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Best Tent Camping in Vermont

838 Reviews

Vermont is not only one of the best places to live and work in the U.S.; it’s also a hugely popular vacation destination. All seasons have their own charm in this freethinking New England state, from the long, snowy winters to gloriously sunny summers and, of course, the breathtaking fall foliage. It comes as no surprise that Vermont is popular among campers. Along with hiking, skiing and fishing, camping in Vermont is among the greatest things to do in this gorgeous state.

Vermont is one of the least populated American states, home to vast forests, accessible mountains, and picturesque villages. Whether you come for fishing or hiking, kayaking or skiing, Vermont has it all in world-class quality. Fishing on Lake Champlain can be done all year long – ice fishing in winter through boat trips in summer – while kayaks and canoes are welcome on most rivers and lakes. Hiking, however, is arguably the most practiced outdoor pursuit in the Green Mountain State. Trails crisscross across the land, running along the beautiful Lake Champlain shoreline and up to the highest Green Mountain peaks, such as Camels Hump and Mount Mansfield. Vermont is also home to the oldest long-distance trail in the United States, the Long Trail. This path runs from the Massachusetts border all the way north to Canada, following the crest of the Green Mountains. A section of the beloved Appalachian Trail cuts through the state’s southern part as well. Rest assured that you’ll find plenty of camping in Vermont on the way, along the trails, on riverbanks and lakeshores. Are you a winter camper, too? We sure hope so! Vermont happens to be one of North America’s best destinations for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. With renowned resorts such as Killington, Sugarbush and Stowe, it’s a winter sports enthusiast’s paradise.

No matter what adventures you’re after, Vermont has you covered. And at The Dyrt, we’re always ready to help you find the best camping in Vermont.

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Best Tent Sites in Vermont (45)

    1. Mount Philo State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Charlotte, VT
    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."

    "only seven tent sites and three Leanto so pretty secluded."

    2. Burton Island State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    North Hero, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 524-6353

    "Spacious sites with fire rings. Shade is limited at certain times of the day. Nice hiking trails nearbye."

    "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)."

    3. Underhill State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Underhill Center, VT
    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."

    "They ask that you limit your driving on the path to the site- so we were sure to go into town to get all we needed before we settled into camp- which wasnt hard to do."

    4. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Warren, VT
    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."

    5. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest

    3 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."

    6. Knight Island State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    North Hero, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 524-6353

    "There are some nice leantos on the east side of the island that give you access to the lake and some good fishing. Deer, .turkey, fox and smaller animals can be seen throughout the island"

    "It doesn't host a ton of amenities other than outdoor toilets, but it doesn't need to because every remote campsite is waterside, with fabulous access to amazing swimming, gorgeous sunsets, and fantastic"

    7. Green River Reservoir State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hyde Park, VT
    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. Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Warren, VT

    "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."

    9. Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    3 Reviews
    West Hartford, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 244-7037

    "Note: This is a back country shelter on the Appalachian trail that doesn't have consistent water.

    I stopped here on a section hike of the Appalachian trail."

    10. Black Creek Maple's Nature Escape and Tent Haven

    2 Reviews
    Jeffersonville, VT
    +1 (802) 923-6698

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Weather was not cooperative and my fiancé and I were able to rent one of the cabins for our second night. We will definitely recommend it to others and we will be back again."

    "The small amount of camping space made the experience quite unique and private. The host, Dianne, was really friendly. Many amenities such as wood, water and outhouse nearby. Very nice experience."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos in Vermont

42 Photos of 45 Vermont Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Vermont

838 Reviews of 45 Vermont Campgrounds

  • Beth R.
    Jun. 27, 2024

    Smugglers Notch State Park Campground

    Newly Developed … Work in Progress

    Pros: Full hookup (sewer, water, 50 AMP) 1.7 mile from #7 Ranked World's Best Disc Golf Course: Fox Run Meadows New fire ring New picnic table Gorgeous Mountain View

    Cons: Grass site No amenities No Wi-Fi Soft ground, sinked during setup

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 23, 2018

    North Beach Campground

    Amazing Location!

    We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at North Beach Campground.

