Vermont's South Duxbury region sits within the Green Mountain foothills, typically experiencing summer daytime temperatures of 65-85°F with cooler 50-60°F nights. The area receives approximately 43 inches of annual precipitation, with July and August being the driest months for traditional camping. Most glamping sites near South Duxbury sit at elevations between 500-1,200 feet, providing moderate temperatures during peak camping season.
What to do
Hiking to mountain viewpoints: Trails near Smugglers Notch State Park Campground connect directly to Mount Mansfield's trail system. "Access to hiking trails in Groton State Forest - there is an access point right in the park with connections to New Discovery State Park, Big and Little Dear Mountains, the Nature Center and Boulder Beach," notes a visitor about Big Deer State Park. Another camper at Smugglers Notch adds, "You are minutes from some amazing hiking, which is great when you don't feel like driving long distances after a day hike."
Winter camping options: Some glamping sites remain accessible during colder months. "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 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," reports a winter visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park.
Water recreation beyond swimming: The reservoirs and ponds offer multiple water activities. "The reservoir is a fun place to explore via kayak and cannoe as well as by motorboat! We tend to hang at the site more than the beaches as the beaches are very small and full of children," explains a camper at Little River State Park Campground. Another visitor adds, "Canoeing or kayaking on the lake is great and there are paddle only sites available."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Waterfront camping locations provide direct water access and privacy. "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables," describes a visitor to Little River State Park. At Ricker Pond State Park Campground, "A quiet camp ground on Ricker Pond, a motor free pond, is a wonderful way to spend the weekend. The pond is serene and a great place to swim, paddle, explore, and fish."
Historic exploration opportunities: Several areas feature remnants of earlier settlements. "The hiking trails are really good--actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes a family that visited Little River State Park.
Night sky viewing: Rural locations provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Dog friendly and quiet campground with goregous views of the milky way galaxy," reports a camper at Big Deer State Park Campground. Another visitor highlights Button Bay State Park for "amazing views of the lake and the mountains right from the camping area."
What you should know
Off-season availability varies: Winter camping options exist but require planning. At Smugglers Notch, "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Right in the middle of great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag."
Campsite layouts and privacy differ significantly: Some sites offer more separation than others. "Most sites have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them," notes a visitor to Big Deer State Park. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies greatly across the region. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," reports a visitor to Ricker Pond. At Mount Philo, campers note "moderate cell service," while others report "1 bar of AT&T service" at Big Deer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer recreational facilities for children. At Button Bay State Park Campground, "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!"
Multi-day exploration: Many families recommend extended stays. "We visited here with our 5 kiddos for 2 nights late July 2016. The facilities were clean, the small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," reports a visitor to Little River State Park.
Kid-friendly trails: Select parks feature easier walking paths suitable for younger hikers. "I think this is one of the best state parks in Vermont for families with kids, and for dogs," notes a visitor to Button Bay State Park. "Definitely hike the short nature trail out to Button Bay Point. It's especially lovely in the evening as the sun is setting."
Tips from RVers
Check hookup options: Only select sites offer electrical connections. At Shelburne Camping Area, one camper reports "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer." Test equipment before fully setting up, as one visitor notes, "Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct!"
Navigational challenges: Some glamping areas in South Duxbury have difficult access roads. "Very nice campground, great location! The reservoir was beautiful. Took the kayak, only issue I had was getting to the lake. Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site," explains a visitor to Little River State Park.
Size limitations: Many Vermont campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Smugglers Notch, campers note the park is "not big-rig friendly," while a visitor to Ricker Pond explains, "No electrical hookups to be found, so bring your solar panels if you want power."
