Tent camping near Jericho, Vermont provides access to diverse ecosystems across the Green Mountains region, with elevations ranging from 620 to 4,393 feet at nearby Mount Mansfield. Campsites in this area experience typical northeastern climate patterns with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during days and 50-60°F at night. Many locations feature old-growth northern hardwood forests with mature sugar maples, yellow birch, and eastern hemlock stands.
What to do
Hiking to mountain views: Camel's Hump State Park offers excellent summit access with designated camping areas along the trail. "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," notes Kate K.
Waterfront paddling: Indian Brook Reservoir features tent platforms with water access. "We have explored this park in the winter as well as the summer. There is an extensive trail system that is easy to navigate. Nestled in the woods are several tent platforms that you can access by foot or by boat," explains M.A.D. P.
Mountain biking: Trails near Jericho connect to extensive networks throughout the region. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, campers can access nearby trails. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!" reports Kaelin P.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion at Underhill State Park Campground. As Michael V. describes, "Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while."
Natural water features: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites offers boat-in camping with direct water access. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27. We made the mistake of parking at little River rd the first time and the paddle to r14 from there was way too long," advises Julia S.
Scenic mountain access: Many campers choose sites based on proximity to peaks. "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," shares Bojangles R. about Underhill State Park.
What you should know
Site access limitations: Many tent sites require planning for equipment transport. At Burton Island State Park Campground, "After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it," recommends Michael L.
Limited amenities: Most Jericho area camping is rustic. Sam T. notes about Underhill State Park, "The campground is in a perfect spot. About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes quickly. At Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape, "Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night. Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night," reports Evan M.
Reservation timing: Popular tent camping sites fill early. Green River Reservoir requires advance planning. "Despite the fact that Green River Reservoir is only open to paddlers for primitive camping and limited day-use activities, it can still get pretty busy on the weekends. Definitely recommend trying to reserve for a weekday," advises Tara S.
Tips for camping with families
Choose short-distance walk-ins: For tent camping with children near Jericho, select sites with minimal walking. Erin B. from Indian Brook Reservoir advises, "I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Look for sites with water access: Kids enjoy swimming opportunities. "There are a lot of activities to do on the island. We went fishing, swimming, and out in a canoe. We rented a canoe from the campground and paddled over to Wood Island," shares Michael L. about Burton Island.
Consider lean-to options: Shelters provide backup during rain. Seth K. notes about Underhill State Park, "Nice comfortable campground with lean tos close to mount Mansfield."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger vehicles: Most tent camping areas near Jericho have restricted vehicle access. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, "The sites are very private and shaded, and it's close proximity to Burlington make it a good choice for travelers, but because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs," notes Tara S.
Generator restrictions: Engine noise policies vary by location. Nicholas G. reports at Waterbury Reservoir, "Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming to campground. Very quite."
Alternative parking options: Some locations offer special arrangements for larger vehicles. Campers at Underhill State Park note that while RVs have limited access, the campground has a designated parking area with wheelbarrow transport available to tent sites.
