Glamping alternatives near Warren, Vermont offer rustic luxury in the Green Mountains at elevations between 750-2,000 feet above sea level. Most glamping sites feature ready-made accommodations that allow visitors to experience Vermont's seasonal changes without extensive camping gear. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer averages reach the mid-70s.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: Smugglers Notch State Park provides access to Mount Mansfield's extensive trail system with varying difficulty levels. "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," notes a winter visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park Campground.
Water activities on multiple lakes: The Waterbury Reservoir at Little River State Park offers non-motorized boating options and swimming beaches. "Great campground for hanging out and a place to bring your boat. 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," shares a camper from Little River State Park Campground.
Mountain biking accessible trails: Many glamping sites connect to trail networks suitable for various skill levels. A visitor to Ricker Pond State Park Campground reports, "We had our trail bikes so took advantage of the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail), accessible directly from the campground."
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Winter and shoulder seasons provide a different glamping experience with fewer crowds. "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," reports one visitor to Smugglers Notch State Park.
Historical explorations: Beyond natural features, the area offers significant historical sites. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," mentions a family that visited Mount Philo State Park Campground, which provides "scenic views of Lake Champlain and the mountains of Vt and ny."
Diverse accommodation options: The region offers everything from basic sites to fully-equipped glamping tents. "The sites on the lower loop are closer together. Get a site in the upper loop if you can, but no complaints for not making advance reservations on July 4th weekend," advises a visitor to Gifford Woods State Park Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing matters: Popular glamping sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Book in advance for the best availability!" advises a long-time visitor to Ricker Pond. "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years (except for the years that I don't book enough in advance and aren't able to secure a spot for my desired length of stay)."
Cell service limitations: Many glamping locations have limited connectivity. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns a visitor to Ricker Pond State Park, while another notes that at Rogers Rock, "Cell phone coverage is spotty, I was getting 1-2 bars with Verizon."
Temperature variations: Mountain locations experience significant temperature changes. "Just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises an off-season visitor to Smugglers Notch, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation even for glamping stays.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid-friendly amenities: Some sites offer specific facilities for younger visitors. "Had a great one week stay here on the reservoir. Staff was friendly and helpful. Bathrooms in 'B' were just redone," notes a family that stayed at Little River State Park.
Consider activity proximity: Select sites based on age-appropriate activities within walking distance. "The small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water. The hiking trails are really good--the actually pretty steep," mentions a visitor who brought five children to Button Bay State Park Campground, which is described as "a good campground for families that are not too rowdy."
Plan for weather contingencies: Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially with children in tow. "The staff were wonderful, the sites are pristine and picturesque, the faculties are decorated with wildflowers," notes a visitor to Gifford Woods, highlighting the comfort of well-maintained facilities during variable conditions.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations at glamping-adjacent sites: Many glamping-friendly parks have restrictions for larger vehicles. "This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road," notes a visitor to Ricker Pond about the trade-off between accessibility and noise.
Hookup availability varies: Research utilities before booking glamping or RV sites. At Smugglers Notch State Park, visitors note it's "more of a primitive set up" despite being convenient to attractions, while Button Bay offers a "dump station" but "no hookups."
