Cabin accommodations near South Burlington, Vermont range from rustic single-room structures to multi-room deluxe units with private bathrooms. Located along the eastern shore of Lake Champlain at 95-377 feet elevation, the region experiences cool summers with average July temperatures of 81°F and winter lows reaching 10°F. Most cabin rentals operate from mid-May through mid-October with reservation windows opening 11 months in advance.
What to do
Water activities on Lake Champlain: North Beach Campground cabins provide easy access to swimming and paddling. "Burlington, VT is one of my favorite towns on the east coast. Camping at North Beach is a great experience if you want quick access to the water, and dot not mind the close proximity of others," notes Tarah W.
Hiking historic trails: Cabin stays at Smugglers Notch State Park Campground connect to Mount Mansfield's trail system. "They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont," writes Michael V.
Cycling adventures: Many cabins connect to Burlington's extensive bike network. "Right on the Burlington bike path and across the beach, there is plenty to do and easy access to town and other attractions. Other than the beach itself, this is not a resort campground but it is in an outdoor paradise with plenty to do in the area," says Michael G. about North Beach Campground.
Fall foliage viewing: Cabin rentals during September and October provide ideal leaf-peeping opportunities. "Visit this campground in the fall and experience quintessential Vermont in all its glory. The campground is nice. The people are friendly," reports Susan & Kevin W. about their stay at Apple Island Resort.
What campers like
Direct lake access: Apple Island Resort cabins offer premium waterfront options. "This campground is located in a central area between Burlington and north hero. The views of lake Champlain are amazing. Ex check in and plenty of amenities," states Ronald C.
Proximity to Burlington: Most cabin rentals within 30 minutes of downtown allow for urban excursions. "We loved being able to walk down to the beach, as well as having full hookups. We also met the nicest people here. You can purchase firewood at the office, and there are also propane options," shares Laura L. about her North Beach experience.
Convenience of on-site amenities: Camp Skyland offers multiple accommodation types near recreation opportunities. "Great tent / RV / cabin site on an island in Lake Champlain. Tent area is a large field with cabins on the rock bluffs and RV row along the road. Staff was very friendly and accommodating. Latrine and showers available at the site. Small rocky beach is available for great swimming and kayaking/SUPs," reports Patrick.
Natural forest settings: Cabins tucked into wooded areas provide tranquility. "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," explains Jess O. about Smugglers Notch State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most cabins near South Burlington require booking 3-11 months ahead for summer dates. "We stay every year for the Vermont City Marathon. It is a convenient bike ride down the bike path to the waterside park. Easy access to all of Burlington by bike. Reasonable price for campsites and the sites are large. Staff are always friendly," notes Jess O. regarding North Beach.
Seasonal operation limitations: Button Bay State Park Campground and most cabin facilities operate from May through mid-October only. "We've been camping at Button Bay for years, and while it can be hot and buggy in the summer months, there is no place we'd rather be in September!" shares Tara S.
Varying amenity levels: Cabin facilities range from primitive to full-service. "The sites with the best views are the Platinum Plus which are also the most expensive. Some Platinum Plus sites are in the first row with unobstructed views; whereas, our site was three rows back. Not sure why they charge the same when our site was overlooking two rows of RVs," explains Nancy W. about Apple Island Resort.
Weekend availability challenges: Thursday-Sunday bookings often require 5-6 month advance planning. "We spent a long weekend here to enjoy some mid-summer bike riding along the many bike-paths Vermont has to offer. The facilities are well maintained and clean," writes Sarah C.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Grand Isle State Park Campground cabins provide swimming alternatives to Lake Champlain. "What a lovely state park! We had a huge campsite that was comfortable for 3 tents and 6 adults. The restrooms/showers are vintage but clean and functional. Showers are coin operated. It was a quiet, family friendly campground with a cute little beach and nature center with youth programs," shares Jessica G.
Playground proximity: Select cabin sites near recreational facilities for convenient access. "This state park is so fun to camp at! It has a great playground for kids and a nice swimming pool! You can hike on the trail and Lake Champlain is right there!" recommends Debbie S. about Button Bay State Park.
Family cabin sizing: Most park cabins accommodate 4-6 people with 2-3 sleeping areas. "We travel coast to coast with 3 kids and 2 huge dogs in a SuperC. Apple Island is now in our top 5 of even our luxury list of resorts. You will not be disappointed. Great staff, and amenities," states David A.
Educational programming: Many parks offer ranger-led activities for children during summer months. "There is a small welcome kiosk with a few picnic tables behind it where you can get wifi access if needed. While we were here there was even a little band playing some music one evening!" notes Sarah C. about her Grand Isle State Park stay.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking cabin alternatives, research specific site dimensions. "The front sections of the campground are where most of the transient RVs parked(and have the views of the lake) whereas the back section of the campground has a mix of transient RV sites and seasonal park models but no views," advises Nancy W. about Apple Island Resort.
Utility hookup variations: Shelburne Camping Area offers different connection options for those needing utilities. "We have a 'big rig' 40' 5th wheel with 4 slide outs. Called them same day from Capital Region Welcome Ctr in NY, about 3 hrs away (below Albany). They had a full hook up, pull-thru corner space for us. Offered parking for our truck right across lane on separate site," reports DJ.
Accessibility considerations: Look for designated accessible cabins if mobility is a concern. "We actually stayed in an ADA site (it was the only one left). It was REALLY nice. Gravel drive all the way in to a nicely built 3 walled platform with a roof," says Sarah C.
Seasonal maintenance schedules: Spring and fall cabin stays may coincide with facility improvements. "They were changing flower beds over to mums for fall during our stay. The grounds had gravel walking paths to the bathhouse that cut through the sites and had landscape lighting so there was barely a need for flashlights if heading there at night," shares C O. about Shelburne Camping Area.