    We spent 4 days in a full hookup site. The site was spacious, tree covered, and hard packed grass/dirt. Overall the site was very level with good water pressure. The water/electric sites in the middle of the campground were a bit snug. The campground is a city operated campground and we were impressed with the upkeep, maintenance and friendly service during our stay. The camp office is small, but has information on area attractions, Ice, and fire wood. The bathhouse/restrooms were well kept during our stay even with the volume of campers at the site.

    Location, Location, Location is the main reason to stay at North Beach. The campground is literally along the Island Line bike/walking trail and had direct access to the beach on Lake Champlain (life guards, snack bar, and patio bar). The city center of Burlington is only 1.5 miles along the bike path from the campground. Most days we either walked or biked into town (which has ample bike racks to park your bike).

    While we stayed in our camper, as a former die-hard tent camper, I was impressed with the number of tent friendly sites, because most campgrounds see tenters as “second class”. The tent sites were spacious, level, and not located in some obscure location.  

    We loved North Beach and plan to camp here in the future!

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2022

    Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Basic AT shelter with lots of tent camping and swimming hole nearby

    Note: This is a hike in back country shelter with unreliable water and a pit bathroom.

    I tented here on a section hike of the AT. The shelter was a fairly basic 8ish person shelter, but this stop stood out because of a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail (when heading northbound).

    For camping, there were a few large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level.

    The privvy looked brand new and was more spacious than most on the trail.

    There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound. I only explored a bit offtrail down the brook but found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit.

    There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound).

    Although the shelter was fairly basic, I would keep this on my list as a go-to place to stop if I was planning to hike in the area.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park

    Amazing Hike! Great Campground

    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. The designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike. If I recall it had about 10-12 sites. 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). We hiked all day, so we didn’t have a fire and to be honest I can’t remember if there was a shared spot for them or not. Either way, this hike was gorgeous and so was the camping. I would love to go back!

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Molly Stark State Park Campground

    Quiet, secluded & nestled in the woods

    We stayed here as a stopover on our way home to NJ from Maine. It's 5 min down the road from Wilmington, one of our favorite towns to visit. There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16. It's a pull through RV site with a fire ring & picnic table. T16 is right next to bathrooms- unfortunately the map shows showers there too (there are not). We boondocked- there's a spot up top near the other bathrooms where you can fill your fresh water tank. We had a slight issue with our fresh tank overflow valve & the park worker was INCREDIBLE, helpful and so kind. I think his name was Jerry?. He came right over and even rigged up a fix for it in his workshop. We got him a 12pack as a thanks before we left :). Campground is quiet & nestled in the woods. We didn't see any bear, but it is an active bear area. Some tent sites have lean to structures as well. There's a large pavilion at the top of the campground for eating etc. If we stayed longer we would have definitely done the Mt Olga Fire-tower trail. This is no frills, primitive & refreshing camping. And yes- we would stay again!!

  • J
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Adults only, comfortable but lacking excursions

    Lazy Lions is a comfortable campground with an adults-only policy. Having spent time in plenty of campgrounds with screaming or unwinded children, I could see this as a positive draw for the RV'ing crowd. I think we were the only tent campers the night we stayed.

    Our tent site was level and on comfy plush grass, well maintained and either a beautiful addition of two (plastic) adirondack chairs at our fire pit with grill. This was especially welcome because we hadn't really planned on cooking but when we saw the great fire set up not only did we save time and energy by not having to take out (and put away!) our camping chairs, I was able to turn our chips and salsa into nachos using some amazing Vermont cheese we'd picked up earlier. My boyfriend has declared this was his favorite camping meal ever so thanks Lazy Lions for the unexpected awesomeness.

    Our check in was smoothe, there was plenty of room at this campground, perhaps due to the fact that there isn't too much to do other than set up and sleep. It did have a pool.

    On check in we found the front desk (owner?) to be less than warm, and at $7 to firewood a little pricey. We were warned to be careful with our food because of "critters" and when I asked what kind of critters the man responded, "all of them". Less than helpful. In hindsight we believe we found bear scat on our site.

    We slept well, bathroom facilities were clean and well stocked. Showers, which we did not use, we $0.25 for four minutes. There was a microwave and wash sink as well for dishes, we didn't use either.

    We met lovely people and had a fine night, there was just nothing particularly special about the place

  • S
    Mar. 27, 2017

    White Caps Campground

    We were so surprised that this was such a dump!

