Tent camping near Morristown, Vermont offers access to the northern reaches of the Green Mountains where elevations range from 700 to over 4,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with late spring bringing blackfly season while fall brings temperatures that can drop below freezing at night. Campgrounds in this area typically remain open from late May through mid-October, with some remote sites requiring advance preparation for variable weather conditions.
What to do
Paddle to remote sites: Green River Reservoir State Park features 27 boat-in campsites accessible only by paddling, most within a mile of the boat launch. One camper noted, "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. There is a lot of beautiful wildlife, and they do an amazing job at preserving the sites."
Summit Mount Mansfield: Underhill State Park Campground serves as a base camp for hiking Vermont's highest peak. A visitor mentioned, "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... Easily one of the best camp sites I've stayed at."
Explore wilderness waterways: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provides peaceful water-based camping 30 minutes from Morristown. A camper 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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven provides secluded camping with basic amenities. A recent visitor described it as "peaceful and charming" with "a magnificent view of Mount Mansfield. The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Green River Reservoir State Park offers excellent chances to spot wildlife including moose. According to one camper, "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... Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times."
Solitude with convenient access: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers quiet camping despite being close to Burlington. A camper noted, "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!"
What you should know
Food storage requirements: Camel's Hump State Park requires specific food handling procedures for tent camping. A visitor explained, "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 (I guess Bear's are a problem there)."
Shared facilities at primitive sites: Many Morristown area campgrounds use composting toilets shared between multiple sites. A camper at Green River Reservoir noted, "Each campsite includes a fire pit and access to an outhouse. Usually the outhouse is shared between 2 to 3 campsites, but there is plenty of space between each site."
Seasonal considerations: Most tent campgrounds in this region have limited seasons. Burton Island State Park has a particularly short season, operating "from Memorial Day weekend through the Tuesday morning after Labor Day," making advance reservations essential.
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes with big rewards: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers family-friendly camping with easy access to views. One family camper shared, "We visited and camped here 3 years ago with children. We love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views."
Consider transport logistics: For Indian Brook Reservoir, be prepared for a hike to your site. A family of four reported, "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."
Weather preparation: Tent camping in Morristown requires preparation for temperature swings. Families should pack layers even in summer, as nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s F, especially at higher elevation sites like Underhill State Park.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions apply: Burton Island State Park requires ferry transport, making it challenging for RVers. A visitor noted, "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans."
Limited hookups region-wide: Most campgrounds near Morristown don't offer RV hookups. At Burton Island, a camper mentioned, "No power hookups and no water hookup at site; ferry takes you to the island; for a few, your equipment will be delivered to your campsite."
Consider alternative accommodations: Several tent-focused campgrounds offer lean-tos as an option for those wanting more shelter. Underhill State Park provides these structures, with one visitor noting, "Nice comfortable campground with lean tos close to mount Mansfield."
