Westford sits in the northwestern part of Vermont with an elevation around 750 feet above sea level. Located about 15 miles east of Lake Champlain, the area experiences cold winters with significant snowfall and mild, comfortable summers with average temperatures between 65-80°F. Camping around Westford provides access to diverse terrain from lakeshores to mountain trails through the nearby Green Mountains.
What to do
Paddle on Lake Champlain: At Grand Isle State Park Campground, water activities abound. "You can swim anywhere you can find, and walk down their well-maintained trails," notes Heather B. The park offers kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the shoreline.
Bike along scenic paths: The Island Line Trail connects to several campsites. "We biked to this park from Burlington via the Island Line Trail. It was a super trip," reports John L. about Burton Island State Park. Many campgrounds provide direct access to extensive bike networks.
Explore historical sites: Hike through abandoned settlements in the Green Mountains. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," mentions Rita M. about Little River State Park Campground. These remnants of former communities date back to the early 1800s.
Visit local breweries: The Waterbury-Stowe area contains numerous craft beer destinations. "When we don't have time to hike up Mt. Mansfield, we splurge on a drive up the toll road. Lastly, we always stop at the Alchemist for a case or two of Heady Topper to bring home," shares Tara S. about her Smugglers Notch visits.
Golf on-site: Some campgrounds feature their own courses. At Apple Island Resort, Jeff notes, "My husband enjoyed his time at the golf course." The resort offers a 9-hole par-3 course with putting green.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Smugglers Notch State Park Campground, campers appreciate the layout. "The sites are exceptionally well spaced and secluded," reports Sheila G. Many sites require short walks from parking areas, creating more seclusion.
Waterfront access: Campers value lakeside locations. "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance)," advises Tara S. about Burton Island. For better chances at prime spots, reserve as early as possible or look into primitive sites.
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. "The bathhouse/restrooms were well kept during our stay even with the volume of campers at the site," notes Craig F. about North Beach Campground. Most state parks maintain their shower and restroom areas regularly.
Car-free camping: Burton Island offers a unique experience. "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. There are no cars on the island," explains Tara S. Visitors must take a ferry or paddle to reach these destinations.
Ranger programs: Educational activities enhance stays at several parks. "When we were there in the summer, we went on mushroom hunts, a guided paddle, a ghost walk, and we learned about bird migrations," shares Tara S. about Little River State Park.
Scout
