Best Tent Camping near Norton, VT
Near Norton, Vermont, tent campers have access to both primitive and established campgrounds scattered throughout the region's forests and waterways. Lyman Falls State Park Campground offers boat-in and walk-in tent sites along the Connecticut River, with three sites providing shade under large pines. Maine Railroad Trestle and Scott C. Devlin Memorial provide dispersed camping options along the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail, requiring paddlers to register through the trail's website to prevent overcrowding.
Most tent sites in the Norton area are primitive with basic amenities. Fire rings are common at established sites, though some areas have seasonal fire restrictions. Vault toilets or pit privies are available at locations like Lyman Falls and Devil's Rest Shelter, but their condition varies by season and maintenance schedules. Many campgrounds require campers to carry in their own drinking water or filter from nearby water sources. Access often involves parking at small lots and carrying gear 200-250 yards to campsites, particularly at places like Lyman Falls where there is minimal signage.
The tent camping experience in this region offers significant privacy and natural surroundings. Sites along waterways provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling, with the Connecticut River being a focal point for many campsites. Tent platforms are available at some locations, though their condition varies. One camper noted of Lyman Falls: "While close to the road, it's not highly trafficked and the road noise is almost non-existent which was a nice surprise." Wildlife viewing is common, with loons, eagles, and occasionally moose spotted near water-adjacent tent sites. Insect activity can be substantial, especially in grassy areas and during summer months, with ticks being particularly prevalent at some riverside campsites.
