Top Tent Camping near Essex Junction, VT

Looking for the best Essex Junction tent camping? Find the best information on tent camping near Essex Junction, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Essex Junction, VT (40)

    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mount Philo State Park Campground

    1.

    Mount Philo State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    44 Photos
    88 Saves
    Charlotte, Vermont
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $23 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground

    2.

    Underhill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    25 Photos
    58 Saves
    Underhill Center, Vermont

    Underhill is within Vermont's 39,837-acre Mt. Mansfield State Forest. On the headwaters of the Brown's River, at about 2,000 feet elevation, the park lies on the west slope of 4,300 feet Mt. Mansfield, the state's highest peak. Just over the summit ridge is the Stowe ski area, one of North America's original ski resorts.

    The elevation and corresponding exposure to harsh climatic conditions have resulted in some relatively unusual vegetation types along the mountain's summit ridge. The low, stunted-plants found in the alpine tundra near the summit, very rare in New England, are more typical of types found on broad expanses of Arctic tundra a thousand miles farther north. These plants are fragile (if you hike to the summit, please stay on marked trails).

    The park is probably best known for its hiking. There are four trails to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield from Underhill State Park. Walking up the gated road from the park headquarters, the trails begin branching off shortly above the group camp area. The Sunset Ridge Trail, 3 miles to the summit, is the most popular. Vermont’s Long Trail traverses the summit ridge and, with several trails from the other side of the mountain, many loops are possible. Hiking information and trail maps are available at the park headquarters.

    Facilities / Amenities The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The upper camp area, about 3/4 of a mile above the ranger station, has 7 lean-to sites and 2 tent sites, pit toilets, and is reserved for organized group-use. In the lower camp area, around the contact station, are 11 tent sites and 6 lean-to sites. There is cold water and flush toilets in the restrooms, but there are no showers.

    Access to all campsites requires a short walk. Campsites are not accessible by vehicle.

    The park also has a CCC-built sheltered tentsite tentsite that can be rented for up to a maximum of 8 people. The site comes with a picnic table and the shelter fireplace is to be used in lieu of a fire ring. Additionally, there are 2 standing grills adjacent to the shelter. The sheltered tentsite is $51 per night plus the $8 reservation fee.

    Off-season access: The park gate remains open after park closes until the first snowfall. Once it snows, the gate is closed until there is sufficient snowfall to ski into the park, then it is reopened until spring melt.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brook Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brook Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brook Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brook Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brook Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brook Reservoir

    4.

    Indian Brook Reservoir

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    35 Saves
    Essex Junction, Vermont

    INDIAN BROOK CAMPING FACILITIES RULES & REGULATIONS

    Camping is permitted at designated campsites only. Receipts must be displayed on the dash of the car. Not more than five (5) people, regardless of age, may occupy one campsite. The designated ‘Renter’ must be at least 18 years of age and is responsible for the conduct of all campers and visitors on the site. Campsites shall be kept in a neat and clean condition at all times.

    CANCELLATION: The rental fee will not be refunded if notice is received less than one week prior to the reservation start date. All cancellations must be processed through the office (81 Main Street, Essex Junction, (802) 878-1342).

    GENERAL VISITOR CONDUCT: Acts endangering others, disorderly conduct, intoxication, or otherwise obscene language will not be tolerated. Quiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • WiFi

    $15 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Valcour Island

    7.

    Valcour Island

    2 Reviews
    1 Photo
    20 Saves
    Plattsburgh, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
  • 8.

    Adirondack Acres Trail and Camps

    2 Reviews
    27 Photos
    11 Saves
    Keeseville, New York

    We are located on a scenic route headed towards Lake Placid, NY. We offer it as a tent site only, as a walk in, unless you have 4x4 and height. You will end up at our private beach area. Swimming and fishing at your own risk!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Market
    • Trash
  • 9.

    Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven

    2 Reviews
    24 Photos
    23 Saves
    Jeffersonville, Vermont

    Across acres of rolling fields and maple woods, enjoy the many open tent sites and sleep under the stars! Relax on our family's off grid homestead, containing trails through our woods for hiking, snow shoeing, cross country skiing and more.

    During July and August the wild berries make a wonderful treat. Try your culinary skills over the campfire while the children play and explore nature. As night falls, a campfire with smores hosts a wonderful end to the days fun. After, tuck the children in and listen to the night sounds under the stars!

