Primitive camping options abound in the forests and mountains surrounding Bolton, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 500 to over 4,000 feet across nearby wilderness areas. Sites vary significantly based on elevation, with higher-altitude locations experiencing temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than valley locations. Most dispersed camping areas don't require reservations but operate on a first-come, first-served basis during the May to October camping season.
What to do
Hiking Mansfield trails: From Underhill State Park Campground, campers access the mountain with minimal travel. "The campground is in a perfect spot. About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together," reports Sam T. Trails range from moderate to challenging, with some requiring scrambling over rocks.
Water activities: Reservoir access for paddling and fishing requires additional planning. "We were here on a Friday & Saturday nights. Friday night had the whole place to ourselves. Saturday night all spots filled. We had quiet and respectful neighbors... Gorgeous stream/river…love the river sounds," notes Sigrid O. about the dispersed camping areas along Forest Road 25.
Dark sky viewing: Many remote camping areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution. A reviewer at Underhill State Park mentioned "a night sky to die for!" Many remote sites lack ambient light, making them ideal for astronomy enthusiasts during clear nights.
What campers like
Natural features: Camel's Hump State Park offers higher elevation camping with distinctive environmental zones. "This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though. The designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike," says Kate K.
Site separation: Many campers value privacy between sites. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 and the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms," explains Drew Q. about Mount Philo State Park.
Wildlife observation: The quieter, more remote sites provide opportunities to view native wildlife. At Green River Reservoir State Park, "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times," shares Tara S. The reservoir offers 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline for wildlife watching.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: While dispersed camping areas typically don't require reservations, established campgrounds book quickly. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!" notes Kaelin P.
Access limitations: Some of the best tent camping near Bolton, Vermont requires special transportation. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27. We made the mistake of parking at little River rd the first time and the paddle to r14 from there was way too long," advises Julia S. about Waterbury Reservoir.
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations. "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out," reports Melissa M. about camping along FR25. Sites closer to water features tend to have higher humidity levels throughout the camping season.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: For families with young children, consider sites with easier access. "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," shares Ali T. about Underhill State Park.
Water safety considerations: Sites near water require additional supervision. "The Resevoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," explains reviewer M.A.D. P. about Indian Brook Reservoir. Families should note that most water access points lack lifeguards.
Bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities vary dramatically between sites. "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc. The toilets are composing toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet," reports Drew Q. about Mount Philo.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas near Bolton have limited space for larger vehicles. "Small number of sites and a bit hard to find," notes Gerald P. about the Forest Road 25 dispersed camping area. Sites typically accommodate vehicles under 25 feet in length.
Road conditions: Accessing Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape requires navigating narrow forest roads. "We spent the night at this beautiful campsite with a magnificent view of Mount Mansfield. The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private," reports Émylie B. Most Forest Service roads leading to campsites are unpaved and may become difficult to navigate during wet conditions.
Limited hookups: Most camping areas near Bolton provide no utilities. Even established campgrounds offer minimal services, prioritizing tent campers over RVs. RVers should prepare to be self-contained with water and power needs for the duration of their stay.
