Best Tent Camping near Stowe, VT
Tent campers seeking backcountry experiences near Stowe, Vermont can find several established options within a short drive. Underhill State Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites at the base of Mount Mansfield, while Camel's Hump State Park provides hike-in tent camping along the popular mountain trail system. Green River Reservoir State Park, located northeast of Stowe, features remote tent sites accessible only by paddling across the reservoir.
Most primitive tent setups in the area require some planning and self-sufficiency. Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provide boat-in access to secluded tent camping with minimal amenities—just composting toilets shared between sites. A recent review noted that "these remote sites are so peaceful" but warned campers to "be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site is r11-27" to avoid an excessively long paddle. Sites typically include fire rings, but campers should bring their own drinking water as most locations lack potable water sources. The camping season generally runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, though some areas close after Labor Day.
In early fall, many tent campgrounds offer crisp air and fewer crowds. The Green Mountain National Forest provides dispersed camping options along Forest Road 25, where tent campers can find small clearings near streams. These sites tend to be more rustic than state park campgrounds but offer greater solitude. A visitor commented that the sites "looked lovely though. Some people were really entrenched with string lights etc." Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes on nearby trail systems. At Camel's Hump State Park, the designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike with approximately 10-12 sites. The area features a host who remains on-site and a shared area for eating and food storage to mitigate bear encounters. Most backcountry tent sites require proper food storage techniques and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.