    Looking for more fun, only ten minutes to restaurants, shops, zip line and bike trails. Swim, kayak, or fish in The Lamoille or Brewster Rivers. The ski resorts and resort villages offer loads of summer fun indoors and outdoors! Also, less than thirty minutes from the Canadian border! Your site is only 1/4 mile from "The Rail Trail" used year-round as recreational fun and part of the VAST system for snow mobiles. Or bring your ATV to enjoy off road trails nearby.

    Each site is provided a bundle of firewood for cooking and warmth (more available for an up charge). Also, 5 gallons of clean well water (more available for an up charge). There is a compost toilet available for use and an outdoor shower with room temperature water. A hot pancake breakfast can be available for an additional fee.

    Get back to basics and enjoy all that nature has to offer at Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available
    • Showers

    $35 - $45 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 40 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Essex Junction

572 Reviews of 40 Essex Junction Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Kettle Pond State Park Campground
    September 12, 2024

    Kettle Pond State Park Campground

    Rock Solid

    Pretty pond, good lean-to's, nice toilets, central put-in for canoes and kayaks, friendly people. Big groups in one area, individual remote sites far enough away to be private. Nicely maintained, friendly staff when you do see them. Went September 6 and 7 2024. Only 3 hours from Boston.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wilmington Notch
    September 8, 2024

    Wilmington Notch

    Amazing Campsite!

    I didn’t expect too much from a campground but this site was super clean, spacious and very quiet. Even though some of the sites are close to each other, it feels like your a mile apart with the sounds. The bathrooms are impressively clean and even have extra toilet paper if need be. Will definitely stay here again in the future!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sno-Bird
    September 6, 2024

    Sno-Bird

    The location is outstanding, but the sites are very muddy.

    Snowbird is very wet and some sites are rooty. There is no lean-to. There are roughly seven campsites within ~20' of each other. Three sites could accommodate a 4 person tent and the other four would need a 1 or 2 person tent. You could potentially squeeze in another 2 person ternt sight somewhere. There is a privy. There is a small stream for filtering water ~50' down trail from the campsite that will likely be running all year. Snowbird is the only campsite that is above 4000' in the park. The location is awesome for tackling the great range, but how muddy the sites are is a major con. Just be aware that some if not all sites could have several inches of water at anytime of the year.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stillwater State Park Campground
    August 28, 2024

    Stillwater State Park Campground

    Helpful staff, clean camp, kinda busy

    Great spot, especially for families, it is a bit expensive, at $30 for tent spot and $40 for lean to. the staff was helpful and kept the grounds clean. We ended paying more for the lean to because it was more secluded and quiet, the rest of the park was busy.

    Our spot was right on the brook which was peaceful and beautiful. It also had a fire pit with a grill grate and they sold firewood at the front gate.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lone Pine Campsites
    August 26, 2024

    Lone Pine Campsites

    OK for two nights

    We stayed for two nights to visit Burlington and lake Champlain.

    It was not our favorite campground. The site are open, so no privacy and the sites are fairly small.

    Toilets and showers are ok but nothing fancy. A bit worn.

  • Camper-submitted photo from New Discovery State Park Campground
    August 25, 2024

    New Discovery State Park Campground

    Drove through on my way past

    This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay.

    There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses.

    The bathhouse looks typical and clean.

    Not much cell service, but some in places.

    Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.

    Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Big Deer State Park Campground
    August 25, 2024

    Big Deer State Park Campground

    Nice enough campsites...

    This is a small campground, really it's an extension of Stillwater just up the road. Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer.

    For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy. We did have to change sites due to our neighbors yelling at their kids and using less-than-appropriate language to do so. We could still hear them on the other side of the campground :(

    The site itself was nice, even though it lacked privacy.

    Boulder Beach Road is an easy dirt road access to these campgrounds.

    We had 1 bar of AT&T service.

    The bathrooms were adequate, nothing special

    But we made a last-minute decision to camp and this was a decent location for that. I would camp here again, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Carmi State Park Campground
    August 25, 2024

    Lake Carmi State Park Campground

    A great place to visit for Canadian travelers.

    Our first time in Vermont, we were coming from Montreal, Quebec. And while there are many nice campsites to visit in Quebec... we've done them all, within a 2-hour radius. Well, guess what? Lake Carmi in Franklin (Enosburg?) Vermont, is less than 1 1/2 hours from Montreal! I think it must be the closest campsite to Quebec, in Vermont. The drive there was really pleasant too. It wasn't all highway. It took us mostly through very scenic routes in both Quebec, and Vermont.

