Tent campsites near Vergennes, Vermont can be found within a 30-minute drive radius, across varied terrain ranging from 200 to 2,500 feet in elevation. The camping season typically runs from late May through mid-October, with July temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day. Winter camping is restricted in most dispersed areas due to snow closures and limited access on forest roads.
What to do
Swimming at local beaches: Mount Philo State Park campers can visit Charlotte town beach for swimming, though non-residents pay a $10 fee. One camper noted it's "exceptionally quiet" with "widely spaced wooded sites," making it a perfect basecamp for swimming excursions to Charlotte town beach.
Sunrise hiking: Early risers can take advantage of short trails to spectacular viewpoints. At Mount Philo State Park, campers can "get up early and hike the short trail to the top for a spectacular sunrise" with views across Lake Champlain and the surrounding mountains - all within a 10-minute walk from the campsites.
Boating and fishing: Indian Brook Reservoir offers peaceful water recreation options on a no-motor lake. "The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," according to one reviewer. Sites can be accessed either by foot or by boat, adding flexibility for campers with kayaks or canoes.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Camping directly beside streams creates a natural sound buffer between sites. At Patterson Brookside camp, campers appreciate that "there are a handful of sites to camp at along the river, each offering a slightly different experience." One reviewer described the setting as having a "gorgeous rock river" with sites scattered along a mountain road.
Sunset viewing spots: Several campgrounds offer prime sunset viewing locations. At Mount Philo State Park, a camper highlighted that "every night its only a ten minute hike to the summit from where the sites are and you get to watch the sunset over Vermont and lake champlain as the sun falls behind the adirondack mountains."
Secluded, quiet camping: For those seeking solitude, several camping areas offer exceptional privacy. Davey Falls ADK provides an "amazing secluded creekside spot" with a "private waterfall" and hiking trails in what one reviewer called the "perfect location to explore eastern Adk."
What you should know
Increased enforcement: Several dispersed camping areas show signs of overuse. The Patterson Brookside area has signage warning that "this area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse." Campers must use established fire rings only.
Reservation requirements: The limited sites at established campgrounds fill quickly. Mount Philo has "only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees" at $23/night with fire pits and picnic tables. Multiple reviewers emphasized booking early due to high demand.
Bear safety: Food storage is critical in Green Mountain National Forest camping areas. One camper advised to "lock your valuables" after having "Jackery, Solar panels & toilet stolen" during their stay. This highlights both wildlife and security considerations when camping in remote areas.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly sites: Sites with nearby activities work best for families with children. One Mount Philo visitor mentioned it's "great for a family trip" with "nice hiking trails" though it "can be crowded sometimes" during peak summer weekends.
Pack-in accessibility: Consider how far you'll need to carry gear. Indian Brook Reservoir requires planning as "it was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light. If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over." This important logistics detail affects family camping experiences significantly.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom options vary widely between established and dispersed sites. Mount Philo offers "coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes" and "composting toilets... in a nice, well maintained proper bathroom," while most dispersed sites have no facilities whatsoever.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to dispersed sites often have limited turning space. One visitor to Green Mountain National Forest noted they "didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily." This limits options for larger vehicles.
Size restrictions: Several campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. Mount Philo State Park access road is "steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs" according to a reviewer who appreciated the tent-focused nature of the campground.
Weather challenges: Seasonal conditions impact camping comfort significantly. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 described their experience as "beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn't dry out." This highlights the importance of proper equipment and site selection for RV travelers.
