Tent camping near Underhill, Vermont places visitors in the northern section of the Green Mountain range, where elevations range from 900 to 4,300 feet. The region's climate features warm summer days typically reaching 70-80°F and cool nights dropping to 50-60°F. The camping season extends beyond the typical Memorial Day to mid-October window at some locations with primitive sites remaining accessible for experienced campers into November when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Morning hikes: 1.5-mile trails at Camel's Hump State Park offer strategic timing options for summit views. "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 designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike," notes Kate K.
Paddling and swimming: 30-minute access from Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provides water-based recreation. Julia S. explains, "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27. We made the mistake of parking at little River rd the first time and the paddle to r14 from there was way too long. It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site."
Winter camping: seasonal permits available for off-season exploration at certain sites. A reviewer at Knight Island State Park confirms, "Knight Island is a summer camping oasis but you can obtain a permit from the Vt. State Parks to winter camp. There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing."
What campers like
Site privacy: distance between campsites at Mount Philo State Park Campground creates separation from neighbors. Drew Q. observed, "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. Sites 2 and 3 are more open, to both each other, and to those en route to the bathrooms."
Sound of running water: stream proximity provides natural ambient noise at many locations. Ali T. from Underhill State Park shared, "We stayed at campsite 6 and loved waking up to the sound of the stream down the embankment. We'd definitely stay here again!"
Fire and cooking amenities: equipment provided at Black Creek's Nature Escape and Tent Haven enhances the camping experience. "Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night. There's extra fire wood for sale along with a sink to do dishes," explains Evan M.
What you should know
Transportation logistics: ferry and boat access required at some campgrounds creates planning challenges. "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," warns Erin B. at Indian Brook Reservoir.
Toilet facilities: composting toilet system differs from standard facilities. Julia S. observed at Waterbury Reservoir, "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!"
Site selection strategy: topography considerations affect tent placement and comfort. "It was difficult to find a flat tent spot, and the site seemed very overused," notes Tara S. about Green River Reservoir, while Julia adds, "The spot where you set up tent at this site was on a slope, others sites might be better."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: dawn timing increases chances of animal sightings. "Deer, turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island," reports a Knight Island State Park visitor.
Boat rental options: paddleboard availability offers alternative activities for older children. A Burton Island camper shared, "We watched a sunset on the South tip, caught frogs at our shoreline, rented a paddleboard, played in the waves, and enjoyed the icecream sandwiches from the camp store."
Frog catching: shoreline locations provide kid-friendly nature interaction. "We have explored this park in the winter as well as the summer. There is an extensive trail system that is easy to navigate," notes M.A.D. P. at Indian Brook Reservoir.
Wheelbarrow assistance: equipment transport help available at Burton Island State Park Campground eases family camping challenges. "Once you're on the island, you can borrow a cart to bring your gear to your site, or you can pay one of the park rangers to haul it in one of their golf carts," explains Rita M.
Tips from RVers
Generator restrictions: time limits enforced at participating campgrounds. Nicholas G. reports about Little River, "Limited gen. use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming to campground. Very quite. Cell phone t mobile works fine."
Site dimensions: length limitations affect larger RV accommodation. The same camper notes, "Site could hold big rig we have a 28ft 5th wheel plenty of room for 35/40."
Access road conditions: rough terrain requires preparation for some locations. Beau B. at Mount Philo cautions, "The road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs."
