Tent camping near Westford, Vermont offers varied primitive camping experiences within the Green Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 4,000 feet across the region. Weather patterns in northern Vermont create crisp, cool nights even in summer months, with average overnight lows in the 50s F from June through August. Local campgrounds typically close between mid-September and mid-October due to early frost conditions.
What to do
Hiking to summit views: At Mount Philo State Park Campground, campers can access short trails leading to panoramic views. "Every night it's 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," reports one visitor. The park has multiple viewpoints accessible via moderate trails under 1 mile long.
Paddling the reservoir: Exploring Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites by kayak or canoe provides access to secluded camping spots. "It was about 30 minutes from the cotton brook launch to the site and was much more doable for all the trips we took bringing our gear in," notes one camper. The reservoir spans 850 acres with multiple launch points for accessing remote tent sites.
Fishing from shore: Bass fishing opportunities abound at shoreline campsites, particularly on Lake Champlain islands. "Excellent bass fishing and miles of hiking," mentions one visitor to Valcour Island. Most lakeside campsites require no fishing permit for children under 15, though adults need Vermont fishing licenses available online or at local shops.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers value the well-spaced sites at many Westford-area campgrounds. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, "Sites 1, 6 and 8 are 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."
Primitive bathroom facilities: Many tent-only sites maintain basic but functional facilities. "Bathrooms were clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc. The toilets are composting toilets, but from the user experience, it's very close to a regular toilet in that it's in a stall in a nice, well maintained proper bathroom," explains a Mount Philo camper.
Off-grid experience: The isolation appeals to many tent campers near Westford. At Woods Island State Park Campground, "The island's five campsites are situated around the two-mile shoreline, and are connected by a trail system. This gives you great privacy, but it also means you're going to have to walk and carry your own gear from wherever you come ashore."
What you should know
Water access challenges: Many island and shoreline tent sites near Westford require careful planning for water access. When camping at Burton Island State Park Campground, "Getting to the island was the hardest part. Depending on the weather, the 3/4 mile crossing from Kamp KilKare State Park can be rough and windy. If you are an experienced paddler, have a good copilot, and not too much gear, you would be fine."
Reservation requirements: Most formal tent sites in the Westford region must be reserved well ahead of time, especially for summer weekends. "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 (out of 26) left and a handful of tent sites (out of 14)."
Pack-in limitations: Many tent-only sites require significant hauling of gear. At Indian Brook Reservoir, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The wetland areas surrounding many tent sites provide opportunities for animal spotting. "We watched a sunset on the South tip, caught frogs at our shoreline, rented a paddleboard, played in the waves, and enjoyed the ice cream sandwiches from the camp store, skipped stones in the lake, and explored the island. Our kids can't wait to go back," shares a family who visited Burton Island.
Gear transport assistance: Some parks offer help with the logistics of remote tent camping. At Burton Island, "After getting all of our stuff packed on the ferry and arriving on the island, we chose to have the campground deliver our stuff to our campsite for $10... it was well worth it."
Car-free environment: Island camping provides safe spaces for children to explore. "There are no cars on the island. You have to paddle yourself out or take the VT State Park passenger ferry from St. Albans. It's super family friendly - maybe it's because there aren't cars all over the place, but the island is full of free range kids, and they're having a blast."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most tent camping areas near Westford have significant restrictions for larger vehicles. Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven is designed specifically for tent camping with "10 primitive tent sites with views of Mount Mansfield." According to visitors, the "small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private" and is not suitable for RVs or larger camping setups.
Weather contingency plans: Having backup accommodations can save a camping trip. At Black Creek Maple's, "Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night. Clean water, fire wood and cooking rack are provided for your first night."
