Tent camping in Jeffersonville, Vermont positions campers in the foothills of Vermont's Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000 feet in nearby peaks. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forests and numerous water features. Summer nights can drop to 50°F even when days reach 80°F, requiring campers to pack accordingly for temperature fluctuations.
What to Do
Hiking Mount Mansfield: Access Vermont's highest peak from Underhill State Park Campground, which sits at its base. "About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together," notes camper Sam T.
Paddling remote waterways: At Green River Reservoir State Park Campground, access 27 primitive campsites via paddling. "You have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape," explains Mackenzie B. Most sites require under a mile of paddling from the launch point.
Island exploration: Knight Island State Park offers hiking trails around its perimeter with water views. "Not for the faint of heart, Knight Island is only accessible by private boat... every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," writes Ruby L., who recommends taking perimeter routes to avoid insects.
What Campers Like
Private tent sites: Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven offers seclusion with mountain views. "We spent the night at this beautiful campsite with a magnificent view of Mount Mansfield. The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private," notes Émylie B.
No-car camping environment: Burton Island creates a unique atmosphere without vehicles. "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains Tara S. This creates what she calls a "free range kids" environment where families feel comfortable letting children explore.
Wheelbarrows for gear transport: Underhill State Park Campground provides practical solutions for walk-in sites. "This is the best of car camping - 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," writes Ali T., who stayed at campsite 6.
What You Should Know
Ferry transportation costs: For Burton Island camping, budget for transportation. "Ferry takes you to the island; for a fee, your equipment will be delivered to your campsite; restaurant and store on site; wood for sale," reports Craig G. The passenger ferry costs $8 per person with an additional $2 for bikes.
Variable site conditions: At Indian Brook Reservoir, tent platforms require hiking in. "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over," advises Erin B., noting the private lakeside setting makes the effort worthwhile.
Limited shower facilities: When available, shower quality varies. Burton Island camper Michael L. warns: "The one downfall is the shower. The water pressure is barely enough to rinse the soap off." Many primitive sites have no showers, only composting toilets shared between sites.
Tips for Camping with Families
Choose boat-accessible sites: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites offers peaceful shoreline camping. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27," advises Julia S., who cautions about choosing the right boat launch to avoid excessively long paddling trips with children and gear.
Consider island camping: Woods Island State Park offers a unique family adventure. "Woods Island is a 'remote area' campground... Each campsite does have a fire ring and a nearby composting toilet. The island's five campsites are situated around the two-mile shoreline, and are connected by a trail system," explains M.A.D. P., noting the privacy benefits despite the work of carrying gear.
Plan for group cooking areas: At Camel's Hump State Park, tent camping areas include communal facilities. "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," reports Kate K., explaining this is due to bear activity in the area.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping in Jeffersonville area isn't suitable for RVs, but Burton Island State Park Campground has some accommodations. "No power hookups and no water hookup at site; ferry takes you to the island," explains Craig G., highlighting the limitations that RV campers must consider.
Consider winter options: For experienced RV campers, some sites allow winter access with proper permits. "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp. There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island," reports M.A.D. P., describing both fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing.
