facilities are great for a state park and the sites are large. It's a smaller campground which is really great," mentions Alyssa C. about Gifford Woods State Park Campground. The bathrooms with showers are regularly cleaned throughout the day during peak season.
Family activities: Several campgrounds provide organized activities. "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee)," reports Jen B. about Quechee State Park Campground. These activities typically run on weekends from late June through August.
What you should know
Water availability: Some cabin locations have limited or no running water. "No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up to the site, so download your maps in advance," warns Jessica C. about Chittenden Brook Campground. Campers should bring water containers if staying at more remote sites.
Road conditions: Access to certain cabins involves traveling on unpaved roads. "There's a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair," notes Jessica C. Roads to some campgrounds may become difficult to navigate during heavy rain or early spring.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are active in the region, requiring proper food storage. "Didn't see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. There are bear proof [dumpsters]," mentions Jessica C. Most cabin locations provide bear-resistant storage options or food lockers, but hanging food is recommended at primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming options: Branbury State Park offers family-friendly swimming areas. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground," reports J L. about Branbury State Park Campground. The swimming area includes a roped-off shallow section for younger children.
Ranger programs: Take advantage of educational activities offered at state parks. "The nature center with all kinds of information and activities," notes J L. These programs typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day and cover topics from wildlife identification to local ecology.
Cabin selection for families: Choose sites with adequate space for multiple tents or play areas. "We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill. The only down side is that the lean-to opening faces the road instead of the woods, which would have been better for privacy," shares Tara S. about Gifford Woods. Cabins with "Apple" and "Hemlock" in their names are noted to be more secluded and spacious.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most cabins and RV sites near Pittsfield lack full hookups. "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers," explains Trip Over Life about Branbury State Park. RVers should arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds have limitations on RV length. "It would be tough for any but the tiniest RV," warns James K. about Chittenden Brook Campground. Most state park campgrounds can accommodate units up to 35 feet, but private options like Lake Bomoseen KOA or Quechee-Pine Valley KOA can handle larger rigs.
Cell service considerations: Coverage is spotty throughout the region. "Cell services on ATT and TMobile were nonexistent. Campground WiFi is a joke (less than 1mbps)," reports K L. about Lake Bomoseen KOA. Downloading offline maps and campground information before arrival is recommended as navigation apps may not function in many areas.
