Lake Carmi State Park offers lakefront camping with diverse accommodation options across two loops. The park features a mix of primitive sites, lean-tos, and cabins, making it a practical base for glamping in Sheldon, Vermont. Situated at 460 feet elevation, the park experiences typical northern Vermont seasonal patterns with warm summers and cool springs and falls. Waterfront sites have filtered lake views through trees, and most campsites have at least partial shade.
What to do
Kayaking on Lake Carmi: The lake provides excellent paddling opportunities with two boat launch areas accessible from either camping loop. "The lake was great in the early summer when we went, loved it for kayaking," notes a visitor at Lake Carmi State Park Campground.
Hiking nearby trails: Several parks offer walking paths with historical features. At Little River State Park Campground, "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover." The hiking trails can be "actually pretty steep," providing a good workout.
Swimming options: Lake beaches are available at multiple locations, though conditions vary seasonally. "The beaches were rocky and almost a mud/sand mix," reports one Lake Carmi camper, while another notes "There are a lot of activities to do on the island. We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe."
Island exploration: For a unique experience, consider boat-accessed camping. "You can paddle out to Burton Island on your own from Kamp Killcare State Park, where you'll leave your car. It's a very short paddle and shouldn't take more than 10 minutes," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Proximity to shorelines ranks high among camper preferences. At Burton Island State Park Campground, "We were lucky enough to get a waterfront lean-to and the view was spectacular!" The campground offers various water access points for different activities.
Peace and quiet: Many campers value the tranquil atmosphere, especially during off-peak times. "Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends," observes a Lake Carmi visitor.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive consistent praise across parks. At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, visitors appreciate "Pristine facilities, private camp sites and a beautiful area." Another camper notes, "The sites and bathrooms were also VERY clean. Friendly staff!"
Car-free camping: The boat-access-only nature of some parks creates a distinctive atmosphere. "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. There are no cars on the island... the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast," reports a Burton Island camper.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most Vermont glamping options operate on limited schedules. Lake Carmi runs from May 19 to October 9, while Burton Island operates from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend only. Off-season camping at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground has different rules: "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."
Shower facilities: Coin operation is common for showers with varied water quality. At Lake Carmi, "The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I've experienced in quite some time."
Connectivity limitations: Cell service varies significantly across parks. "No cell service" is noted at Lake Carmi, which can be either a drawback or benefit depending on your glamping expectations.
Water conditions: Lake quality can fluctuate seasonally. "The lake had green algae and we spotted several dead fish floating. It made me nervous about the water," reports one camper, while another experienced "a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming."
Tips for camping with families
Island camping adventure: For a unique family experience, North Beach Campground provides urban proximity with natural settings. "This has been one of our favorite campsites so far. We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here."
Consider shoulder seasons: For quieter family camping, timing matters. "We prefer shoulder-season camping!" notes a Lake Carmi visitor, finding the experience more peaceful after Labor Day.
Check playground availability: Multiple parks offer play areas for children. At Campbell's Bay, "There is a game room and a playground and horseshoe pits and a laundry room," providing activity options beyond water recreation.
Gate access planning: Some parks have controlled entry systems. "If you come here to camp and plan to stay out late go to the office prior to leaving so you can get a pass to avoid a long trek to your campsite," advises a Lake Carmi visitor.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Many state parks lack full services for larger vehicles. At Maple Grove Campground, "RV sites are arranged around an oval. Pads are gravel. Because the loop is on a hill, some sites are not quite level, but only slightly."
Site size limitations: Larger RVs may struggle at some locations. Lake Carmi has "few that are big enough for large rvs," according to a visitor who noted you can "fill up the camper with water on the way in but no sites have any hookups."
Level site selection: Terrain varies significantly at Vermont campgrounds. "We wanted it to be good but it was disappointing," notes one camper about uneven sites, while another found their "site was clean and grassy. Very little traffic."
