Cabin options near Reading, Vermont range from basic rustic structures to fully-furnished accommodations with various amenities. Located in Windsor County at an elevation of 1,020 feet, the region experiences cool summer nights even when days are warm. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making seasonal availability an important consideration for cabin campers.
What to do
Hiking access from camp: Gifford Woods State Park Campground provides direct access to popular trails. "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. Nearby hikes include the Bucklin Trail to the top of Killington, Sherburne Pass to Pico Peak, and Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain," notes one visitor.
Water recreation: Winhall Brook Camping Area offers riverside cabin options where two waterways meet. "The river is a constant lovely background sound and is wonderful to swim or just play in. Walk into town for the paper or fresh baked goods," shares a camper. Another visitor mentions, "Kids enjoy tubing the small rapids. We go for 2 weeks most every summer."
Seasonal activities: During peak foliage season (late September to mid-October), cabin availability becomes extremely limited throughout the region. Winter activities near cabins that remain open year-round include snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails. Summer visitors can enjoy guided nature programs at several state parks from June through August.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Quechee State Park Campground maintains high standards. "Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping," writes one reviewer. Another mentions, "Clean bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos."
Peaceful settings: Many cabins offer quiet environments despite their accessibility. "The campground at Gifford Woods State Park is a hiker's campground for sure. The sites are large, private, and wooded," says one visitor. Another review notes, "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."
Location convenience: Camp Plymouth State Park Campground offers strategic positioning. "Camp Plymouth honored our Gifford Woods State Park pass which gained us free entry into the park. From there we were able to access the small boat access and kayak beautiful Echo Lake. This Park has a huge beach and picnic area with a snack bar and boat rentals."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most cabins operate from mid-May through mid-October, with few options available during winter months. State park cabin rentals generally close after Indigenous Peoples' Day (second Monday in October).
Road noise considerations: Some cabins experience traffic sounds despite wooded settings. "When camping in VT it is usually our goal to hike, rest, cook, and relax at camp. We live in a busy/loud city so we really love a rural spot where we can just unplug and enjoy nature... but campers beware- it is wedged between two major highways," warns a Gifford Woods visitor.
Water sources: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter provides insights on regional water access: "There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound. I only explored a bit offtrail down the brook but found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit."
Reservation requirements: Most cabin rentals require advance booking, with reservation windows opening 11 months in advance for state parks. Cabins with kitchenettes or bathrooms typically cost $20-40 more per night than basic structures.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Quechee-Pine Valley KOA offers structured programming. "My family and I have stayed at a KOA in Mystic, CT multiple times as a last resort. The service was terrible, grounds were terrible, and the amount of noise day and night were brutal... From the second we pulled into this campground we were greeted with 5 star service and friendly staff," reports one family. Another notes "Workers were scattered around tending to the mulch beds and planting new flowers."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led programs specifically for children. "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)," shares a parent.
Swimming options: When selecting a cabin rental with children, consider water access. "The Park has a huge beach and picnic area with a snack bar and boat rentals. We made a day of it and enjoyed the whole shebang! This park is especially clean and the staff extremely friendly," reports a Camp Plymouth visitor.
Winter considerations: Families booking cabins in shoulder seasons should pack extra layers, as overnight temperatures can drop significantly, even in early June or late September. Cabin heating varies widely between locations.
Tips from RVers
Site access: Caton Place Campground presents challenges for larger vehicles. "This past holiday weekend we went to the campground. Upon arrival the owner made me go with them to the site and leave the motorhome blocking the entrance into the campground. The roads aren't wide enough to take a motorhome into. The pull through site is not level and is barely long enough to fit my 43' rig."
Power considerations: Most cabin accommodations in the region don't include electrical service. Those requiring CPAP or medical equipment should verify power availability or bring battery backups. Only a limited number of sites offer electrical hookups.
Cell service: Connectivity varies widely, with many cabins having limited or no service. "Only downside for us was bad phone signal and everything seemed far away, like Walmart was an hour away!" notes a visitor to Winhall Brook.
