Tent camping around Charlotte, Vermont offers access to both Green Mountain and Adirondack landscapes. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 400-2,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. Even summer evenings can drop below 50°F, requiring campers to pack appropriate layers regardless of season.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Camel's Hump State Park, campers can access excellent trails directly from their sites. "The designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike," reports one camper who found "about 10-12 sites" with a host on-site.
Swimming opportunities: Local campers recommend Charlotte Town Beach for swimming, located 10 minutes from Mount Philo. According to a camper at Mount Philo State Park, the beach costs "$10 for non-residents" but provides a refreshing alternative when campgrounds lack water access.
Fishing and boating: Indian Brook Reservoir offers "peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing" according to regular visitors. The reservoir features tent platforms accessible both by foot or boat, making it ideal for anglers seeking quiet waters.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Camping at Mount Philo State Park provides notable seclusion. One visitor mentioned "only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees" with "moderate cell service," creating an environment where natural sounds prevail over human noise.
Sunrise viewing: Early risers appreciate the short trails leading to panoramic viewpoints. A camper noted that "getting up early and hiking the short trail to the top for a spectacular sunrise" was their favorite part of staying at Mount Philo.
Winter recreation: Underhill State Park serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby mountains year-round. Campers describe it as "a perfect spot" with sites located just "a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Mount Philo fills quickly despite its limited capacity. One camper advised, "only 8 campsites so try to book early" as the park's popularity exceeds its small size, especially during summer and fall foliage seasons.
Temperature fluctuations: Pack for variable conditions at higher elevations. Nighttime temperatures at Underhill and Camel's Hump can drop 20-30 degrees below daytime highs, even in July and August.
Remote camping access: At Valcour Island, boat-in camping requires careful timing. A regular visitor advised that you should "pick anchorage or sites early, it's always busy on weekends and first come first served (no reservations)."
Tips for camping with families
Private sites for families: Choose Mount Philo's more secluded sites when camping with children. One family recommended: "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are 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."
Pack-in preparation: For Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps, visitors with 4x4 vehicles can access remote sites. A camper noted this "prime location is very private" where "there is absolutely no one around as far as the eye can see in the area close to the river."
Bathroom considerations: Mount Philo's facilities receive consistent praise for cleanliness. A family camper reported: "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc." They also noted the composting toilets provide a user experience "very close to a regular toilet" unlike some primitive facilities.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent camping areas near Charlotte have limited vehicle access. At Underhill State Park, rangers "provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff" since vehicles must remain in designated parking areas away from tent sites.
Alternate RV options: While Mount Philo isn't suitable for larger vehicles due to "steep and winding" access roads, nearby private campgrounds offer full-hookup alternatives within 15-20 miles of Charlotte.
