Cabin camping near Sheldon, Vermont offers accommodations ranging from rustic to more modern options. Located in the northwest region of Vermont between the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, the area experiences warm summers with temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F and cold winters that often drop below freezing. Sheldon sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with nearby camping areas offering both wooded and waterfront settings.
What to do
Hiking trails: Near Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous trails including routes to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike," notes one camper. The park offers direct trail access for all skill levels.
Kayaking and canoeing: Little River State Park Campground provides water-based recreation on the reservoir. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and canoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small," explains a reviewer. Several boat-accessible campsites are available for overnight paddling trips.
Winter activities: Some parks offer off-season opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. One reviewer of Smugglers Notch noted: "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... Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing."
What campers like
Quiet evenings: Many campers appreciate the peace and quiet found at smaller campgrounds. At Brewster River Campground, one visitor shared: "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night. Simple bathrooms and showers." Several sites feature natural sound barriers like rivers or forest.
Sunrise views: Waterfront cabin sites offer spectacular morning views. "Wake up to stunning sunrises and spectacular views of the Green Mountains," mentions a visitor to Burton Island State Park's remote paddler sites. Many waterfront cabins have east-facing orientations perfect for morning views.
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, most cabins and facilities receive positive reviews for cleanliness. "The facilities are well maintained and clean. There are several camp hosts on the property and they are attentive to the needs of all the guests," notes a camper at Grand Isle State Park Campground.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Different cabin sites offer varied experiences and amenities. A visitor to Lake Carmi State Park Campground explained: "Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site. Most sites don't have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt (or mud if it has rained recently). A large wooden picnic table and fire ring complete the site."
Seasonal considerations: Water quality can vary by season, with some lakes experiencing algae blooms in summer. "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water," reports one Lake Carmi visitor. Most parks post water quality alerts during affected periods.
Rocky beaches: Many lakefront areas have rocky rather than sandy shores. "The beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix," notes one camper, while another at Grand Isle mentioned "the beach is nice even though rocky." Water shoes are recommended for swimming at most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational programming ideal for children. "There is a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," shares a Grand Isle visitor. These activities typically run daily during peak summer months (late June through August).
Private sites for noise control: Champlain Resort Adult Campground maintains an adults-only policy, but families with children should consider site location at other parks. "Very peaceful private big woodsy leanto site," notes one visitor about a family-friendly option. Sites further from common areas often provide better sleeping conditions for younger children.
Simple bathing facilities: Prepare for basic shower amenities, especially with children. "The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can't imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I've experienced in quite some time," explains a Lake Carmi visitor.
Tips from RVers
Access limitations: Island locations require special transportation. "We biked to this park from Burlington via the Island Line Trail. It was a super trip. The lakeside lean-to was awesome," notes a Grand Isle visitor. RVers should check ferry schedules and vehicle size restrictions before booking island sites.
Hookup variations: Apple Island Resort offers more amenities than most state parks. "The hook-ups at our site were well-placed but the sewer pipe was high off the ground which did not let it drain even with a 'slinky.' The cable yielded a number of channels but was not HD," explains one RVer, highlighting the need to bring leveling equipment.
Site orientation differences: Some parks have unusual site layouts. "One thing is that their hook ups are on the passenger side. You have to pull straight in with the truck and camper. This is because a lot of class A prefer this way," notes an Apple Island visitor, emphasizing the importance of checking site configurations before arrival.