    We made a single nights reservation, for a tent, based on recommendation from Kingdom Trails website. The campground is located in a beautiful area of Vermont, but....the tenting campground, a bit dismal. We arrived to find a teeny tiny space, right next to other spaces...in fact, had we set up our small tent, we would be less than ten feet from adjacent tents. Within less than 20 feet across the dirt path were side by side tent trailers and rvs. We would not have been able to use the metal fire ring because the fire would have been within 6 feet of our small tent. When we backed our car onto the narrow space, it was within a foot of the picnic table. Basically, it would have been like camping in a WalMart parking lot on a Saturday morning...if the parking lot was a treeless dirt lot. Within 3 minutes, we decided there was no way we could stay here, we were just not that desperate! We stopped at the rest room on the way out...gross! Smelly, wet, dirty, dingy. As we left, we decided that this was the best 25.00 we ever wasted...in fact, you could not have paid us to stay there . We cannot believe Kingdom Trails continues to suggest this disaster. I will add, the girl at the store/office was quite friendly...but she did not seem surprised when we returned for our bathroom key deposit so quickly! We were fortunate in that we could just head home...but if you are planning on a peaceful nights rest after mountain biking or hiking, this is not the place. There are beautiful state parks that we could recommend, and we just don't want folks that end up here to think that this is typical for Vermont camping!

  • J
    Aug. 5, 2019

    Prouty Beach Campground

    RV campground w some tent spots

    This is an RV campground w a handful of tent spots. We stayed at T4, a site w electric right on the lake. I was initially very excited to be so close to the lake but my enthusiasm waned a little after a swim- the lake bottom was murky sticky mud which is fine it’s just not my favorite. My fiancé went swimming and got a leech or leech-like thing on his foot so swimming for him was pretty much over. Being at the lake meant a lot of noise from others including the campers that use the facility, I mean like actual camp, like groups of kids and counselors. I don’t mind kids but others might. It was the usual kid squealing and stuff. When we arrived a counselor was using our site and picnic table, spilling cheese-it’s all over the place which made us popular with the many many seagulls. She left when she saw us pulling in but left the mess behind so the birds were an issue. They continued to be an issue the whole 3 days we were there- every day we’d come back to our tent to find our stuff scattered a bit- not a huge problem but a present nuisance nonetheless. We tried to keep our things contained but still they tried to carry some stuff away. On the lake shore was a lot of seagull feathers and goose presence, poop, it’s not my favorite way to swim. The bathrooms were ok, pretty basic, very much reminiscent of when you get sent to camp as a child, bare bones. The stalls in the bathroom are uncomfortably short so when you stand up your head is poking out over the door, you can make eye contact w everyone else in the room which is just weird! We went two days without paper towels being restocked to dry your hands, I finally had to call the office. (Everyone in the office was super awesomely nice, always!) Sunday morning there is a group that makes breakfast in the pavilion I guess for donations which they use to beautify the campground. This is a lovely gesture. However the pavilion is right next to the tent sites and the group started setting up about 6:30 AM, which included honking their car horn, and talking very loudly with complete disregard for quiet hours or the full row of tent sleepers. My fiancé finally approached them and told them they must be unaware of how much their voices are carrying but that everyone was still sleeping. They didn’t apologize or say anything and honestly I don’t think they cared or lowered their voices at all. Our site was comfortable, water and electric worked fine, clean fire ring, we didn’t use it. The group next to us talked late past quiet hours (I didn’t not approach the campground about it we just dealt w it), and used a drone which was extremely uncomfortable, loud, and disruptive. I did call the office about that the next day and asked if there was a drone policy, she said there was not but that she would address it if they used it again, they ended up leaving so it wasn’t a problem but there should definitely be a policy about it. All in all, people were nice but the lake location meant a LOT of additional noise from other users and there did not seem to be any reminders about quiet time. Don’t come here if you’re looking for solitude but do come here if you’re looking for a great location in northern Vermont close to a cute town and amenities. Just set your mindset that it’s not a secluded or quiet spot but a spot w stuff to do and lots of people to interact w. We did not use the boat rentals or tennis courts or other stuff.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 10, 2024

    Lake Carmi State Park Campground

    Quiet lakefront camping post Labor Day

    General: Large state park with two loops, both of which are lakefront. A mix of primitive sites (no w/e/s), lean-tos, and two cabins, one in each section. Sites/lean-tos are designated premium (lakefront) or non. There is also an ADA-accessible lean-to. Upon check-in, you are given a gate code to enter. 

