Best Tent Camping near Waterbury, VT

State parks and national forests surrounding Waterbury, Vermont provide diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. Camel's Hump State Park offers hike-in tent camping about 1.5 miles from the trailhead with approximately 10-12 designated primitive sites. Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provide boat-in tent-only camping with composting toilets and established fire rings. Underhill State Park, located north of Waterbury, features walk-in tent sites with more amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, and toilet facilities. Green Mountain National Forest offers dispersed tent camping along Forest Road 25 and Route 100.

Most tent campsites in the Waterbury region operate seasonally from May through mid-October, with many closing after Columbus Day weekend. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Tent pads vary from dirt and forest duff to occasional wooden platforms at designated sites. Backcountry tent camping requires proper food storage as bears are present in the region. Composting toilets or pit privies are available at state park locations, while dispersed camping areas typically lack facilities. Water sources are unreliable at many primitive tent sites, particularly during late summer drought conditions.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as base camps for hiking the surrounding mountains and trails. According to reviews, Camel's Hump sites include "a shared area for eating and food storage" since bears are a concern in the area. At Waterbury Reservoir, one camper noted that while some tent sites are on slopes, they are "peaceful" and "prime locations" worth the 30-minute paddle from the launch point. Underhill State Park receives praise for its "private spots" where "trees helped with privacy." The tent-only nature of many sites creates a quieter experience compared to mixed-use campgrounds, with several reviewers mentioning the excellent night sky viewing and peaceful forest surroundings.

Best Tent Sites Near Waterbury, Vermont (43)

    1. Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park

    2 Reviews
    Bolton, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 879-6565

    $10 / night

    "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"

    2. Underhill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Underhill Center, VT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 899-3022

    "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."

    "Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while. Will definitely go back this year."

    3. Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites — Waterbury Center State Park

    1 Review
    Waterbury Center, VT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 585-4855

    "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you’ll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!"

    4. Mount Philo State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Charlotte, VT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 425-2390

    $23 / night

    "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."

    5. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    20 miles
    Website

    "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"

    "Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."

    6. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    20 miles

    "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."

    "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."

    7. Green River Reservoir State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hyde Park, VT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 888-1349

    $20 - $50 / night

    "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."

    8. Molly’s Falls Pond State Park Campground (Remote Hike In Sites)

    1 Review
    Marshfield, VT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 476-0170

    "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. "

    9. Indian Brook Reservoir

    1 Review
    Essex Junction, VT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 878-1342

    $21 - $36 / night

    "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."

    10. Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    2 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    25 miles

    "The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic. "

    "Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"

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Showing results 1-10 of 43 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Waterbury, VT

581 Reviews of 43 Waterbury Campgrounds



Guide to Waterbury

Waterbury, Vermont, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Green Mountains.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tent campers should check out Green Mountain National Forest

Tips for tent camping near Waterbury

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waterbury, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waterbury, VT is Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Waterbury, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Waterbury, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.