Best Tent Camping near Craftsbury Common, VT

Primitive tent camping sites near Craftsbury Common, Vermont feature several natural settings within an hour's drive, from remote reservoir camping to mountain-side camping areas. Notable options include Green River Reservoir State Park with 27 remote tent sites accessible only by canoe or kayak, and Molly's Falls Pond State Park which offers five remote hike-in tent sites on a first-come, first-served basis along a 411-acre lake.

Most tent-only camping areas in the region provide minimal facilities with a focus on low-impact camping practices. Sites typically include a simple fire ring, and some share an outhouse between two or three campsites. Waterfront campsites at Green River Reservoir each have a fire pit and access to an outhouse, while the remote sites at Molly's Falls Pond have no dedicated amenities beyond the camping area itself. Campers should prepare for self-sufficient camping by bringing all necessary supplies including drinking water, as most primitive tent sites do not offer potable water or trash collection services.

The tent camping experience in northeastern Vermont emphasizes solitude and natural immersion rather than convenience. Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites offer peaceful tent camping with limited facilities, requiring a roughly 30-minute paddle from the Cotton Brook launch area to reach the sites. In early season, these areas may have fewer visitors but potentially more wildlife activity. Areas like Underhill State Park provide a "feel of really being out in the woods" while still maintaining car access a short distance away, with one camper noting, "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized." Many tent campers appreciate these areas precisely because they lack development, offering authentic wilderness experiences without RV traffic or excessive amenities.

Best Tent Sites Near Craftsbury Common, Vermont (32)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Craftsbury Common, VT

536 Reviews of 32 Craftsbury Common Campgrounds


  • Beth R.
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    Newly Developed … Work in Progress

    Pros: Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP) 1.7 mile from #7 Ranked World's Best Disc Golf Course: Fox Run Meadows New fire ring New picnic table Gorgeous Mountain View

    Cons: Grass site No amenities No Wi-Fi Soft ground, sinked during setup

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I reviewed this campground last fall after visiting on the final day of the season, but I just had a chance to sty here during a peak summer weekend and have a few additional insights. Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings. Although the campground description indicates that the sites are first-come, first-served, this has changed and many of them are available online in advance. I didn't realize this and when i arrived late Friday afternoon I had 5 or 6 campsites to choose from that could accommodate my small teardrop camper; if I were tent camping, I'd have had a couple more sites available to me. The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area.

    When you arrive, each site will be labelled either Reserved or _Open. _ If it is Reserved, the dates it is reserved will be listed and they may not be contiguous. All the sites filled up Friday night. 

    I had site 24 which I liked. it was very large and level, with ample space for today's large tents. The water spigot was near the site next door. I could see my neighbors, but they didn't bother me. Every host site always seems to look messy with tarp-covered items and wood piles and site 24 will give you a view of the host site, but it's far enough away that you can ignore it. 

    If I were in a tent, I'd try for site 22. It's a walk-in site that includes 7-8 steps down, but it opens into a large open area and just a bit beyond there is a small brook, too.

    The campground is just a few miles west of I-93 and the town of Woodstock. If you want to hike Mooselauke or the Kinsmans, the Appalachian Trail crosses 112 nearby. Lost River Gorge is nearby as are numerous tourist attractions/activities in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take some time to explore Cascade Park in Woodstock if you want to cool off in the river and lounge on the rocks (park on the street or in the lot that is north of 112 just before the traffic light at Rte 3 in Woodstock). While you're there, pick up ice cream at Coneheads; choose among numerous hard serve ice cream made on site (downstairs) or dozens of soft-serve flavors.

    This side of 112 seems quieter than the stretch east of Lincoln. Noise level was quite low. Cell coverage is non-existent for several miles around here; you'll start to get a signal closer to Lost River Gorge in the direction of Woodstock.

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 23, 2018

    North Beach Campground

    Amazing Location!

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at North Beach Campground.

    We spent 4 days in a full hookup site. The site was spacious, tree covered, and hard packed grass/dirt. Overall the site was very level with good water pressure. The water/electric sites in the middle of the campground were a bit snug. The campground is a city operated campground and we were impressed with the upkeep, maintenance and friendly service during our stay. The camp office is small, but has information on area attractions, Ice, and fire wood. The bathhouse/restrooms were well kept during our stay even with the volume of campers at the site.

