Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Northfield? Find the best information on tent camping near Northfield, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Northfield's most popular destinations.
The park is divided by Route 53. 19 tent/RV sites and 7 lean-to sites are on one side of the highway in a heavily wooded area, and 17 tent/RV sites are located along the perimeter of a grassy open area near the beach. There are restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. There is also a concession stand selling snacks, drinks and beach toys.
Nearby hiking trails to scenic vistas, waterfalls, caves, mountain lakes and streams provide outstanding hiking opportunites. Mountain biking trails are also nearby. There is fishing and boating on Lake Dunmore (canoe, kayak, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals are available at the park).
$23 / night
Underhill is within Vermont's 39,837-acre Mt. Mansfield State Forest. On the headwaters of the Brown's River, at about 2,000 feet elevation, the park lies on the west slope of 4,300 feet Mt. Mansfield, the state's highest peak. Just over the summit ridge is the Stowe ski area, one of North America's original ski resorts.
The elevation and corresponding exposure to harsh climatic conditions have resulted in some relatively unusual vegetation types along the mountain's summit ridge. The low, stunted-plants found in the alpine tundra near the summit, very rare in New England, are more typical of types found on broad expanses of Arctic tundra a thousand miles farther north. These plants are fragile (if you hike to the summit, please stay on marked trails).
The park is probably best known for its hiking. There are four trails to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield from Underhill State Park. Walking up the gated road from the park headquarters, the trails begin branching off shortly above the group camp area. The Sunset Ridge Trail, 3 miles to the summit, is the most popular. Vermont’s Long Trail traverses the summit ridge and, with several trails from the other side of the mountain, many loops are possible. Hiking information and trail maps are available at the park headquarters.
Facilities / Amenities The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The CCC-built pavilion has a fireplace and picnic tables The upper camp area, about 3/4 of a mile above the ranger station, has 7 lean-to sites and 2 tent sites, pit toilets, and is reserved for organized group-use. In the lower camp area, around the contact station, are 11 tent sites and 6 lean-to sites. There is cold water and flush toilets in the restrooms, but there are no showers.
Access to all campsites requires a short walk. Campsites are not accessible by vehicle.
The park also has a CCC-built sheltered tentsite tentsite that can be rented for up to a maximum of 8 people. The site comes with a picnic table and the shelter fireplace is to be used in lieu of a fire ring. Additionally, there are 2 standing grills adjacent to the shelter. The sheltered tentsite is $51 per night plus the $8 reservation fee.
Off-season access: The park gate remains open after park closes until the first snowfall. Once it snows, the gate is closed until there is sufficient snowfall to ski into the park, then it is reopened until spring melt.
$10 / night
Camping at the Waterbury Reservoir’s remote sites is a real backcountry adventure! Although every campsite provides a fire ring and toilet, the rest is a primitive experience. You will be far from other people and resources, surrounded by a beautiful wilderness. Campers are strongly encouraged to use cook stoves or bring their own firewood, also to pack water filters, adequate food/shelter and emergency supplies.
Camping Reservations
Beginning May 2, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., all 27 remote campsites along the reservoir perimeter will become available to reserve for any date in the 2022 operating season. Beginning June 1, 2022, reservations for the 2023 season will become available to be reserved up to 11 months in advance like other Vermont State Parks. Reservations can be made online, or through the park’s reservation call center at 1-888-409-7579, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The maximum stay will be limited to 7 nights. Regular camping fees will be charged like other state park camping areas. Every remote campsite has a maximum occupancy of 6 people, unless otherwise posted. Kayaks at the reservoir Kayaks sit at the waters edge. Facilities/Amenities
Dispersed all around the Reservoir are 27 remote campsites, each with a roofed composting toilet. Several day use areas, some also with toilets, are also provided for recreational use from sunrise to sunset. Day Use areas are locations where fires are permitted until closure at sunset.
There are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.
Forest Road 35 in Pittsfield, off of State Route 100, provides many camping opportunities in the woods and along Michigan Brook. The road is not recommended for low clearance vehicles.
Scout
I stayed at Art and Health Chill Camping recently, and it was a truly relaxing experience—just nature, art, and fresh air all around. The only thing I’d advise is to come prepared if you're concerned about health safety. When camping in remote areas, it's always wise to have a few essentials, especially if you’re camping with a group. Personally, I’d recommend taking a rapid STD/STI test on https://readyhelp.it/rapid-std-sti-test/ beforehand. It’s quick and easy, giving some extra peace of mind.
Guide
Very nice campground. Plenty of space for 2 vehicles in campsite. Sites are spacious and and shaded. Flush toilets well stocked and clean. Showers available at camp store. Very nice and helpful staff. Surprising that campground does not allow pets. The campground is close to main road and was noisy at night. Visitor center and Flume Trail are nearby.
Guide
Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice. Within walking distance from the campground are accesses to hiking / biking trails. Sites are spacious and shady.
Legend
This is a nice, quiet, and secluded CG for an overnight stay. We didn't have time to check out the area. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. The FHUs were in good order. Slightly low water pressure. It was perfect for our needs. We would stay here again.
