North Beach Campground and Shelburne Camping Area offer unique glamping and camping opportunities 8-10 miles from Winooski's center. The region experiences average summer highs around 80°F with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Fall camping season typically extends from September through mid-October when temperatures range from 45-65°F during the day, creating optimal conditions for yurt camping near Winooski, Vermont.
What to do
Hiking at Smugglers Notch: Access numerous trails directly from Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. One camper noted, "Behind the 100-Acre section are trails that lead to Whiteface Mountain so you don't have to get in the car to start a hike." Many trails connect to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet.
Kayaking on Lake Champlain: Launch directly from Camp Skyland where "Small rocky beach is available for great swimming and kayaking/SUPs." The water is "clean & clear" with "fantastic lake for rock collecting" according to another camper. Rentals available at several lakefront campgrounds.
Winter camping options: Unlike summer-only locations, some sites remain open year-round. At Smugglers Notch, "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."
Cross-country skiing: Winter visitors staying in weatherized yurts near Winooski can access "great nordic and alpine backcountry skiing and snowshoeing" with "silent and starry nights" according to experienced winter campers. Smugglers Notch offers prime access to these activities.
What campers like
Island camping without cars: Burton Island State Park Campground offers a unique car-free experience. "You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," and "the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast." The ferry costs $8 per person with no extra charge for gear except bikes ($2).
Remote primitive sites: Burton Island features "four remote sights for paddlers on the Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail." These sites are described as "very nice remote campsites on the S.E. side of the island. Wake up to stunning sunrises and spectacular views of the Green Mountains."
Private mountain camping: Mount Philo State Park Campground receives high marks for seclusion with "only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees" where "the campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet." Sites cost approximately $23 per night and include a picnic table and fire pit.
Clean facilities: Despite being small, Mount Philo maintains excellent standards. "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc." Other campers note the "composting toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet."
What you should know
Limited availability for yurt camping: Most yurt and glamping structures around Winooski book quickly. For specialized yurt camping experiences, "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance)" at places like Little River State Park Campground.
Mosquitoes can be intense: At Camp Skyland, "mosquitos were intense here, so bring spray & plan accordingly! Our screened-in tent area saved us from being eaten up." Similar reports come from other lakeside locations.
Year-round options vary: While North Beach closes for winter, Shelburne Camping Area remains open. Little River State Park operates from "May 19 to October 22" while Mount Philo runs from "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend."
Electrical issues at some campgrounds: Several reports mention inconsistent power. At one location, a camper reported "25 amp coming out of it" instead of the advertised 30 amp. Always test hookups before fully setting up, especially at older facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access considerations: For family swimming, Cumberland Bay State Park Campground offers "great facilities with real flush toilets near the beach" and a "very clean and beautiful" swimming area. One family mentioned that "the playground is great. New bath house."
Island adventures: Families particularly enjoy Burton Island where "there's a camping bistro where you can buy pancakes, coffee, local beer, and fine wines" and "there's even an off-leash dog beach!" Most importantly, it's "super family friendly - maybe it's because there aren't cars all over the place."
Rental equipment: Many campgrounds offer on-site rentals. At Burton Island "there are kayaks and canoes to rent" while other locations provide paddleboards and water toys. Burton Island even has carts to transport your gear or "you can pay one of the park rangers to haul it in one of their golf carts."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature updated play areas. Little River State Park has "a small playground was great, and the small boat launch and beach kept us in the water" with "lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions vary: Many Vermont campgrounds have limited space for large rigs. AuSable Chasm Campground notes that "We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van... We were finally able to convince the staff that we could take a standard tent site."
Hookup availability: RV sites with full connections are limited in Vermont state parks. For yurt and glamping options near Winooski, Shelburne Camping Area offers full hookups while North Beach provides electric and water. As one RVer noted at Little River, "Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily assessable from camp site."
Electrical specifications: Always verify amperage before booking. Some campgrounds advertise 30-amp service but deliver less power. One RVer recommends bringing your own testing equipment, as electrical problems can arise without warning.
Alternative accommodations: Several RV parks also offer cabins and yurts for those traveling without equipment. North Beach and Shelburne both provide these options along with traditional RV sites.
