Primitive camping opportunities near Winooski, Vermont range from remote island experiences to mountain base camps. The region sits at the transition between the Champlain Valley and Green Mountain foothills, with elevations ranging from 95 to 4,000+ feet. Weather conditions vary significantly between lakeside and mountain locations, with mountain areas typically 10-15 degrees cooler than waterfront campgrounds.
What to do
Paddle to secluded islands: Knight Island State Park Campground offers a truly remote camping experience accessible only by private boat. "Every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic hikes across the island," reports one camper. The park features waterfront sites with minimal amenities beyond basic outdoor toilets.
Summit iconic peaks: From Underhill State Park Campground, access trails to Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. "A short walk from the group campsite takes you straight to various (amazing!) hiking trails," notes one visitor. The park serves as an excellent base camp for serious hikers, with sites located at the mountain's western approach.
Fishing opportunities: Burton Island State Park Campground offers excellent fishing in Lake Champlain. "The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," writes one reviewer. Anglers can fish directly from shore at many campsites or rent canoes to access deeper waters.
What campers like
Car-free island experiences: Burton Island State Park requires a boat or ferry to access but rewards visitors with a unique atmosphere. "It's like going to a tropical island without leaving Vermont. There are no cars on the island," explains a frequent visitor. The island features a marina, bistro, and multiple shoreline access points.
Private, shaded sites: Valcour Island offers boat-in camping with exceptional privacy. "I have been camping on this island for just over 30 years... It is one of my favorite places in the whole world," shares one long-time visitor. The free sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to composting toilets.
Sunset viewing spots: Knight Island State Park provides exceptional sunset opportunities from west-facing campsites. "Not for the faint of heart, Knight Island is only accessible by private boat... every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets," notes one camper. Sites require advanced reservations during the main season.
What you should know
Wheelbarrow logistics: At Underhill State Park, vehicles remain at a distance from campsites. "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff," explains one camper. Plan to consolidate gear for easier transport.
Pack in, pack out requirements: Many primitive sites require campers to carry out all trash. At Camel's Hump State Park, the designated camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike with special regulations. "The area had a host who was there 24/7 and a shared area for eating and food storage (I guess Bear's are a problem there)," reports one hiker.
Ferry schedules: For Burton Island camping, plan around the ferry schedule. "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," recommends one visitor. The passenger ferry runs from St. Albans throughout the day.
Tips for camping with families
Easy hikes with views: Underhill State Park offers family-friendly trails. "Nice comfortable campground with lean tos close to mount Mansfield," notes one visitor. Campsites are well-organized and clean, making them suitable for families with children of varying hiking abilities.
Island exploration activities: Burton Island State Park has designated family spaces. "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," explains a regular visitor. The island offers kayak rentals, swimming areas, and hiking trails.
Advance reservations essential: For tent camping near Winooski with kids, book well ahead. "[Burton Island] waterfront sites book very quickly (like 11 months in advance)," warns one camper. "If you don't mind being farther from the main campground and running water, you can almost always rent one of the four primitive sites."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive camping in the region lacks RV hookups. At Mount Philo State Park Campground, "the road is steep and winding, it's not suitable for RVs," cautions one reviewer. Small campervans and truck campers may access some sites, but large rigs should seek established campgrounds with appropriate facilities.
Alternative boat camping: For RV owners who also enjoy tent camping, consider using your RV as a base at nearby established campgrounds while taking day or overnight trips to the islands. "If you don't have a boat of your own," one Burton Island visitor explains, "the passenger ferry runs throughout the day" allowing for flexible exploration while maintaining RV home base elsewhere.