    After booking, I had read some bad reviews about the place - which gave me second thoughts. About the staff being very unpleasant, etc. Well I'm happy to say, that turned out to be absolutely untrue! To say that Kathy, Daniel and really, the entire staff that we met, was very friendly to us, is an understatement. They literally saved our bacon!

    It's a long story, but in short... our car broke down at one point, and we had to get it towed. Our phone wouldn't work, and it was by the good graces of the Lake Carmi rangers and staff, and the use of their wireless, that we were eventually able to return back home to Canada.  I don't know what we would have done, if they weren't there to help us! So - big thanks to the amazing staffers at Lake Carmi.

    We had reserved a site by the lake, and saw that the campground itself was quite nice. Just acres and acres of lush green forestation. Clean grounds and washrooms. A beautiful sunset over the lake. No electrical 'pollution'. No noise pollution - except for crickets, in the field. Other than the car trouble - quite a pleasant stay! We'll be returning next year.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mallets Bay Campground
    August 11, 2024

    Mallets Bay Campground

    Do not go here if you don’t need to

    We were with RV. Mostly permanent places, showers and toilets are full with mould and not clean as is said on the website. Rates are not transparant. The pool was nice for the kids.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Route 100 Dispersed Camping
    August 5, 2024

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    This is not a campground.

    This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though! Not sure how strict that is. There was someone camping for a least a week given their tent was there the whole week I was in the area. So I guess it's not that strict. Signs indicate this offshoot road where these sites are is also FR-25, then FR-25 picks up again as a spur off of VT 100 a little farther south down 100 where there were permitted (but full) camping sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
    August 5, 2024

    Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    Pretty, scattered sites along small stream

    All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there. There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better. There were some fire ring sites along Vermont 100 where FR-25 intersects it, but those are marked as No Camping (though one tent had been there at least a week). That area along 100 is supposed to be a day-use picnic area. 

    The sites looked lovely though. Some people were really entrenched with string lights etc.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Underhill State Park Campground
    July 20, 2024

    Underhill State Park Campground

    Terrific Camping

    Spent a few nights here as a base camp while hiking some of the mountains in the area. Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy, and the tent site had a great area to setup the tent.

    Facilities were accessible and clean. Quiet hours were definitely observed. Easily one of the best camp sites I’ve stayed at.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday
    July 12, 2024

    Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday

    This is a good place to sleep, but not much more to it

    To start off, we are avid KOA campers. So when we looked at this campground, we expected the typical layout which had a swimming pool and other stuff for the kids, however, this campground lacked all of the above. When we arrived here, check-in was easy we did drive along ways to get to our campsite which was nice to be wooded, but I did miss the typical activities and KOA usually has which when I booked the site, I usually expect them since the prices usually, fairly high compared to state parks. Our main reason for seeing KA versus state parks for these extra activities. With that said the bathrooms were clean, which we barely use since we have a full hook up camper. The dog park was very small and it looked like they did the very minimum to check the block. If you’re looking for a place to run your little guy around, he might be disappointed at this place. However, there are plenty hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire. As far as location, there is a lot of stuff to do in the area as we went and hike, the mountain, which was amazing.

  • Camper-submitted photo from White River & Gulf Brook
    July 11, 2024

    White River & Gulf Brook

    Peaceful Night Spot

    Gravel road is well maintained, made it here in a prius easily. Less of established camping and more dispersed, but sites are clear and many have rock fire rings. Right on the river, super chill, nobody drove by our site the entire night on a weeknight in July.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Champlain Resort Adult Campground
    July 8, 2024

    Champlain Resort Adult Campground

    Wonderful Experience-Highly Recommend

    We recently bought a travel trailer and this was our first camping trip with it. Emma and JC were wonderful from start to finish. They own the property and you can tell they take such great pride in this gem. The grounds are beautifully kept and both were very helpful. We arrived much later than expected because of traffic and this being our first time traveling with the travel trailer. They were very accommodating to our later than expected arrival. Once we got all set up at our site, we were very happy. JC is very helpful with helping guide you in to your spot if you need it. There's a nice bath house with toilets and private showers. It was kept very clean and it was nice to know we could use that if needed. There's a beautiful spot to go down by the lake and watch the sunset over Lake Champlain. We absolutely loved our time there and will be happy to return again. JC has quite the sense of humor and my partner and him had fun conversing. Emma was great at communicating from start to finish and made everything easy and convenient.

