Cabin camping near Shrewsbury, Vermont offers access to the Green Mountains region at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,800 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with vibrant fall foliage from mid-September through mid-October. Most rustic cabins and shelters in this region remain unheated, requiring campers to bring appropriate gear for overnight temperatures that can drop to the 40s even in summer months.
What to do
Hiking at Gifford Woods: Access the Appalachian Trail directly from the campground with day hikes to Deer Leap overlook (2.5 miles roundtrip) offering mountain views. "The Appalachian Trail runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park," shares a Gifford Woods State Park Campground visitor.
Swimming in natural settings: Cool off at Echo Lake's beach area where water temperatures reach the mid-70s by July. "Camp Plymouth has cabins to rent and there is space for group camping... This 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!" notes a reviewer from Camp Plymouth State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Half Moon Pond where shallow waters support bass and pan fish. A camper reports, "We fished and kayaked right from our site. Oddly, our fire pit faced the neighboring site rather than the pond."
What campers like
Forest setting privacy: The upper camping loops at Gifford Woods provide more seclusion between sites. "Upper Loop sites are spaced further apart. Wooded. AT goes right through the campground. Lovely late summer camping experience," shares one camper.
Waterfront cabin options: Some cabins and lean-tos offer direct water access. "The waterfront lean-tos are kind of close together. Because we are all here together, this is not a problem for us. If you want more privacy, some of the primitive sites are a little more spread out," explains an Bomoseen State Park Campground reviewer.
Clean facilities: State parks maintain well-kept bathrooms and common areas. A visitor to Half Moon Pond State Park Campground notes, "The park is small, quiet and very well cared for. Restrooms are modern and clean. Everyone seems to adhere to quiet hours so it was easy to get a good night's sleep."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely across the region. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, a camper reports, "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect."
Seasonal operation: Most cabin facilities operate from late May through early October. "Half Moon Pond State Park is high at the top of the list for its privacy, quiet paddling, and proximity to other cool attractions," mentions a visitor.
Accessibility considerations: Cabin sites may require short walks from parking areas. At Quechee State Park Campground, "The tent sites are set away from the RV sites that sit under large trees and have nice space. The only drawback is they are farther away from the bathrooms."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Look for ranger-led activities during summer months. "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 Quechee State Park visitor.
Kid-friendly swimming: Seek out designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "The beach is small, but it is never busy," notes a Half Moon Pond camper.
Multi-activity sites: Choose locations with diverse recreation options. A Dorset RV Park visitor mentions, "There are a scattering of amenities like a rec room with games, shuffleboard, playground, volleyball, horseshoes, laundry, and showers. There are community activities like bonfires, bingo, pot luck dinners."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Larger cabin users should investigate site specifics before booking. "Larger rigs might want to avoid loop 6-14, especially for sites 8-12. Tree placement and a pretty sharp 110+ degree turn makes it challenging to maneuver," warns a Dorset RV Park camper.
Power considerations: Cabins with electric hookups are limited but available at select locations. A camper notes, "There is a small group of camp sides with electricity and water but most sites have none."
Leveling challenges: Some rustic cabin sites require leveling equipment. "Site 16 is one of the smaller sites and is not super level, but we were able to get the Subaru backed in and relatively level for camping," shares a Gifford Woods visitor.
