Tent camping options near Jonesville, Vermont include wilderness campsites, shoreline tent platforms, and primitive backcountry sites across the Green Mountains region. Located between 500-2,500 feet elevation in Vermont's northern forest ecosystem, the area experiences summer temperatures averaging 65-80°F during peak camping season from June through September. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer months.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Underhill State Park Campground, campsites provide direct access to mountain trails. "About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together," notes Sam T. The park offers access to Mount Mansfield hiking networks.
Swimming in reservoirs: Indian Brook Reservoir features tent platforms with water access. "The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," according to one camper. Sites can be accessed by foot or boat, offering different perspectives of the water.
Mountain viewing: For panoramic vistas, Mount Philo State Park Campground provides exceptional viewpoints. "You can't beat them in the Summer, Spring, Fall, or even snowshoeing in the winter," says a regular visitor. The park's short trails lead to views of Lake Champlain and surrounding mountains.
What campers like
Natural isolation: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites offers boat-in camping for those seeking solitude. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27," recommends Julia S., noting the paddle takes about 30 minutes from the right launch point.
Site privacy: Campsites at Mount Philo are "widely spaced wooded sites and was exceptionally quiet. Very well-maintained!" One reviewer highlighted site selection advice: "Sites 1, 6 and 8 and the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private."
Night skies: Many campers report minimal light pollution. An Underhill visitor mentioned "a night sky to die for!" while also noting the rangers were "extremely helpful and very friendly." The higher elevation sites typically offer clearer astronomical viewing on cloudless nights.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many prime tent camping sites require effort to reach. At Green River Reservoir State Park Campground, "you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape." Sites range from easy half-mile paddles to more challenging two-mile journeys.
Site preparation: Flat tent spots aren't guaranteed at all locations. One Green River camper noted site #12 "was definitely not our favorite. It was difficult to find a flat tent spot, and the site seemed very overused." Research specific site characteristics before booking.
Limited facilities: Most sites offer basic amenities. At Underhill, expect "pit toilets and a night sky to die for!" Another camper described it as "Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while."
Tips for camping with families
Transportation options: At Indian Brook Reservoir, understand access logistics before arrival. "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."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on activities. Burton Island offers "a day area with a beach as well as many places around the island to swim. Just wear water shoes since it is mainly a rocky coast." The shoreline access points vary significantly in quality.
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures can fluctuate. At Burton Island State Park Campground, campers noted "We stayed at site 7 in the main tent site loop... The dirt and gravel pad was mostly flat, without any pesky roots to poke us. The site also drained very well--it rained all night our last night and we had zero seepage into the tent floor."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: The best tent camping near Jonesville often excludes larger vehicles. Route 100 Dispersed Camping offers some spots where smaller RVs can access, but a visitor warned "Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn't plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."
Site restrictions: Several campgrounds have specific limitations. At Underhill State Park, amenities include "NO big-rig-friendly, drinking-water, NO electric-hookups, NO fifty-amp-hookups, NO thirty-amp-hookups, fires-allowed, firewood, NO free, NO market." Sites work best for tent camping or small trailers.
Seasonal considerations: RV camping options typically close earlier in the season. Most established campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, with Burton Island open "from Memorial Day Weekend through the Tuesday morning after Labor Day," making September and October options more limited for RV campers.