  • Camper-submitted photo from North Beach Campground
    July 6, 2024

    North Beach Campground

    Nice Popular Spot

    Great spot near the lake to put up a tent for the night. Very safe and super close to town. Seemed really popular and a little loud until around 11. If you’re a light sleeper then consider bringing some ear plugs.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Onion River Campground
    June 29, 2024

    Onion River Campground

    Stay campy

    "Stay campy" is on the brochure for the Campground. The proprietor of the operation is open and friendly and very accommodating. But the whole atmosphere of the place is campy. I had to look that up again. It seems the Campground prides itself on being so bad that it's good. I stayed two nights. Not too bad really, just generally older rigs, no clearly defined campsites, but it does have electric and water. When I arrived, there was a very handicapped person in a wheelchair motoring around in front of the Park office. He seemed to be interested in my being there, but when I asked him where I should check in, he held out a straight arm, pointing towards the distant horizon and moaned. I did not try to connect with any of the other Park patrons. The next morning are slightly more agile character began mowing the lawn and got closer and closer to my rig until I had to jump up and go warn him not to run over my stink cables. I did get a nod and a yeah, out of him. it was noisy and dusty. I suppose even luxury resorts have to mow the grass.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area
    June 27, 2024

    Frontier Town Campground, Equestrian and Day Use Area

    New, very nice, with killer bugs

    I was in site 43, it was long enough it could have fit two of the biggest RVs I have ever seen. My 75 foot starling cable did not even reach all the way back out to the road. I drove through the equestrian loop and found it very confusing. Lots of fences and shared pedestals. I stayed in the next loop, stagecoach. Everything looked spic and span like it had just opened last month. The young man at the check in station said there were very few people there except on the weekends. I only saw three or four other rVs and two of them had to camp right next to me. I saw the bugs, some of them clearly mosquitoes and I never saw one get away with biting me. But I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Smugglers Notch State Park Campground
    June 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Apple Island Resort
    June 20, 2024

    Apple Island Resort

    Amazing views

    This campground is located in a central area between Burlington and north hero. The views of lake Champlain are amazing. Ex check in and plenty of amenities.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road
    June 18, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    Amazing

    Mountain road lingers along the river. There’s quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜



Guide to Essex Junction

Camping near Essex Junction, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore nearby trails like those around Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday. One reviewer mentioned, "There are plenty of hikes nearby to wear them out if you desire."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Grand Isle State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in Lake Champlain. A visitor shared, "Kayaking is wonderful and there was a boat launch right near our site."
  • Disc Golf: If you're into disc golf, check out the course near Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. One camper noted, "1.7 miles from #7 Ranked World's Best Disc Golf Course: Fox Run Meadows."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A review for Little River State Park Campground stated, "The facilities were clean and the shower was nice and hot."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at Moosalamoo Campground mentioned, "Sites are generously spaced out."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight helpful staff. One review for North Beach Campground said, "Nice, helpful staff."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Saranac Lake Islands, are more primitive. A camper noted, "Primitive camping with water access only."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise at certain campgrounds. A review for Rogers Rock Campground mentioned, "It's such a shame because the location of this campground is amazing... but we will never go back."
  • Seasonal Closures: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Grand Isle State Park Campground is open from May 12 to October 16.

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities. One family at Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "They had lots of activities to take back to the campsite for rainy days."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: If you’re bringing pets, check for dog parks. A reviewer at North Beach Campground said, "Pets allowed, picnic table, reservable."
  • Safety Precautions: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at Grand Isle State Park Campground noted, "The cleanliness of the facilities was excellent."

Tips from RVers

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds cater to larger RVs. A review for Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA Holiday mentioned, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Dump Stations Available: Look for campgrounds with sanitary dump stations. One camper at Rogers Rock Campground appreciated the "sanitary dump, sewer hookups."
  • Reservations Recommended: Especially during peak seasons, make reservations early. A visitor at Saranac Lake Islands advised, "Super popular, so plan ahead and reserve early."

Camping near Essex Junction, Vermont, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Essex Junction, VT?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Essex Junction, VT is Mount Philo State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Essex Junction, VT?

    TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Essex Junction, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.