Tent camping near Montgomery Center, Vermont offers secluded sites within the northern Green Mountains, where elevations range from 1,300 to 4,000 feet. Campers access both established and primitive locations throughout Lamoille and Franklin counties. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F during day and drop to 50-55°F at night, creating comfortable sleeping conditions even without air conditioning.
What to do
Paddle remote waters: Green River Reservoir State Park features boat-in camping requiring a paddle of up to 2 miles to reach sites. "I love this location because you have to paddle out to a site for camping. It's private, quiet, and really gives you that 'forest bathing' escape," notes Mackenzie B. The reservoir spans 653 acres with 19 miles of undeveloped shoreline.
Climb mountains: Underhill State Park Campground serves as a base for hiking Mount Mansfield. "Spent a few nights here as a base camp while hiking some of the mountains in the area. About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain," reports Bojangles R. The campground sits directly at the trailhead for multiple routes up Vermont's highest peak.
Wildlife watching: The region hosts moose, deer, and numerous bird species. "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times," suggests Tara S. about Green River Reservoir. Early morning and dusk provide best wildlife viewing opportunities across the area's wetlands and forests.
What campers like
Island seclusion: Knight Island State Park Campground offers boat-access-only sites on Lake Champlain. "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," writes Ruby L. The island maintains primitive facilities with minimal development.
Reservoir platforms: Indian Brook Reservoir provides elevated tent platforms accessible by foot or boat. "Nestled in the woods are several tent platforms that you can access by foot or by boat. They are spacious but not too private. The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," explains M.A.D. P. Sites share communal privies.
Morning views: Tent camping sites around Montgomery Center often feature mountain vistas. "We spent the night at this beautiful campsite with a magnificent view of Mount Mansfield," reports Émylie B. about Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape. Many east-facing sites provide sunrise views over mountain ridges.
What you should know
Remote toilet facilities: Most primitive sites have basic composting toilets. At Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, one camper noted, "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!" Bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper as supplies aren't guaranteed.
Water access considerations: Many campgrounds require filtering lake or stream water. "We have camped in several different sites... Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow," advises Tara S. Pack water filters or purification tablets for tent camping at Montgomery Center's more remote locations.
Seasonal bug populations: Black flies emerge May through June, with mosquitoes present through summer. "Beware: mosquitoes and black flies in the middle of the island can be nasty, sometimes better to take the perimeter route," warns Ruby L. about Knight Island. Bring repellent and consider head nets during peak bug season.
Tips for camping with families
Wheelbarrow assistance: Burton Island State Park Campground offers transport help for gear. "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," shares Ali T. The island also provides paid transport service: "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."
Water activities: Reservoirs and lakes provide swimming opportunities for children. "The south tip of the island gets more wind, and therefore waves, which my children greatly enjoyed for swimming," writes Rita M. about Burton Island. Most campgrounds permit swimming directly from shorelines without designated beach areas.
Pack-light planning: Many tent sites require carrying gear some distance. At Indian Brook Reservoir, Erin B. advises: "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over." Consider bringing only essential gear when camping with children at walk-in sites.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Tent camping dominates near Montgomery Center, with few dedicated RV facilities. Woods Island State Park Campground illustrates typical limitations: "There is no ferry service to the island and visitors must make their own arrangements. There are no docks; visitors must either beach their boat or anchor off." RVers should consider KOAs or private campgrounds farther from Montgomery Center.
Boat-in alternatives: Rather than RV camping, consider boat access to islands. "One of three neighboring island parks in Lake Champlain's 'inland sea'... Woods Island provides a unique habitat for a rich variety of plant life, including many species that are rare or threatened in Vermont," notes M.A.D. P. RVers can park vehicles at mainland state parks and access island camping via boats.
Winter camping permits: Off-season options exist for hardy campers. "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp," shares M.A.D. P. Winter permits allow access to normally closed facilities during colder months when most RV campgrounds have shut down for the season.
