Buddha North Tent Deck, Fairlee, VT

Introduction / Overview

For Vermonters seeking an authentic, private, and deeply meaningful connection to the state's natural beauty and community values, Buddha North Tent Deck offers a truly unique camping experience. Nestled on a sprawling 107-acre forest and farm property in Fairlee, VT, this site is not just a place to pitch a tent—it's an integral part of the local landscape and a functional component of a non-profit mission. The site is one of several thoughtfully designed, secluded spots available on the land that supports the Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue.

This is a destination that perfectly embodies the Vermont spirit of stewardship, simplicity, and community contribution. Campers at Buddha North Tent Deck are offered a "better than a BOGO deal," as one local review noted, because 100% of the funds generated from camping fees go directly toward the care, feeding, and medical needs of the rescued farm animals on the property, including sheep, alpacas, donkeys, and potbellied pigs. The experience is rustic and private, offering a genuine escape into the forest while keeping you close to the heartwarming activity of the rescue farm. It’s an ideal spot for those who want to rough it slightly while knowing their stay makes a tangible, positive impact.

Location and Accessibility

Buddha North Tent Deck is located on the Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue property in the picturesque town of Fairlee, VT, a community known for its natural beauty and proximity to the Upper Valley region. The location, described by the provided GPS code XQ5X+M3, points to a heavily wooded, rural setting, perfectly aligning with the desire of local users to find secluded camping spots.

While the overall property is vast, Buddha North is specifically engineered for privacy. It is nestled discreetly in the forest, giving campers the feeling of being "in the middle of nowhere." A key detail for local planners and visitors is that the site is a short, approximately five-minute walk from the designated parking area. This "secluded site" setup means vehicles are kept at a distance, preserving the tranquility of the forest environment, yet the walk-in distance is minimal enough to remain highly accessible for standard car campers who do not require drive-up access. Fairlee itself is conveniently located near Interstate 91, making it a relatively easy drive for residents traveling from areas like White River Junction, Montpelier, or even further afield in the Vermont and New Hampshire Upper Valley regions.

Services Offered

The service model at Buddha North Tent Deck focuses on providing necessary amenities while maintaining a minimalist, eco-conscious, and private camping experience. Being a non-profit endeavor, the services are practical and centered on comfort within a rustic environment:

LI>Private Tent Deck: Each site features a large, dedicated 8-foot x 10-foot raised wooden deck, providing a level, dry, and clean platform for tent setup, which is invaluable in a wooded Vermont environment.
LI>Basic Sanitary Facilities: Access to a handmade wooden building that houses portable toilets and a nearby open-concept outhouse is provided.
LI>Hot Outdoor Showers: The property offers three hot outdoor showers, a welcome luxury for a secluded, rustic camping site.
LI>Gear and Supply Rentals: An extensive list of rental equipment is available for those who need it, including tents, cast iron grill baskets, griddles, 1- and 2-burner propane stoves, tarps, and water containers. Supplies like charcoal and propane are also available for purchase on-site.
LI>Communal Fire Pit: While each site has its private fire ring, there is also a communal fire pit for shared enjoyment.
LI>Water Access: Potable water is available on the property for camper use.

Features / Highlights

The core features and highlights of Buddha North Tent Deck make it particularly attractive to the discerning Vermont camper looking for something beyond the average state park experience:

LI>Direct Support for Farm Animal Rescue: The most compelling feature—100% of camping fees are channeled directly to the Willoughby Farm Animal Rescue, allowing campers to actively fund a vital non-profit.
LI>Highly Secluded and Private Site: The location is a five-minute walk from the parking area, ensuring a deeply private experience without the noise or traffic of other sites.
LI>Unique Raised Deck Platform: The dedicated 8’ x 10’ wooden deck offers a superior, dry, and level foundation for tents, enhancing comfort in the woods.
LI>Up-Close Animal Interaction: Campers have the unique opportunity to be close to the rescued animals—donkeys, alpacas, sheep, and pigs—an educational and heartwarming element that is especially appealing to families.
LI>On-Site Firewood: The land was logged, leaving ample, available wood for fires for years to come (note: confirmation on gathering rules should be made with the host).
LI>Dog-Friendly Policy: The overall property welcomes pets, making it a great destination for local residents who want to bring their four-legged friends along for the adventure.

Contact Information

For bookings, inquiries about availability, or information regarding the animal rescue operations, potential local visitors should use the following contact details:

Address: XQ5X+M3, Fairlee, VT 05045, USA (Use this location identifier for mapping, as the property is a secluded site.)

Phone: (802) 727-0279

Mobile Phone: +1 802-727-0279

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Buddha North Tent Deck is exceptionally suitable for locals because it aligns perfectly with the Vermont ethos of responsible tourism, environmental respect, and community support. Unlike large commercial campgrounds, this site offers a highly personalized and private forest retreat while simultaneously functioning as a direct conduit for local non-profit support. For Vermonters, supporting a local farm animal rescue while enjoying the state's natural habitat is a powerful incentive.

The practical features, such as the raised tent deck—which addresses the common New England camping issue of damp ground—and the availability of clean, hot outdoor showers, elevate the rustic experience. The proximity to the Upper Valley’s amenities, combined with the feeling of total seclusion, strikes a perfect balance. Whether you’re a family looking for a meaningful weekend getaway, a couple seeking a private retreat, or a solo adventurer wanting a quiet base to explore the region, Buddha North Tent Deck provides a high-quality, memorable, and ethically sound camping experience that is deeply rooted in the values of the Green Mountain State. It is the perfect place for locals to recharge, connect with nature, and give back to their community.