Scout
It was a very quiet location. There was plenty of room between sites. The roads going in and leaving were well maintained. I accidently booked a tent site, and my popup camper and truck almost didn't fit. We will have to go back and get a shelter site. This way we can get the beautiful views of the mountains. We both enjoyed the Coolidge State Park
Scout
This is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites
Traveler
Run down. Owner nice.
Legend
Nice and quiet
Scout
I needed a place to stop, been traveling for 6 hours. Nice enough for me. Everything was wet from last night's rain. Everyone was pleasant.
Traveler
small number of sites and a bit hard to find
Legend
I scouted this area a couple of years ago and stayed in one of the lean-tos, this is a great area in the winter when no-one else is around.
There is a parking lot near the main road where you can park. The hike around the pond is nice, but wet, rocky and you need to be a sure-footed person. Views are great, the pond is amazing, and the campsites are well maintained.
Most sites have a lean-to and a well-built fireplace as well as an outhouse. Keep in mind this is a pack in pack out location. You are not allowed to cut wood, and only fallen dead is available for use.
Legend
This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night.
Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road.
Legend
There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience. The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive.
There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.
This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!
This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF
Scout
I just found out that Onion River Camground just willingly hosted a MAP(minor attracted person aka pedofile) meeting at their campground. I am so disgusted the owners of Onion River Campground that hosted this meeting allowed my family with two young girls to BOOK a campsite the SAME WEEKEND as this meeting with no warning of what was going on!!!! By the grace of God, we cancelled two weeks ago(for other reasons) and rerouted to another state. I’m sitting here reading this imagining my beautiful kids walking around a campground innocently with nasty individuals looking at them in a sexual way without my wife or I ever knowing what was going on right under our noses. It’s digusting and appalling that the campground owners support these pedofiles and would let ANY family book a stay there without making us aware. I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS SOMETHING I NEEDED TO LOOKOUT FOR BUT I THINK OTHERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF THIS. I don’t agree with supporting MAPs at all but if you are then make it an adult only campground for heavens sake.
Traveler
I like the atmosphere at Bridgeview Harbour Marina! The serene views and vibrant community make it a perfect spot to unwind. Speaking of unwinding, if you ever find yourself overwhelmed with writing assignments or projects, I highly recommend trying out domypaper.com writing service. They provide excellent support and can help you tackle any writing task with ease. Whether it’s for school, work, or personal projects, their team of experts ensures top-notch quality and timely delivery. So, after enjoying a day at the marina, consider getting some writing help to keep your stress levels down. Cheers to good times at the marina!
Ranger
Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.
There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.
The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).
The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.
We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.
ScoutYou deserve to be run out of business for even considering hosting such a disgusting function.
Guide
August stay very nice site 210 facing east with views of loon mountain area. These sites are w/E/S. Second stay mid September site 225 good easterly view. Quiet and peaceful. Lower sites by river with wooded sites of all categories. Tenting to small RV’s.
Scout
Nothing fancy but great location. The campground is right on the bike path and very close to Burlington.
GuideStayed here in August for a few nights now booking in September for three nights. Like sites on Harley road, with views of loon mountain and surrounding vistas. Very nice campground with lots of wooded sites some with river frontage. Very well appointed store. Lots of sites have electric and water. No RV over 32’ in lower sites over lost river bridge. Also cabins available throughout the grounds for those without RV/Tent. Close to town with stores , restaurants, gas stations
Scout
My family and friends were drawn to this campground for its exciting pool and convenient location, and those aspects definitely lived up to expectations. However, our campsite was not level, and the sites were very close together with little privacy. We were tent camping but the area we were in, while a tent site, is best for RVs.
The bathroom facilities could also use some attention– a loose toilet and a broken hand dryer weren't ideal. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, but these conditions kept it from being great.
ScoutPretty pond, good lean-to's, nice toilets, central put-in for canoes and kayaks, friendly people. Big groups in one area, individual remote sites far enough away to be private. Nicely maintained, friendly staff when you do see them. Went September 6 and 7 2024. Only 3 hours from Boston.
Scout
In addition to the descriptions of this campground in other reviews, I add charm and utility of site design, and the friendliness and intelligence of the staff. Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire.
Scout
Owners were very welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall.
Guide
Great spot, especially for families, it is a bit expensive, at $30 for tent spot and $40 for lean to. the staff was helpful and kept the grounds clean. We ended paying more for the lean to because it was more secluded and quiet, the rest of the park was busy.
Our spot was right on the brook which was peaceful and beautiful. It also had a fire pit with a grill grate and they sold firewood at the front gate.
Guide
We stayed for two nights to visit Burlington and lake Champlain.
It was not our favorite campground. The site are open, so no privacy and the sites are fairly small.
Toilets and showers are ok but nothing fancy. A bit worn.
Scout
Near the larger campground at the entrance is a"private little beach" with plenty of parking. I wish I had been here longer with geometry dash online!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Northfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Northfield, VT is Branbury State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Northfield, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
