The northeastern Vermont landscape surrounding Newport offers primitive tent camping options ranging from boat-in sites along Green River Reservoir to walk-in forest sites at Underhill State Park. Tent campers can find secluded spots at Green River Reservoir State Park with 27 primitive campsites accessible only by paddle, making it ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences. Lyman Falls State Park Campground provides free tent camping along the Connecticut River with picnic tables and fire rings at designated sites.
Most tent campgrounds near Newport require self-sufficiency, as amenities are typically minimal. Green River Reservoir campsites include fire pits and shared outhouses, while many remote sites lack potable water entirely. A visitor commented, "It's a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife." Tent pads vary from forest duff to rocky clearings, with some sites difficult to level properly. Campers should plan accordingly for primitive conditions, bringing water filtration systems for sites near ponds or rivers. Several locations prohibit vehicle access, requiring gear to be carried or paddled in, which helps maintain the wilderness experience.
Tent campers frequently enjoy exceptional privacy at these locations due to the dispersed nature of sites. The remote access requirements at places like Maine Railroad Trestle and Molly's Falls Pond State Park Campground naturally limit crowds. Areas farther from Newport tend to offer deeper seclusion and better wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper noted that "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." For tent campers seeking backcountry experiences, the relatively flat terrain at Lyman Falls provides easier setup while walk-in sites at Underhill State Park offer more challenging but rewarding locations with mountain views. Many campgrounds remain open from Memorial Day through early October, though some primitive tent sites are available year-round with proper winter camping equipment.
$20 - $50 / night
"It’s a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife. The reservoir is 653 acres with 19 miles of shoreline. There are 27 campsites and two group camspites."
"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."
$25 - $30 / night
"Semi private tent only camping in a beautiful field! Can pull your car right up to the site. Super quiet and secluded. Literally feet away from kingdom trails. Drinking water available and bike wash."
"This is a Vermont State Park, however, it is open for primitive camping only and advertised as boat-in only."
"While close to the road, it's not highly trafficked and the road noise is almost non-existent which was a nice surprise. The riverbank is a great spot to fish from and enjoy the afternoon sun."
$35 - $45 / night
"Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night. We will definitely recommend it to others and we will be back again."
"The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private. The host, Dianne, was really friendly. Many amenities such as wood, water and outhouse nearby. Very nice experience."
"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.
Facilities were accessible and clean.""Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while. Will definitely go back this year."
"While reservations are not required, there is a registration page on the CT River Paddler's Trail Website that they ask folx to complete just so spots don't get overcrowded. "
"Route 2 traverses the northern edge of the property and there is a dam at the western end of the reservoir that is owned by Green Mountain Power Company. "
LegendPros: Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP) 1.7 mile from #7 Ranked World's Best Disc Golf Course: Fox Run Meadows New fire ring New picnic table Gorgeous Mountain View
Cons: Grass site No amenities No Wi-Fi Soft ground, sinked during setup
LegendRudy's looked mostly to be an RV park, so my stop was maybe not the usual for this campground. I stopped for one night while I was thru-hiking the Cohos Trail in New Hampshire and had a great experience. There seemed to be much more space at this campground for RV and van travelers, though I didn't check out that part of the facility
I booked a tent site beforehand and on arrival had the choice of right next to Clarksville Pond or another area that I didn't check out since pondside sounded amazing, so my review is specific to the tenting experience.
I stopped by Rudy's before my hike, and they held onto a food drop for me (in a sealed big plastic container) for free, and held onto some extra gear for me so that I didn't need to carry it
There are maybe ~3-4 tent sites right along the edge of the pond, in front of a few permanent cabins. They are basic tent sites right on the grass, with a fire ring and a picnic bench. The sites were flat and the views were amazing along the pond.
I was able to get in a morning fly fishing session 5 feet from my tent! The wind was a bit high so no luck for me, but I saw the fish jumping when I stopped by after my hike to pick up some gear I left. Kathleen, the owner of the property, offered a free fly fishing lesson during my stay, but I had to decline to keep up the pace of my hike.
There was also access to the bathhouse with free heated showers, full bathrooms, and coin-op laundry. This was a great free amenity after 7 days on my hike for a necessary refresh.
The owner and other residents of the campground were super friendly. This was a great stop along my hike to refresh and connect with a few folks along the way.
