Tent camping near Starksboro, Vermont offers access to the western slopes of the Green Mountains where elevations range from 600 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences cool summer nights with temperatures typically dropping into the 50s even during July and August. Area camping options include both primitive backcountry sites and established campgrounds, with most open seasonally from late May through mid-October due to Vermont's harsh winter conditions.
What to do
Hike to scenic overlooks: At Mount Philo State Park Campground, campers can access short trails leading to impressive viewpoints. "My favorite part about camping here is getting up early and hiking the short trail to the top for a spectacular sunrise," notes one camper, who adds that "the views from the top of Mt. Philo are incredible, and you can drive your car right to the top for an impromptu picnic."
Swim in natural water features: Many camping areas near Starksboro offer swimming opportunities. "We recommend nearby Charlotte town beach for swimming ($10 for non-residents)," mentions a Mount Philo camper. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, one visitor notes, "This is right next to Mad River with an area to walk down into a swimming hole."
Mountain climbing: The region provides access to challenging peaks. At Underhill State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "the campground is in a perfect spot. About a .3 mile hike to the main trail to climb the mountain."
What campers like
Private camping spaces: Many sites offer good separation between campers. At Mount Philo, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are the best if you're only camping with those at your site as they're the most secluded and private." Underhill State Park gets similar praise: "Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy."
Water proximity: Riverside and lakeside camping rank highly among visitor preferences. At Patterson Brookside Camp, "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road... Gorgeous rock river." Similarly, at Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites, visitors note "these remote sites are so peaceful... these sites are all prime locations!"
Dark night skies: The rural setting creates excellent stargazing conditions. Underhill State Park offers "a night sky to die for!" according to one reviewer, who also appreciates the "totally beautiful, private spots."
What you should know
Site access varies significantly: Some locations require effort to reach. 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." For Waterbury Reservoir, "Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27... It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites have no amenities. Patterson Brookside Camp "is primitive. There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Booking considerations: Established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Mount Philo has "only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees" and visitors advise to "book early." Similarly, Underhill features limited capacity, with one reviewer noting "we stayed in the group site because everything else was packed."
Tips for camping with families
Consider walk-in requirements: Some sites require carrying gear. Indian Brook Reservoir requires planning as "they do not have drive up campsites... It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light."
Choose established sites for facilities: Mount Philo offers family-friendly amenities. "Bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc." Another family notes they "love how private the camp sites were. There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views."
Look for easy access swimming: For families with children, safe water access matters. Route 100 dispersed camping offers "3-5 campsites right off of route 100... right next to Mad River with an area to walk down into a swimming hole."
Tips for RVers
Size limitations exist: Most sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. Mount Philo has restrictions with one camper noting "because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs."
Consider established campgrounds: While dispersed options exist, amenities are limited for RVs. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 has "a small number of sites and a bit hard to find" but allows small RVs in some areas.
Watch for seasonal road conditions: Access roads to dispersed sites may become impassable. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest FR25 noted "the sites looked lovely though" but warned that "with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out."
