Glamping options near Westford, Vermont position visitors within the Green Mountain foothills at elevations ranging from 500-700 feet. The region features transitional hardwood forests with sugar maple, ash, and birch trees providing natural windbreaks for campers. Winter glamping opportunities exist at several locations from November through March with temperatures averaging 10-30°F and requiring specialized gear for comfort.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Lake Champlain: North Beach Campground offers direct lake access with swimming areas and bike paths. "Right by the beach! You get the best of both worlds at this location. Biking into Burlington takes 5-10 minutes and you're also right on the beach of Lake Champlain. Take your kayaks paddle boards or whatever you have and enjoy the lake!" notes reviewer Brittany R.
Winter backcountry adventures: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground provides off-season glamping from December through March with specific preparation requirements. "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," shares Ed M.
Historical exploration on trails: Little River State Park contains remnants of 19th century settlements accessible by moderate hiking trails. "There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover," explains Rita M. Trail difficulty ranges from easy 0.5-mile loops to more challenging 3-mile routes with elevation gains.
What campers like
Private sites with pathway access: Little River State Park Campground offers campsites set back from the main area for added seclusion. "The B side. The bathrooms were clean, the site was well maintained, and the reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!" reports Alison O.
Off-grid island camping experience: Burton Island State Park Campground requires ferry transportation or personal watercraft to access. "It's on an island and just getting there is part of the experience. After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it," explains Michael L. This service eliminates the need to carry heavy equipment.
Season-specific glamping opportunities: Smugglers Notch State Park Campground transforms between seasons with distinct experiences. "Not just for skiing. The Green Mountains of Vermont are amazing all year. Check with the local ski resorts for summer activities like gondola rides. The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views," notes Harry H.
What you should know
Access limitations to consider: Burton Island State Park Campground requires specific transportation planning. "The ferry is $8 per person, with no extra charge for gear. They do charge $2 for bikes. If you want to use the ferry, but still want a kayak or canoe at the island, you have to paddle it across separately," explains reviewer Rita M.
Site layouts vary significantly: Campgrounds near Westford feature diverse site arrangements. North Beach sites tend toward proximity while other locations offer more privacy. "The sites 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," notes Jess O. about Smugglers Notch.
Bathroom facilities differ by season: Most glamping sites modify their facilities during colder months. "No facilities off season…Carry out all trash/waste. Silent and starry nights, just make sure you have the gear/experience and a warm sleeping bag," advises Ed M. about winter glamping at Smugglers Notch.
Tips for camping with families
Water quality considerations: Lake Carmi State Park Campground has seasonal water condition changes. "Although swimming is allowed, the 'beaches' are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming," reports Lee D. Water quality reports are posted throughout summer months.
Kid-focused amenities: Several glamping locations near Westford include playground facilities. "The playground is great. New bath house. Some sites with electric. Even with a windy, cold, rainy day it is still beautiful," notes Sheri C. about Cumberland Bay State Park.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities for children during summer months. "The ranger programming was exceptional, as are the views and the nearby areas for hiking and backpacking," states Harry H. about Smugglers Notch State Park. Programs typically run June through August with schedules posted weekly.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Shelburne Camping Area offers full-service sites but terrain can present issues. "Sites are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean. Older couple is the staff, very friendly and unhelpful," notes Marc D. Most sites require leveling blocks for proper stabilization.
Power options vary by season: Electric service specifications change throughout the year at many locations. Be prepared with adapters for both 30A and 50A connections. "Electricity would not work. We got an error on our control panel that said stop! Power source is not correct!" shares Snooz H. about one experience.
Winter RV camping requires preparation: Few locations accommodate cold-weather RV glamping. "The sites on the outside of the loop are more desirable but they were not available when I reserved three months in advance," explains Lee D. about one campground. Booking 6-8 months ahead is recommended for premium sites.