GuideThis is an RV campground w a handful of tent spots. We stayed at T4, a site w electric right on the lake. I was initially very excited to be so close to the lake but my enthusiasm waned a little after a swim- the lake bottom was murky sticky mud which is fine it’s just not my favorite. My fiancé went swimming and got a leech or leech-like thing on his foot so swimming for him was pretty much over. Being at the lake meant a lot of noise from others including the campers that use the facility, I mean like actual camp, like groups of kids and counselors. I don’t mind kids but others might. It was the usual kid squealing and stuff. When we arrived a counselor was using our site and picnic table, spilling cheese-it’s all over the place which made us popular with the many many seagulls. She left when she saw us pulling in but left the mess behind so the birds were an issue. They continued to be an issue the whole 3 days we were there- every day we’d come back to our tent to find our stuff scattered a bit- not a huge problem but a present nuisance nonetheless. We tried to keep our things contained but still they tried to carry some stuff away. On the lake shore was a lot of seagull feathers and goose presence, poop, it’s not my favorite way to swim. The bathrooms were ok, pretty basic, very much reminiscent of when you get sent to camp as a child, bare bones. The stalls in the bathroom are uncomfortably short so when you stand up your head is poking out over the door, you can make eye contact w everyone else in the room which is just weird! We went two days without paper towels being restocked to dry your hands, I finally had to call the office. (Everyone in the office was super awesomely nice, always!) Sunday morning there is a group that makes breakfast in the pavilion I guess for donations which they use to beautify the campground. This is a lovely gesture. However the pavilion is right next to the tent sites and the group started setting up about 6:30 AM, which included honking their car horn, and talking very loudly with complete disregard for quiet hours or the full row of tent sleepers. My fiancé finally approached them and told them they must be unaware of how much their voices are carrying but that everyone was still sleeping. They didn’t apologize or say anything and honestly I don’t think they cared or lowered their voices at all. Our site was comfortable, water and electric worked fine, clean fire ring, we didn’t use it. The group next to us talked late past quiet hours (I didn’t not approach the campground about it we just dealt w it), and used a drone which was extremely uncomfortable, loud, and disruptive. I did call the office about that the next day and asked if there was a drone policy, she said there was not but that she would address it if they used it again, they ended up leaving so it wasn’t a problem but there should definitely be a policy about it. All in all, people were nice but the lake location meant a LOT of additional noise from other users and there did not seem to be any reminders about quiet time. Don’t come here if you’re looking for solitude but do come here if you’re looking for a great location in northern Vermont close to a cute town and amenities. Just set your mindset that it’s not a secluded or quiet spot but a spot w stuff to do and lots of people to interact w. We did not use the boat rentals or tennis courts or other stuff.
ScoutWe made a single nights reservation, for a tent, based on recommendation from Kingdom Trails website. The campground is located in a beautiful area of Vermont, but....the tenting campground, a bit dismal. We arrived to find a teeny tiny space, right next to other spaces...in fact, had we set up our small tent, we would be less than ten feet from adjacent tents. Within less than 20 feet across the dirt path were side by side tent trailers and rvs. We would not have been able to use the metal fire ring because the fire would have been within 6 feet of our small tent. When we backed our car onto the narrow space, it was within a foot of the picnic table. Basically, it would have been like camping in a WalMart parking lot on a Saturday morning...if the parking lot was a treeless dirt lot. Within 3 minutes, we decided there was no way we could stay here, we were just not that desperate! We stopped at the rest room on the way out...gross! Smelly, wet, dirty, dingy. As we left, we decided that this was the best 25.00 we ever wasted...in fact, you could not have paid us to stay there . We cannot believe Kingdom Trails continues to suggest this disaster. I will add, the girl at the store/office was quite friendly...but she did not seem surprised when we returned for our bathroom key deposit so quickly! We were fortunate in that we could just head home...but if you are planning on a peaceful nights rest after mountain biking or hiking, this is not the place. There are beautiful state parks that we could recommend, and we just don't want folks that end up here to think that this is typical for Vermont camping!
LegendGeneral: Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section. Sites/lean-tos are designated premium (lakefront) or non. There is also an ADA-accessible lean-to. Upon check-in, you are given a gate code to enter.
Site Quality: Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site. Most sites don’t have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt (or mud if it has rained recently). A large wooden picnic table and fire ring complete the site. There are plentiful trees, so each site has at least some shade and some are very shaded. Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees.
Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower. Cold water only at both the sinks and the shower (at least I didn’t get any hot water). The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can’t imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I’ve experienced in quite some time. But, after I finished, I saw my quarter had been returned. The toilet paper was so thin, it was nearly transparent!
Activities: Although swimming is allowed, the “beaches” are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming. There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat. There was one very annoying motorboat revving its engine while doing circles in the lake. The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net. There is a short nature trail and one other small walking trail. Nearby is access to the Missisquoi Rail Trail.
A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading! Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced. We were annoyed by one loud boat so I can’t imagine what it would be like if the lake was filled with boaters. This is why we prefer shoulder-season camping!
LegendThis state park has a little bit of everything. There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without. Some sites are in the middle of a grassy field while others are tucked in the trees. Site size various pretty vastly as you travel through the campground. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other. The campground loops have bath houses, complete with coin operated showers. Park staff were attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency.
There are more remote walk-in shelters on the Osmore Pond, located within New Discovery State Park. The shelters are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables. The remote sites are spaced nicely around the pond along a hiking trail that skirts the perimeter. The walk from the parking area to the shelters varies, depending what side of the pond you are camping on. If bringing a full-sized cooler(or other large/luxury car camping items) be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area. It would be a challenge to get some of those larger, heavier items to sites across the pond from the parking lot.