    Site Quality: Our site, like all others, was generous in size and a back-in site. Most sites don’t have clearly defined camper pads, and the surface is grass/dirt (or mud if it has rained recently). A large wooden picnic table and fire ring complete the site. There are plentiful trees, so each site has at least some shade and some are very shaded. Lakefront sites have a filtered view of the lake through the trees. 

    Bath/Shower House: The one closest to us was very clean. Three stalls and one shower. Cold water only at both the sinks and the shower (at least I didn’t get any hot water). The showers do take quarters and although you get five minutes for each quarter (up to 15 quarters, although I can’t imagine taking that long of a shower), it was quite possibly the wimpiest shower I’ve experienced in quite some time. But, after I finished, I saw my quarter had been returned. The toilet paper was so thin, it was nearly transparent! 

    Activities: Although swimming is allowed, the “beaches” are very small and there was a bacteria warning in place when we were there advising against swimming. There are two boat launch areas, one in each loop. Great for kayaks, and canoes, and we saw what looked like a fishing boat. There was one very annoying motorboat revving its engine while doing circles in the lake. The day-use area has a small, dated playground, fire pit, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net. There is a short nature trail and one other small walking trail. Nearby is access to the Missisquoi Rail Trail. 

    A surprise was a family of ducks who visited our site when I was outside reading! Our stay was very quiet during the week after Labor Day, but I imagine the vibe is quite different during summer weekends, especially given the sign in the restroom stating that quiet hours are strictly enforced. We were annoyed by one loud boat so I can’t imagine what it would be like if the lake was filled with boaters. This is why we prefer shoulder-season camping!

Guide to Vermont

Vermont offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping, with its lush landscapes and serene lakes. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, the state's campgrounds provide a perfect escape into nature.

Tent campers should check out local hiking trails

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Underhill State Park Campground features clean facilities and well-maintained sites, ensuring a comfortable stay in the woods.
  • Enjoy the rustic charm of Burton Island State Park Campground, where you can find picnic tables and fire rings for cozy evenings under the stars.
  • Maple Ridge Farm offers a welcoming environment with clean showers and a common room, perfect for relaxing after a day of outdoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best tent camping locations in Vermont?

Vermont offers outstanding tent camping experiences for every preference. Camel's Hump State Park features primitive sites about 1.5 miles into a scenic hike, making it perfect for those seeking a mountain camping experience with access to summit trails and epic views. For waterfront camping, Woods Island State Park Campground on Lake Champlain provides a unique island experience with rich wildlife habitat. Those looking for backcountry options should consider the Appalachian Trail shelters, while paddlers will appreciate the Connecticut River sites. Most locations offer a peaceful Vermont experience with varying levels of accessibility, from drive-in convenience to boat-in or hike-in adventures that reward with solitude and natural beauty.

What amenities are available at Vermont's tent campgrounds?

Vermont tent campgrounds offer varying amenity levels based on their type and location. Underhill State Park Campground provides well-spaced sites with good privacy, clean facilities, and strictly observed quiet hours. At riverside locations like Lyman Falls State Park Campground, you'll find primitive camping with fire rings and picnic areas but minimal infrastructure. Backcountry sites typically offer basics like pit toilets or composting toilets, fire rings, and sometimes picnic tables. Island campgrounds usually require boat access but maintain toilet facilities. Water sources vary significantly - some sites have reliable water while others require you to bring your own. Most Vermont campgrounds prioritize a natural experience over modern conveniences, so prepare accordingly with necessary supplies.

When is the best season for tent camping in Vermont?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the best tent camping in Vermont, with summer (June-August) providing warm days and cool nights ideal for outdoor activities. Patterson Brookside camp along the river is particularly enjoyable during summer months when you can take advantage of swimming opportunities. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing, especially at higher elevations like Maine Railroad Trestle with its scenic riverside location. Be prepared for Vermont's variable weather - nights can be chilly even in summer, especially at mountain sites. Spring camping may encounter mud season challenges, while late fall brings colder temperatures requiring warmer gear. Most backcountry shelters and dispersed sites are accessible year-round, but state parks typically operate seasonally from May through October.

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