37 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campers seeking backcountry experiences near Stowe, Vermont will find a range of tent campsites, from walk-in sites at the base of Mount Mansfield to remote paddle-in locations. 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.
"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.""They ask that you limit your driving on the path to the site- so we were sure to go into town to get all we needed before we settled into camp- which wasnt hard to do."
"The bathroom is a composting toilet that you’ll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!"
"Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. Use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming5th to campground. Very quite. cell phone t mobile works fine."
"This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though."
"Great tent site, site 1 can have 3 platform and fire pit"
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
"There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks or the Green Mountains. The facility is small, but adequate."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"Route 2 traverses the northern edge of the property and there is a dam at the western end of the reservoir that is owned by Green Mountain Power Company. "
"Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any."
"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)."
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.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
GuideMost sites are secluded. There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!
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.
The terrain around Stowe, Vermont offers tent campers a mix of forested mountains, rolling hills, and river valleys, with elevations ranging from 700 feet in town to over 4,000 feet on Mount Mansfield. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F, while fall brings cooler nights with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing. Most primitive camping options require proper food storage techniques due to the local black bear population.
Hiking from campsites: At Underhill State Park Campground, you can access excellent trails directly from your site. "A short walk from the group campsite takes you straight to various amazing hiking trails," notes a camper who spent a weekend there. Sites provide quick access to Mount Mansfield hiking routes.
Fishing nearby waters: Tent campers at Green River Reservoir State Park enjoy excellent fishing opportunities. "The swimming and fishing are awesome here too," mentions one reviewer who visits the park regularly. Anglers can catch rainbow trout, brown trout, northern pike, pickerel, smallmouth bass and yellow perch.
Nature viewing: Wildlife watching opportunities abound around the tent camping areas. "Be sure to paddle out to the Beaver Meadow - we have seen moose there several times," advises a regular visitor to Green River Reservoir. Dawn and dusk provide the best wildlife viewing times at most locations.
Privacy between sites: Mount Philo State Park Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees," notes one camper about the layout. Another visitor appreciated how "private the camp sites were," making it ideal for those seeking solitude while tent camping near Stowe.
Waterfront access: Many campers praise the water access at Indian Brook Reservoir sites. "Site was gorgeous and private, right on the reservoir. Really lovely setting!" reports a family who tent camped there. The reservoir's tent platforms can be accessed either by foot or by boat.
Night sky viewing: Clear nights offer exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Underhill State Park, one camper raved about "a night sky to die for!" Most primitive sites lack light pollution, providing excellent conditions for astronomy enthusiasts. Tent campers often report seeing the Milky Way on clear nights.
Campsite accessibility challenges: Some locations require significant effort to reach. At Indian Brook Reservoir, a camper warns, "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."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have minimal amenities. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, dispersed camping areas provide few services. "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints," reports one visitor, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.
Site reservation timing: Popular tent camping locations fill quickly, especially during peak season. For Burton Island, one camper noted, "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 left and a handful of tent sites." Many experienced campers book sites 6-11 months ahead for summer weekends.
Choose sites with amenities: Black Creek's Nature Escape provides amenities that make tent camping with children easier. "Many amenities such as wood, water and outhouse nearby," notes one camper. The site also features "a very clean outhouse and shower right on site," which families appreciate when camping with kids.
Consider distance to bathrooms: When tent camping with young children, select sites close to facilities. At Mount Philo, a camper observed that "Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms," which can be convenient for families with frequent bathroom trips.
Look for ranger programs: Several campgrounds offer educational activities. At Underhill State Park, a visitor mentioned that "the rangers are extremely helpful and very friendly," making it a good choice for families seeking guided nature experiences while tent camping near Stowe.
Size restrictions matter: Most primitive camping areas near Stowe have limitations for larger vehicles. At Mount Philo State Park, a camper observed that "because the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs." Small campervans and truck campers fare better than larger motorhomes on the narrow forest roads.
Consider parking logistics: Some camping areas require special parking considerations. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, a visitor noted, "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily." Smaller vehicles have more options for tent camping locations around Stowe, Vermont.
Weather impact on access: Seasonal conditions affect vehicle access to many sites. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest mentioned that "with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out," indicating how weather can make forest roads challenging. Spring often brings muddy conditions that can restrict access to more remote tent camping sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Stowe, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Stowe, VT is Underhill State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Stowe, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Stowe, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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