GuideWe stayed two nights in early September 2018. Easily found with google maps. Was greeted by a friendly staff member and shown how to get to our site. Arrived in the pitch black but was easy to find out site. Tent site #10.
It was very quiet, everyone seems to be enjoying their own spot. You can see your neighbors but there is some room in between sites. Clean bathrooms and relatively clean showers. Out site hand a picnic table and fire ring with grate.
We were a very short walk to the beach, where you could swim. Perfect spot to practice some night photography with minimal light pollution.
Also had a fire going all night by the building attached to the bathrooms. They offered wood, ice and small things to buy if needed.
Definitely recommend staying here. Pricing would be the only slight negative, it is about average from what we have looked at. Wish we could have stayed longer.
LegendThis is one of many state parks all clustered around a few bodies of water in Vermont. The campground has a mix of standard tent/rv(no hook ups) sites and lean-to shelters. Sites are relatively close to one another but have a decent amount of vegetation between them to create a little more separation. That being said, we could hear our neighbors reading Harry Potter at bedtime to their kiddo.
Lean-tos are large enough to accommodate 2 moderately sized free-standing tents(2-4 person, depending on the style). All sites have standard fire rings and large picnic tables. The bath house is centrally located to all sites and was adequate as it relates to cleanliness and accommodations. Despite their being a ton of signage regarding mask wearing in the bathrooms, there were very few heading the request.
I was disappointed to see trash and cigarette butts left in our fire pit from the last campers. Additionally, our lean-to did not appear to have been swept out and tidied in between parties.
I would also say that the staff who checked us in were not super attentive or helpful. One thing to note: check in for this park happens up the road at Stillwater State Park. I would probably stay somewhere else before staying here again. But if the surrounding parks are full(common this summer), this location allowed us to still explore the area and enjoy some time outdoors.
ScoutSpent 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.
Facilities were accessible and clean. Quiet hours were definitely observed. Easily one of the best camp sites I’ve stayed at.
Newport's mountainous landscapes offer primitive tent camping options amid Vermont's rugged northeastern terrain. Sites are scattered across state parks and public lands at elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet, with many accessible only by foot or paddle. Camping opportunities extend from late May through mid-October, with seasonal closures at higher elevations during spring mud season (typically mid-March through early May).
Paddling access only: At Green River Reservoir State Park Campground, campers must paddle to all sites. As camper Mackenzie B. notes, "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."
Fishing opportunities: The Connecticut River offers excellent fishing access. At Lyman Falls State Park Campground, "The riverbank is a great spot to fish from and enjoy the afternoon sun," according to Sarah C., who started a multi-day canoe trip from this location.
Mountain hiking: Many campgrounds provide direct trail access to Vermont's peaks. At Underhill State Park, tent sites sit just 0.3 miles from mountain trailheads. One camper noted, "The campground is in a perfect spot. About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain."
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the separation between camping areas. At Underhill State Park Campground, "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," writes Bojangles R.
Wilderness swimming: Swimming spots are available at several reservoirs and along riverbanks. One camper described Green River Reservoir as "a primitive park, perfect for paddling, wild camping, swimming, and watching wildlife."
Dark night skies: The remote nature of these campsites offers excellent stargazing. A reviewer at Underhill State Park praised the "night sky to die for" among the campground's features, along with "private spots, pit toilets" and "extremely helpful and very friendly" rangers.
Limited amenities: Most sites have minimal facilities. At Maine Railroad Trestle, expect just "a picnic table and fire ring" at the hilltop site, with "a nice rocky beach with easy access for loading and unloading" boats, according to Sarah C.
First-come basis: Some remote sites don't take reservations. Molly's Falls Pond State Park offers "5 unofficial, remote campsites at the park. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis," plus "a boat launch with 2 fishing platforms" and port-a-potty access.
Variable tent terrain: Finding level spots can be challenging. At Green River Reservoir, site #12 was "definitely not our favorite. It was difficult to find a flat tent spot, and the site seemed very overused."
Wheelbarrow assistance: Some walk-in sites offer equipment to transport gear. At Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven, "Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night," notes Evan M., calling it the "most quiet and peaceful place for camping."
Wildlife viewing spots: Families can observe local wildlife from specific locations. At Green River Reservoir, one camper recommends: "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times."
Tick awareness: Check for ticks after visiting grassy areas. At Maine Railroad Trestle, "If you walk through the campsite, there is a massive cornfield, just beware that the ticks in the field are insane! They weren't bad in the campsite but in the grass, they were epic."
Limited RV options: Most remote sites near Newport accommodate tents only. At Serenity Field, sites are "semi private tent only camping in a beautiful field! Can pull your car right up to the site. Super quiet and secluded. Literally feet away from kingdom trails," according to Matt H.
Weekend planning: More established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Consider weekday trips for greater solitude, as one camper notes about Green River Reservoir: "Definitely recommend trying to reserve for a weekday, or in the off season."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newport, VT is Green River Reservoir State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
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