Tent camping near Huntington, Vermont offers sites at elevations ranging from 600 to 2,500 feet across the western slopes of the Green Mountains. The region receives approximately 43 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forests and abundant waterways for campers to enjoy. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F with cooler nights at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Mount Philo State Park Campground provides excellent day hiking with minimal gear. "Nice hikes and cool views of the area!" mentions Kaelin P., while another camper notes the "short hike to the summit from where the sites are" allows campers to "watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains."
Swimming opportunities: Charlotte town beach near Mount Philo State Park Campground offers lake access for $10 non-resident fee. A camper recommends "nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming" as a refreshing option during summer stays. For reservoir swimming, the south tip of Burton Island State Park Campground gets "more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming."
Paddling exploration: Waterbury Reservoir provides remote camping accessible by water. "It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site and was much more doable for all the trips we took bringing our gear in," reports a camper at Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites. The paddling routes offer access to secluded sites away from road noise.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Mount Philo, campers appreciate the site layout. "Great little campground at a beautiful state park. The campground had widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet," notes K G. Similarly, at Underhill State Park, campers enjoy "nice comfortable campground with lean tos" that provide separation between groups.
Waterfront access: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites offers tent camping directly on the shore. "These remote sites are so peaceful," writes a reviewer who recommends "launching from cotton brook road if your site r11-27" to minimize paddling distance. Another camper mentions the "prime locations" of these sites.
Quiet atmosphere: Underhill State Park Campground receives praise for its peaceful environment. "Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites," reports Michael V. Another camper describes it as "the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away."
What you should know
Transport logistics: Campsites often require extra effort to reach. At Underhill State Park, "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," explains Ali T. This assistance helps balance remote feel with accessibility.
Bathroom facilities: Facilities vary widely across the region. Mount Philo offers basic amenities with "Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes" according to Beau B., who noted "Bathrooms and showers were clean." At Indian Brook Reservoir, facilities are more primitive with "a shared privy among the sites."
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night," notes a Mount Philo reviewer, indicating the limited availability. At Burton Island, sites "book far in advance" with most Labor Day weekend spots taken by March.
Tips for camping with families
Easy-access options: Some sites accommodate families better than others. At Burton Island State Park, "the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast" thanks to the car-free environment. The campground is described as "super family friendly" with safe exploration opportunities.
Gear transportation planning: Camel's Hump State Park requires preparation for the hike in. "The designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike," notes Kate K., who appreciated the "great area to setup the tent" despite the walk. For families with young children, sites with shorter approaches may be preferable.
Wildlife encounters: Camping areas provide opportunities to observe local species. At Burton Island, campers report "lots of frogs!" while at other sites, children enjoy exploring shorelines and forest areas. Pack field guides to help children identify plants and animals native to the Green Mountains.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most Huntington-area campgrounds accommodate smaller rigs only. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, the dispersed sites are accessible but "a bit hard to find" and not suitable for large vehicles. Small trailers under 20 feet have better options than larger motorhomes.
Generator policies: Rules vary by location with most primitive sites prohibiting generators. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, no hookups or generator allowances exist, creating a quieter experience but limiting power options. Pack adequate battery power and solar options for extended stays.
