The Underhill region sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with temperatures often 10-15 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Cabin accommodations near Underhill, Vermont range from rustic to modern, with most concentrated within a 30-minute drive radius. Winter temperatures can drop below zero, making heated cabin options essential for cold-weather stays.
What to do
Hiking access from camp: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers direct connections to Mount Mansfield's trail system. A camper noted, "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."
Off-season adventure: Winter camping options exist for experienced cold-weather campers. At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, "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."
Waterfront activities: Multiple cabin locations provide water access. At Little River State Park Campground, "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, but still had a great time. Left kayak down at beach."
What campers like
Private spaces: Campers consistently praise site privacy at rustic cabins near Underhill. At Smugglers Notch State Park, "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."
Sound of water: Riverside cabins create natural sound barriers between sites. At Brewster River Campground, "I love how dark it gets and that you can hear the river beside you all night. Simple bathrooms and showers. Put thought into choosing which site to reserve to enhance your experience!"
Off-grid feeling with amenities: Many cabin sites balance primitive appeal with necessary facilities. At Little River State Park, "I would highly recommend this campground to anyone looking to visit the Stowe/Waterbury area. We had easy access to hikes in Stowe, plus the Ben and Jerry's shop is about 20 minutes down the road!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: For peak summer months, book winter or early spring for cabin availability. For Grand Isle State Park Campground, "This was our second visit, but first time in one of their prime lean-tos. Unforgettable views, clean and spacious facility, minutes to Burlington, VT."
Winter preparation: Off-season cabin stays require significant preparation. A Smugglers Notch visitor mentioned, "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."
Site selection matters: Not all sites at the same campground offer equal benefits. At Little River State Park, "The bathrooms in 'B' were just redone." Another camper noted differences across campground sections: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Enclosed structures for weather: Lean-to cabins provide significant protection during Vermont's unpredictable weather. At Brewster River Campground, "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 (we put an air mattress down) and it is right on the river."
Beach quality varies: Not all waterfront cabin locations offer the same beach experience. At Grand Isle State Park, one family noted: "Very rocky beach with little to no sand to play in. A bit of a walk to the water. Overall we considered coming back because it was a great stay. Very peaceful and laid back but without a beach for the kids to play when it got hot."
Activity planning: Balance outdoor experiences with indoor alternatives. At Mountain View Campground, "There is mini golf, a playground, corn hole, and tube rentals for the river behind the campground." Another visitor mentioned, "The nearby town of Morrisville has three craft breweries, one of which (Lost Nation) is located on the Lamoille River Trail which is a 90-mile rails-to-trails path great for walking/biking."
Tips from RVers
Limited electrical capacity: Some cabin areas have restrictions on power. Mountain View Campground visitors noted: "Despite the really hot weather and need to run three air conditioners, we did not have any power issues. We tended not to sit outside because of the heat which was fine because your patio is really close to your neighbors RV."
Setup requirements: Many cabins near Underhill require specific equipment. At Brewster River Campground, "We put an air mattress down" in the lean-to platforms. Similarly at Grand Isle State Park, the lean-to sites require campers to bring proper bedding.
Seasonal access limitations: RVers note access challenges at certain times. At Smugglers Notch, "Reserve early, as this place doesn't have a ton of sites and it folds up quickly!" Another visitor highlighted the limited operating season: "rangers are very helpful. wood is a little hard to gather, but rangers have plenty for sale."