    Location, Location, Location is the main reason to stay at North Beach. The campground is literally along the Island Line bike/walking trail and had direct access to the beach on Lake Champlain (life guards, snack bar, and patio bar). The city center of Burlington is only 1.5 miles along the bike path from the campground. Most days we either walked or biked into town (which has ample bike racks to park your bike).

    While we stayed in our camper, as a former die-hard tent camper, I was impressed with the number of tent friendly sites, because most campgrounds see tenters as “second class”. The tent sites were spacious, level, and not located in some obscure location.  

    We loved North Beach and plan to camp here in the future!

  • Brian R.
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Twin Mountain Campground

    Awesome family spot.

    Stayed the last weekend in June and I was able to book the site 3 days prior. I was shocked there was still availability. Self check-in, no alcohol allowed and quiet hours start at 10:00 p.m. and fires out by 11:00 p.m. Who I believe to be the owners working in the store at the entrance were super friendly and helpful. My site wasn't the greatest (#32) as it seemed to be one of the few that was sort of out in the open and within view of numerous other sites. Not much seclusion but almost every other site seem to be more secluded. The riverfront sights looked absolutely beautiful and some had better/ easier access to the water then others. We had our travel trailer and it was easy to get it in and out and the dump station was conveniently located on the way out as well as the dumpster for trash. There are quite a few tent sites and our site was right near the clean bathroom and showers. We didn't eat there but there's also a pizza place at the entrance too. Everything is within walking distance.

    Will go back again for sure but would look for a river front site next time!

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park

    Amazing Hike! Great Campground

    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. If I recall it had about 10-12 sites. The area had a host who was there 24/7 and a shared area for eating and food storage (I guess Bear’s are a problem there). We hiked all day, so we didn’t have a fire and to be honest I can’t remember if there was a shared spot for them or not. Either way, this hike was gorgeous and so was the camping. I would love to go back!

  • J
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Adults only, comfortable but lacking excursions

    Lazy Lions is a comfortable campground with an adults-only policy. Having spent time in plenty of campgrounds with screaming or unwinded children, I could see this as a positive draw for the RV'ing crowd. I think we were the only tent campers the night we stayed.

    Our tent site was level and on comfy plush grass, well maintained and either a beautiful addition of two (plastic) adirondack chairs at our fire pit with grill. This was especially welcome because we hadn't really planned on cooking but when we saw the great fire set up not only did we save time and energy by not having to take out (and put away!) our camping chairs, I was able to turn our chips and salsa into nachos using some amazing Vermont cheese we'd picked up earlier. My boyfriend has declared this was his favorite camping meal ever so thanks Lazy Lions for the unexpected awesomeness.

    Our check in was smoothe, there was plenty of room at this campground, perhaps due to the fact that there isn't too much to do other than set up and sleep. It did have a pool.

    On check in we found the front desk (owner?) to be less than warm, and at $7 to firewood a little pricey. We were warned to be careful with our food because of "critters" and when I asked what kind of critters the man responded, "all of them". Less than helpful. In hindsight we believe we found bear scat on our site.

    We slept well, bathroom facilities were clean and well stocked. Showers, which we did not use, we $0.25 for four minutes. There was a microwave and wash sink as well for dishes, we didn't use either.

    We met lovely people and had a fine night, there was just nothing particularly special about the place

  • L
    May. 30, 2019

    Garfield Ridge Campsite and Shelter — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Clean Shelter

    Great place to stay along the Pemi Loop. Water is pump-able at the intersection to the tent-sites. A outhouse is located near the shelter and platforms. A cooking area is provided. Bear boxes are right next to the cooking area for overnight use. Carry in carry out does apply here. Overall great place to stay.

