The area surrounding Sheldon, Vermont offers tent campers a collection of rustic and remote camping experiences, primarily focused on island camping in Lake Champlain and secluded forest locations. Burton Island State Park and Knight Island State Park provide tent-only sites with minimal amenities and boat-in access, making them popular choices for tent campers seeking a more immersive outdoor experience. Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven offers more accessible tent camping with 10 designated sites and basic amenities.
Tent sites throughout the region require varied preparation depending on access type. Boat-in tent campgrounds like Woods Island State Park feature shoreline camping with rocky beaches and primitive facilities. One visitor noted that "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." Most tent-only areas provide fire rings and composting toilets, but lack potable water. Campers should pack all essential supplies, including drinking water. Reservations are required for state park tent sites, with many booking up months in advance, especially waterfront locations.
The tent camping experience near Sheldon offers exceptional privacy and natural immersion. Burton Island provides tent campers with car-free camping and multiple beach access points. According to a camper, "it's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont" with the added benefit of being "super family friendly" due to the absence of vehicles. Sites at Underhill State Park feature stream-side tent camping with wheelbarrows available to transport gear from parking areas to walk-in tent sites. Green River Reservoir State Park offers paddle-in camping with 27 remote tent sites accessed by canoe or kayak, providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including moose sightings in the Beaver Meadow area. Winter camping permits are available for experienced tent campers at some locations, though most tent campgrounds operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
"Spacious sites with fire rings. Shade is limited at certain times of the day. Nice hiking trails nearbye."
"When we booked our Labor Day weekend tent site back in March, there were only 2 leantos (out of 26) left and a handful of tent sites (out of 14)."
"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."
from $35 - $45 / night
"One of three neighboring island parks in Lake Champlain’s “inland sea”(along with Burton Island and Knight Island), Woods Island became Vermont's forty-fifth state park in 1985."
"There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing. Deer, .turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island"
"It doesn't host a ton of amenities other than outdoor toilets, but it doesn't need to because every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic"
"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."
from $40 - $50 / night
"There is an extensive trail system that is easy to navigate. Nestled in the woods are several tent platforms that you can access by foot or by boat. They are spacious but not too private."
"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."
from $21 - $36 / 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."
from $20 - $50 / night
"Just a truly beautiful place ♡ One of Lake Champlains BEST hidden gems!"
ScoutFirst trip with our new RV and we were a little nervous about getting everything set up. Having full hookups made it way less complicated than we expected. Once we were settled, we just enjoyed the area and took a few day trips. Would definatly come back for another Adirondack trip.
ScoutWe came up for a quick Adirondack getaway and ended up spending most of our time outside. A little disc golf, some time by the pool, dinner at the site and plenty of walks with the dog. Pretty much everything we wanted out of the trip.
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
GuideWe had the upper sites all drive in or small camper. And or Tent. Amazing rolling brook beautiful sites we had site 32. The lower ones are rv. The owner gave us free wood as it was end of season. We were there Oct 10 I’m not sure but think they close the 13
ScoutWe were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
ScoutWe only planned on staying a few nights but ended up adding another week. Once we got settled in, it was hard to leave.
GuideWas lucky to get a tent camping spot due a late cancellation on holiday weekend. Arrived at sunset. Staff were exceedingly friendly and helpful. Site T1 looked out over the lake, had electric and water, and was adjacent to the bathroom. Absolutely no privacy or separation from adjacent tent site but didn’t bother me. Hot shower was 15 ft walk away. Recommend reservations since there’s not many other options in Newport. Columbus Day weekend was their closing weekend and this was Saturday night of that weekend.
GuideCar camped on Sunday of Columbus Day weekend in October. This was their closing weekend and lots of spaces were available. Stayed in tent circle loop and it was almost empty. Great access to lake shore and bike path. Walked back toward marina and town in the evening and ran in the morning the other direction going out to Rock Point. Didn’t use the shower facilities. The bathroom near our loop only had sinks and toilets and was fine.
Tent camping near Sheldon, Vermont provides access to both Lake Champlain's island camping and the mountainous terrain of northwest Vermont. The area sits within Franklin County at elevations ranging from 400-2,600 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August, requiring campers to secure gear against sudden rain and wind.
Paddling to remote sites: Green River Reservoir State Park offers a unique camping experience with 27 remote sites only accessible by canoe or kayak. "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 one visitor. Sites are between one and two miles from the boat launch, so pack efficiently.
Fishing opportunities: Indian Brook Reservoir provides excellent fishing conditions for tent campers. "The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," mentions a reviewer. The reservoir is stocked with trout and also contains bass and perch.
Wildlife viewing: Look for moose in the quieter areas of Green River Reservoir. "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times," advises a camper. Early morning and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the region's camping areas.
Privacy between sites: The remote campsites throughout the region consistently earn praise for their seclusion. At Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven, campers appreciate that "The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private." The ten sites are well-spaced with natural screening.
Car-free camping: Several of the region's best tent camping areas prohibit vehicles, creating a more peaceful experience. At Knight Island State Park Campground, "every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island." The boat-in requirement limits crowds.
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic nature of tent camping near Sheldon, campers frequently mention well-maintained facilities. A visitor to Underhill State Park noted, "Facilities were accessible and clean. Quiet hours were definitely observed. Easily one of the best camp sites I've stayed at."
Access limitations: Many tent camping areas require specific transportation methods. At Woods Island State Park Campground, "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." Plan your transportation carefully.
Water supply issues: Most remote tent sites require bringing your own drinking water. A camper at Black Creek Maple's notes that "Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night," but you'll need to bring additional supplies for longer stays.
Advance planning requirements: Most state park tent sites must be reserved months ahead. "Campsites at Burton Island book far in advance. When we booked our Labor Day weekend tent site back in March, there were only 2 leantos (out of 26) left and a handful of tent sites (out of 14)," reports one camper.
Stream-side sites: Underhill State Park Campground offers excellent tent sites for families with young children. "We stayed at campsite 6 and loved waking up to the sound of the stream down the embankment," shares a visitor. The park provides wheelbarrows to transport gear from parking to campsites.
Equipment transport: When tent camping with families, consider how to move gear to remote sites. At Indian Brook Reservoir, "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over," advises a family of four who tent camped there.
Island camping advantages: Burton Island State Park Campground provides a unique experience for families. "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans," explains a regular visitor. The ferry costs $8 per person with no extra charge for gear except bikes ($2).
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Sheldon don't accommodate RVs, but Burton Island does offer some RV sites with significant limitations. "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; restaurant and store on site; wood for sale," explains an RVer who gave the experience five stars despite the limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sheldon, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sheldon, VT is Burton Island State Park Campground with a 4.9-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Sheldon, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Sheldon, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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