Cabin camping options around Richmond, Vermont provide rustic accommodations with varying levels of amenities across several state parks and private campgrounds. At Little River State Park, cabins feature basic furnishings with outdoor fire rings and picnic tables. Sites require a 1-night minimum stay during weekdays and 2-night minimum for weekends, with reservations opening 11 months in advance. Mount Philo State Park offers a limited selection of cabin sites at elevations ranging from 800-968 feet, providing campers cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cabin options typically include sleeping platforms or bunks without electricity or running water, while private campgrounds like Shelburne Camping Area offer cabin rentals with more modern amenities including electricity and nearby shower facilities.
What to do
Historic hikes at Smugglers Notch: Explore trail systems connecting directly to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet. "Great clean sites with multiple ways to access Mount Mansfield's trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont. Staff are friendly and respectful of privacy," notes a camper at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Water exploration on Waterbury Reservoir: Visitors can enjoy paddling with rental options available nearby. "Great campground for hanging out and a place to bring your boat. The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat," shares one camper from Little River State Park.
Winter activities during off-season: While most campgrounds close after mid-October, some areas remain accessible for winter recreation. "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. Hike/snowshoe in to your site as the gate is closed and the area is not plowed," explains a visitor at Smugglers Notch State Park.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Several campgrounds offer walk-in sites that provide more privacy. "This campground is great. Nice and quiet. Campsites are well spaced. Some of the campsites on the outside ring you need to walk into (a very short distance), but it makes it feel very secluded and less like car camping," reports a camper at Underhill State Park Campground.
Proximity to Burlington amenities: Campers appreciate easy access to urban conveniences. "Bring your bikes! You're tucked away in the woods on gorgeous Lake Champlain and can bike into Burlington for meals and city street strolls," recommends a visitor at North Beach Campground.
Waterfront accessibility: Sites with water access are highly valued. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," notes a Little River visitor about boat-in camping options.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds near Richmond have defined operating seasons. "This place had everything we could have wanted for our weekend spent in Vermont. Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it fills up quickly," advises a visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park.
Shower facilities vary: Some parks offer modern facilities while others have more basic amenities. "Showers are coin-operated, but $0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" explains a camper at Grand Isle State Park Campground.
Site characteristics differ significantly: Research your specific site before booking. "We stayed in the B side. The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking," shares a Little River State Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," notes a camper at Little River State Park.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs and nature centers. "What a lovely state park! It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," shares a visitor to Grand Isle State Park.
Trail difficulty considerations: Assess hiking trails for family suitability. "The hiking trails are really good--they are actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," mentions a Little River State Park camper.
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup availability: Many state parks offer minimal RV services. "Not all Vermont state parks accommodate larger RVs, so check site specifications when booking," advises a regular Vermont camper.
Private campgrounds with full amenities: For more services, consider private options. "We had a full hookup, pull-through corner space for us. Offered parking for our truck right across lane on separate site. Super nice owners!" reports a visitor to Shelburne Camping Area.
Seasonal considerations: Plan for weather changes, especially in spring and fall. "It was fairly priced and in a great location for visiting both Stowe and Burlington," notes a camper at Gold Brook Campground, highlighting its central position for exploring the best places to camp near Richmond, Vermont.
