Tent camping near Lowell, Vermont offers access to the Northeast Kingdom's pristine forests and waterways at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet. The region receives approximately 40 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush vegetation and well-established waterways ideal for paddling. Most campsites in this area feature dirt or forest duff tent pads with moderate drainage during typical summer rainfall.
What to do
Hiking access: Underhill State Park provides direct trail connections to mountain summits. One camper mentioned, "A .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain. The camp sites are nice but a little close together." The park serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby peaks.
Paddling exploration: Green River Reservoir State Park offers paddlers access to undeveloped shorelines. A reviewer states, "We try and make our way north to Green River Reservoir every summer. It's a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife." Paddlers should allow adequate time for site selection, as some sites require a 2-mile paddle from the launch point.
Swimming spots: Many tent sites offer water access for cooling off. At Burton Island State Park, "The south tip of the island gets more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming. The northern part has shale beaches, and a few areas of mucky/pebbly beaches." Several locations feature both protected coves and open water swimming areas.
What campers like
Island camping: Burton Island State Park provides a car-free camping experience requiring boat transport. A camper notes, "It's a car free paradise that requires a boat or ferry to get to but yield the rewards of peace, nature, and gorgeous shoreline." The island features multiple tent site options from developed loops to remote paddler sites.
Privacy factor: Serenity Field offers "Semi private tent only camping in a beautiful field! Can pull your car right up to the site. Super quiet and secluded." This tent-specific camping area provides more seclusion than many developed campgrounds in the region.
Wildlife viewing: Tent sites often provide opportunities for animal sightings. One visitor to Molly's Falls Pond mentioned that "This 411-acre lake is largely undeveloped and is an excellent spot for swimming, boating and fishing. Anglers will find a variety of fish including rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, pickerel, smallmouth bass and yellow perch here."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provide basic amenities only. A camper notes, "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!" Most primitive tent sites in the region feature similar rustic toilet facilities.
Site terrain: Many tent sites require careful selection for flat sleeping spots. At Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, "The spot where you set up tent at this site was on a slope, other sites might be better." Bringing a small camp shovel can help level tent areas.
Reservation timing: Popular tent camping locations fill quickly. For Burton Island, "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly island camping: Burton Island provides a safe environment for children. One family noted, "It's super family friendly - maybe it's because there aren't cars all over the place, but the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast." Families should budget for ferry fees ($8 per person, $2 for bikes).
Gear transport solutions: When camping at walk-in sites like Underhill State Park, families can use provided equipment: "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized." This makes managing family gear much easier.
Water access considerations: When camping with children at paddle-in locations, choose shorter routes. One family advised, "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."
Tips from RVers
RV alternatives: For RVers wanting a more rustic experience, Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven offers cabin options: "Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night." These accommodations provide more shelter while maintaining the tent camping experience.
Limited hookup warnings: RV campers should note most tent-focused areas lack services. At Underhill State Park, visitors mentioned it's "Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while." RVers need to arrive with full water tanks and charged batteries.
