Best Tent Camping near Burlington, VT
Tent campgrounds around Burlington, Vermont provide both lakeside and mountain settings for overnight stays. Mount Philo State Park Campground features eight well-spaced tent sites nestled among trees, offering a secluded camping experience just 12 miles south of Burlington. Indian Brook Reservoir provides walk-in tent platforms accessible by foot or boat, while Burton Island State Park requires a boat ride to reach its tent-only sites on Lake Champlain. Several island-based tent camping options exist on Valcour Island and Knight Island State Park, both accessible only by watercraft.
Most tent campsites in the Burlington area require some planning for access. Sites at Mount Philo State Park include picnic tables and fire pits with firewood available for purchase on-site. Composting toilets and coin-operated hot showers are maintained regularly. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with most state parks open from Memorial Day weekend through early October. Walk-in tent sites at Indian Brook Reservoir have shared privy facilities but limited amenities, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. According to one visitor, "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Tent camping in this region offers excellent access to hiking trails and water activities. Mount Philo campsites provide privacy through well-spaced, wooded sites, with a short trail leading to spectacular sunrise views over Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. Underhill State Park tent sites feature proximity to mountain trails, with wheelbarrows provided to transport gear from parking areas to campsites. Sites along water bodies provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. Areas requiring boat access, like Valcour Island, offer greater seclusion for tent campers. A recent review mentioned that Underhill State Park Campground provides "the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away," making it ideal for those seeking a primitive tent camping experience with minimal conveniences.