Gifford Woods State Park sits amid the Green Mountains at elevations around 1,600 feet, creating a cool, forested camping environment near Shrewsbury, Vermont. The park opens seasonally from May to mid-October when temperatures range from 40-75°F, with nighttime temperatures often dropping below 50°F even in summer months. The surrounding hardwood forest creates natural shade for most camping areas.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: Access the Deer Leap overlook directly from Gifford Woods State Park Campground via a 2.5-mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. "Nearby hikes include the Bucklin Trail to the top of Killington, Sherburne Pass to Pico Peak, and Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain. So many choices!" notes a camper.
Fly fishing spots: Kent Pond within Gifford Woods State Park offers quiet fishing opportunities, while Emerald Lake State Park Campground provides another fishing location about 30 minutes from Shrewsbury. One visitor mentioned, "The lake was beautiful and rented boats and canoes. Swimming is also available. Good central location."
Winter recreation: While most campgrounds close by mid-October, the surrounding area offers winter activities. Killington Resort, located 15 minutes from Shrewsbury, transitions to winter sports after camping season ends. During summer, "Killington offers mountain biking, zip lines, adventure climbs and roller coasters, as well as the K1 Gondola to the peak," according to a camper at Quechee State Park.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: The upper camping loop at Gifford Woods offers more secluded sites. "Gorgeous sites. Upper Loop sites are spaced further apart. Wooded. AT goes right through the campground," writes one camper. Sites are naturally shaded by mature trees.
Clean facilities: Half Moon Pond State Park Campground maintains well-kept washrooms with hot showers. "The campground 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," reports a visitor who stayed midweek.
Water activities: Multiple ponds and lakes provide swimming options near glamping sites. "We fished and kayaked right from our site. Oddly, our fire pit faced the neighboring site rather than the pond," notes a camper who secured a waterfront site at Half Moon Pond State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping units near Shrewsbury require advance booking, especially during peak season (July-August). At Quechee State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "It's a short hike down to Quechee Gorge, where you can cool off in the shallow water."
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds typically operate from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. "We hit this campground for one over night as we past through. Good spot with easy access to the Gorge. Bathroom were clean and the grounds were quite at night," reports a Quechee State Park camper.
Limited hookups: Most state park glamping sites lack electrical hookups. "No Electric or hookups. They also sell ice and firewood at the check in station," notes a visitor to Quechee State Park. Plan to use battery-powered devices or portable power banks.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational options: Lake Bomoseen KOA offers varied accommodations for different age groups. "Family camping Kabins, rv, and tent sites, arcade, store, ice cream, and Lake Bomoseen. Easy to get to, close to Castleton, Rutland, and Hubbarton Battlefield. Great spot for a family get-a-way," notes a camper.
Educational programs: State parks frequently offer ranger-led activities. "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)," explains a visitor who stayed at Quechee State Park with children under 8.
Beach access considerations: When glamping with children, consider sites with easy water access. At Half Moon Pond State Park, a camper observed, "The beach is small, but it is never busy. No hookups but the bathrooms are clean and the showers ($) are hot."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large vehicles: For upscale glamping with RVs near Shrewsbury, Caton Place Campground offers pull-through sites. "We had a pull thru site. Easy to drive into the campground and into the site. We had no issues at all. Hosts were very friendly and helpful. Campground was very clean and well manicured," reports an RVer with a 40-foot fifth wheel.
Limited cell service: Network coverage varies across glamping sites in the region. At Lake Bomoseen KOA, a camper noted, "There is NO cell coverage and the Wi-Fi is poor and very slow if you can connect." Pack physical maps and download entertainment before arrival.
Shower facilities: Most glamping locations have pay showers requiring quarters. "They offer showers that cost you a few quarters. There are no hookups but they do have a dump station if you are in a RV," explains a camper who experienced Quechee State Park's facilities.
