Cabin camping near Randolph, Vermont offers year-round options throughout the Green Mountains region. The area sits at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,000 feet, creating variable temperatures and conditions between valley accommodations and higher mountain cabins. Winter cabin rentals typically require advance planning, with most sites booking 6-8 months ahead for peak foliage season.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access points near Gifford Woods State Park Campground connect directly to major trail networks. "The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground," notes Tara S. about Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
Fishing at local reservoirs: Most waterfront cabin sites provide shoreline fishing access within walking distance. At Little River State Park Campground, "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," according to Hannah H.
Swimming in forest streams: Natural swimming holes provide alternatives to crowded beaches. Kara D. mentions at Chittenden Brook Campground, "A little buggy but not to the point of it affecting the stay...Would love to try the cabin on the brook next time, peaked in and it's cute with extra privacy and private view of water."
What campers like
Quiet wooded settings: Many cabins feature isolated settings with natural sound barriers. "The sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers. The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it," writes Tara S. about Gifford Woods.
Year-round cabin availability: Several locations maintain winterized cabins with heating systems. At Quechee State Park Campground, "The sites are all wooded. Some are private, while others are a little crowded together. The park is dog-friendly, which we always appreciate," reports Tara S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and dusk offer prime viewing times from cabin porches. Dawn S. experienced this at Quechee-Pine Valley KOA: "This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit."
What you should know
Seasonal water restrictions: Many cabin sites shut off water systems during freezing temperatures. Jessica C. advises about Chittenden Brook Campground: "No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up to the site, so download your maps in advance. There's a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp."
Bear safety protocols: Food storage requirements vary by location but are strictly enforced. "Didn't see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof!" adds Jessica.
Limited connectivity: Cell service gaps affect most remote cabin areas. Douglas L. mentions about Quechee State Park, "We hit this campground for one over night as we past through. Good spot with easy access to the Gorge. Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quite at night."
Tips for camping with families
Off-season weekday stays: Families can find better cabin availability and quieter conditions mid-week. "Vacationing here from NJ. We decided to take our jeep and test out our rooftop tent at this site. We were so impressed at the beautiful scenery especially across the street from the beach. This was definitely our favorite campsite we've ever been to this far," writes macie about Branbury State Park Campground.
Nature programs: Scheduled ranger activities provide educational opportunities during summer months. Alyssa C. shares about Gifford Woods, "We have stayed at this campground twice and have been so happy with it every time. The facilities are great for a state park and the sites are large. It's a smaller campground which is really great."
Cabin placement strategy: Request cabins away from high-traffic areas for better sleep quality. One camper notes, "Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping," about their experience at Quechee State Park.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: Most state parks with cabins also maintain dump stations for RVs. As Craig F. explains about Lazy Lions Campground, "We stayed here 2 nights. Wanted to see the sights like Green Mountain Coffee, Ben and Jerry's and Trapp Family Lodge. Nice quite place. We had a pull through, and nice green grass sights."
Winter access considerations: Check road conditions and snow removal policies before booking winter cabin stays. "There is the range of sites from pull-thrus, pull-ins and back-in sites and can accommodate RVs of any size. Some sites are full hookup while others are not and that is reflected in the cost," explains Nancy W. about Quechee-Pine Valley KOA.
Cabins with RV parking: Some cabin sites accommodate both RV parking and cabin use for larger groups. Jennifer L. mentions about Lazy Lions, "Our tent site was level and on comfy plush grass, well maintained and either a beautiful addition of two plastic adirondack chairs at our fire pit with grill."
