Tent camping near Underhill Center, Vermont offers campers access to the northern Green Mountains region at elevations between 850-4,395 feet. The area experiences cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 40s even in July and August, making proper sleeping gear essential for comfort. Primitive campsites throughout the region typically close earlier in the season than other Vermont camping areas due to colder fall temperatures.
What to do
**Mountain hiking access: Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites at Waterbury Center State Park provide an excellent basecamp for hiking Mt. Mansfield and Camels Hump. "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27," notes one camper. The boat-in sites require about a 30-minute paddle from the cotton brook launch area.
Swimming in natural settings: Indian Brook Reservoir offers multiple water activities in a less crowded setting. "The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," reports one visitor. Sites are accessible either on foot or by boat, with several tent platforms nestled within the woods.
Wildlife observation: Green River Reservoir State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at the Beaver Meadow area. "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times," mentions one camper. The 653-acre reservoir features 19 miles of shoreline and requires a paddle of up to 2 miles to reach some of the more remote sites.
What campers like
Site privacy: Mount Philo State Park Campground receives high marks for its secluded camping spots. "Sites 1, 6 and 8 and the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private," notes one visitor. The small park has just 8 campsites total, dispersed among trees.
Car-free camping experience: Burton Island State Park Campground offers a unique camping experience on an island in Lake Champlain. "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 one camper. The ferry costs $8 per person with no extra charge for gear, though there is a $2 fee for bikes.
Quiet natural settings: At Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven, campers appreciate the peaceful surroundings. "Most quiet and peaceful place for camping. Such a great host," comments one visitor. The site offers multiple amenities including clean water, firewood, cooking racks, and a sink for washing dishes.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most waterfront sites at popular locations book very quickly. At Burton Island State Park Campground, "Waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance), but if you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites."
Bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds have basic facilities. At Mount Philo, "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc." Many primitive sites share composting toilets or outhouses between multiple campsites.
Access challenges: Many of the more remote sites require additional effort to reach. At Indian Brook Reservoir, one family noted: "It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for children: At Knight Island State Park Campground, waterside sites offer ideal settings for families. "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," writes one visitor. However, they caution that "mosquitoes and black flies in the middle of the island can be nasty, sometimes better to take the perimeter route."
Gear transport options: At Underhill State Park Campground, moving camping equipment from parking to sites is made easier. "They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff, and the campsites are super clean and well organized," notes one camper who stayed at site 6.
Activities planning: Green River Reservoir offers excellent swimming and fishing opportunities for families but requires advance planning. "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. Definitely recommend trying to reserve for a weekday, or in the off season."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most campgrounds near Underhill Center have significant RV restrictions. At Underhill State Park, the facilities are "very primitive and quiet" with no hookups and minimal amenities for larger camping units.
Generator restrictions: Campers with RVs should note that many area campgrounds prohibit generator use. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, the road is described as "steep and winding" and "not suitable for RVs" by experienced campers.
Alternative options: While many primitive sites cannot accommodate RVs, Little River State Park near Waterbury Reservoir offers some RV-friendly options. "Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming to campground. Very quite. Site could hold big rig we have a 28ft 5th wheel plenty of room for 35/40."
