Tent campsites near Greensboro, Vermont offer primitive camping opportunities with varying access requirements and seasonal availability. The region experiences cool summers with average highs of 75°F in July and cold winters with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most remote camping areas receive 40-45 inches of annual precipitation, with campsites typically situated at elevations between 900-1,500 feet above sea level.
What to do
Paddle to remote sites: Green River Reservoir State Park requires a boat trip to reach any of its 27 primitive campsites. A camper notes, "I love this location because you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape." Sites are accessible by canoe or kayak, with most within a mile of the boat launch.
Hike mountain trails: Underhill State Park serves as a gateway to hiking Mount Mansfield. Located at the base of Vermont's highest peak, the campground provides direct access to several trail networks. According to one camper, "About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting at Green River Reservoir State Park. A regular visitor recommends, "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times." Early mornings and dusk offer optimal viewing conditions from May through September.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campsites around Greensboro maintain good separation. At Underhill State Park, a camper appreciated that "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."
Waterfront access: Many sites offer direct shoreline access. At Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, a camper shares, "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27... It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site and was much more doable for all the trips we took."
Minimal development: Primitive tent camping allows immersion in natural settings. A visitor to Molly's Falls Pond State Park describes, "Molly's Falls Pond property consists of 1064 acres including the 411-acre pond. U.S. Route 2 traverses the northern edge of the property and there is a dam at the western end of the reservoir that is owned by Green Mountain Power Company."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book early for prime weekends at popular tent campgrounds. For Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape, availability is limited with only 10 sites total. A camper mentioned it as the "Most quiet and peaceful place for camping. Such a great host. Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night."
Water considerations: Carry sufficient water or filtration equipment. Most primitive sites lack potable water sources. At Molly's Falls Pond State Park, the 5 unofficial remote sites require self-sufficiency for water needs, with a visitor noting there is "a boat launch with 2 fishing platforms, plus a nearby port-o-let."
Seasonal challenges: Expect unpredictable weather patterns, particularly in early and late season. Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites can experience significant temperature variations, with one camper warning about "fishing spiders the size of your hand" in the composting toilets during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility options: Choose sites based on your comfort with carrying gear. Serenity Field offers convenient access as noted by a visitor: "Semi private tent only camping in a beautiful field! Can pull your car right up to the site. Super quiet and secluded. Literally feet away from kingdom trails."
Bathroom facilities: Toilet options vary significantly between campgrounds. At Underhill State Park, "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked," according to a recent camper. Composting toilets are common at more developed sites, while remote locations may only offer primitive facilities.
Cooking considerations: Most tent sites include fire rings, but firewood availability varies. Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape provides "Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night. There's extra fire wood for sale along with a sink to do dishes."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most primitive campgrounds near Greensboro cannot accommodate RVs. However, Underhill State Park does list RVs as an accommodation type, though with very limited facilities and no hookups. Sites are primarily designed for tent camping.
Alternative options: Consider staying at more developed campgrounds and using tent sites as day-use areas. As noted about Green River Reservoir, despite being "only open to paddlers for primitive camping and limited day-use activities," it remains accessible for day visits without overnight equipment.
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping areas may be challenging for larger vehicles. A visitor to one area campground warned of a "Rough road coming to campground. Very quite. cell phone t mobile works fine."