  • J
    Aug. 5, 2019

    Prouty Beach Campground

    RV campground w some tent spots

    This is an RV campground w a handful of tent spots. We stayed at T4, a site w electric right on the lake. I was initially very excited to be so close to the lake but my enthusiasm waned a little after a swim- the lake bottom was murky sticky mud which is fine it’s just not my favorite. My fiancé went swimming and got a leech or leech-like thing on his foot so swimming for him was pretty much over. Being at the lake meant a lot of noise from others including the campers that use the facility, I mean like actual camp, like groups of kids and counselors. I don’t mind kids but others might. It was the usual kid squealing and stuff. When we arrived a counselor was using our site and picnic table, spilling cheese-it’s all over the place which made us popular with the many many seagulls. She left when she saw us pulling in but left the mess behind so the birds were an issue. They continued to be an issue the whole 3 days we were there- every day we’d come back to our tent to find our stuff scattered a bit- not a huge problem but a present nuisance nonetheless. We tried to keep our things contained but still they tried to carry some stuff away. On the lake shore was a lot of seagull feathers and goose presence, poop, it’s not my favorite way to swim. The bathrooms were ok, pretty basic, very much reminiscent of when you get sent to camp as a child, bare bones. The stalls in the bathroom are uncomfortably short so when you stand up your head is poking out over the door, you can make eye contact w everyone else in the room which is just weird! We went two days without paper towels being restocked to dry your hands, I finally had to call the office. (Everyone in the office was super awesomely nice, always!) Sunday morning there is a group that makes breakfast in the pavilion I guess for donations which they use to beautify the campground. This is a lovely gesture. However the pavilion is right next to the tent sites and the group started setting up about 6:30 AM, which included honking their car horn, and talking very loudly with complete disregard for quiet hours or the full row of tent sleepers. My fiancé finally approached them and told them they must be unaware of how much their voices are carrying but that everyone was still sleeping. They didn’t apologize or say anything and honestly I don’t think they cared or lowered their voices at all. Our site was comfortable, water and electric worked fine, clean fire ring, we didn’t use it. The group next to us talked late past quiet hours (I didn’t not approach the campground about it we just dealt w it), and used a drone which was extremely uncomfortable, loud, and disruptive. I did call the office about that the next day and asked if there was a drone policy, she said there was not but that she would address it if they used it again, they ended up leaving so it wasn’t a problem but there should definitely be a policy about it. All in all, people were nice but the lake location meant a LOT of additional noise from other users and there did not seem to be any reminders about quiet time. Don’t come here if you’re looking for solitude but do come here if you’re looking for a great location in northern Vermont close to a cute town and amenities. Just set your mindset that it’s not a secluded or quiet spot but a spot w stuff to do and lots of people to interact w. We did not use the boat rentals or tennis courts or other stuff.

  • S
    Mar. 27, 2017

    White Caps Campground

    We were so surprised that this was such a dump!

    We made a single nights reservation, for a tent, based on recommendation from Kingdom Trails website. The campground is located in a beautiful area of Vermont, but....the tenting campground, a bit dismal. We arrived to find a teeny tiny space, right next to other spaces...in fact, had we set up our small tent, we would be less than ten feet from adjacent tents. Within less than 20 feet across the dirt path were side by side tent trailers and rvs. We would not have been able to use the metal fire ring because the fire would have been within 6 feet of our small tent. When we backed our car onto the narrow space, it was within a foot of the picnic table. Basically, it would have been like camping in a WalMart parking lot on a Saturday morning...if the parking lot was a treeless dirt lot. Within 3 minutes, we decided there was no way we could stay here, we were just not that desperate! We stopped at the rest room on the way out...gross! Smelly, wet, dirty, dingy. As we left, we decided that this was the best 25.00 we ever wasted...in fact, you could not have paid us to stay there . We cannot believe Kingdom Trails continues to suggest this disaster. I will add, the girl at the store/office was quite friendly...but she did not seem surprised when we returned for our bathroom key deposit so quickly! We were fortunate in that we could just head home...but if you are planning on a peaceful nights rest after mountain biking or hiking, this is not the place. There are beautiful state parks that we could recommend, and we just don't want folks that end up here to think that this is typical for Vermont camping!


Guide to Craftsbury Common

Nestled in the heart of Vermont, Craftsbury Common offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in nature while providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $27 to $0

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Craftsbury Common, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Craftsbury Common, VT is Green River Reservoir State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Craftsbury Common, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Craftsbury Common, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.