Cabin camping near Stowe, Vermont ranges from rustic shelters to comfortable cottage rentals nestled within the Green Mountains, which reach elevations of 4,395 feet at Mount Mansfield. Most cabin facilities operate from mid-May through mid-October, with some limited winter availability at higher-elevation sites. Four-season cabins typically book 9-12 months in advance, especially for fall foliage season.
What to do
Explore historical ruins: Little River State Park offers unique hiking opportunities among old foundations. "The hiking trails are really good--they're actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," notes Rita M. who visited with her family.
Winter backcountry access: Smugglers Notch State Park provides off-season cabin camping for winter enthusiasts. "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," explains Ed M., who stayed in March.
Water recreation: Paddle on Ricker Pond where motors are restricted. "If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing," shares Hannah H., who recommends sites 22 and 23 for "awesome water access, places to hang hammocks, just across from the bathrooms but down the hill enough to not be bothered by the comings and goings."
Rail-trail biking: The Cross Vermont Trail runs directly through multiple state parks. "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground," reports Emma B. about her stay at Ricker Pond State Park.
What campers like
Remote feeling with urban access: Campers appreciate how Little River State Park balances isolation with convenience. "Clean, quiet campground that feels like wilderness, but is accessible!" states Brenna T. Another visitor, Alison O., adds, "We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!"
Private sites: Brewster River Campground offers secluded accommodations. "My husband and I stayed in the lean-to with our two toddlers. It has 3 walls and netting on the fourth. Inside there are two queen sized platforms and it is right on the river," describes Kiarra M., adding, "It's a beautiful and quiet campground with limited spots."
Water proximity: Waterfront cabin sites provide scenic views and recreation. "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," explains Rita M. about Little River State Park.
Off-grid relaxation: Many cabins lack cell service, creating true disconnection. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," advises Michele S. about Ricker Pond State Park, describing it as "really quiet and relaxing."
What you should know
Shower facilities: Most state park cabins have coin-operated showers. At Grand Isle State Park, "$0.50 will get you 5 minutes of hot water!" according to Tucker B., who also noted, "Staff was also super friendly and they sell ice and firewood right on the property!"
Reservation windows: For prime cabin locations, early booking is essential. According to a Ricker Pond visitor, "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years. My favorite lean to site is directly on the water, private, and fills up fast. My favorite cabin site is set back from the water, is private, and also fills fast for the season."
Weather considerations: Rain impacts cabin camping differently than tent camping. At Smugglers Notch, visitors appreciate the lean-to shelter design during inclement weather. "They don't have all the usual amenities, it's more of a primitive set up," explains Michael V., who still rated his experience highly.
Limited connectivity: Prepare for minimal or no cell reception. "Leave your mobile devices off, because cell towers haven't quite made it to this quiet corner of the woods," advises Shari G. about Ricker Pond State Park, adding that "the nearby town of Groton has a gas station with a small grocery store for all the most important staples."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible recreation: Mountain View Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground," notes Michelle C., who stayed at the campground as a base for visiting both Stowe and Burlington.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger programming. At Smugglers Notch State Park, visitors praise the staff interaction. "Rangers are very helpful and respectful of privacy," shares Michael V., who found the campground to be "the best place I've camped so far!"
Beach options: Consider proximity to swimming areas when booking. "The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail," says Michele S. about Ricker Pond State Park, though other reviewers note some beaches are rocky with limited sand.
Playground access: Some sites offer easy access to play areas. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water," mentions Rita M. about Little River State Park's family-friendly facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Mountain View Campground provides level RV pads. "The sites are gravel and seem pretty level," reports Michelle C., though other reviewers note some sites require careful positioning.
Proximity considerations: RV sites at most parks have varying degrees of privacy. "When we first pulled into this campground and saw how close our site was to our neighbors, we were a little dismayed. But it turned out we had a really pleasant stay," explains Nancy W. about Mountain View Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service options are limited near Stowe. At Mountain View Campground, "Our site (#103) was long enough to fit our rig but we had to squeeze the car in front. The site was level and all the hookups were well-placed and worked fine. Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues," reports Nancy W.
Seasonal access: Some parks restrict RV access during shoulder seasons. Smugglers Notch State Park notes that "No facilities [are available] off season…Carry out all trash/waste," according to Ed M., emphasizing winter visitors need "the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag."
