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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
