Best Tent Camping near Arlington, VT
Dispersed camping opportunities can be found in various locations near Arlington, Vermont, with several tent-friendly options in the Green Mountain National Forest. Stratton Pond Shelter offers primitive tent camping with dedicated tent platforms and toilet facilities, situated along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail junction. Seth Warner Shelter provides another backcountry option for tent campers, featuring picnic tables and toilet facilities in a remote setting accessible only by hiking trails.
Tent campsites in the region typically provide basic amenities with limited services. Most backcountry shelters and tent sites require hikers to pack in all necessary supplies, including water treatment equipment, as drinking water is rarely available. Sites at Stratton Pond include fire rings with fires permitted, while some locations maintain seasonal fire restrictions depending on conditions. According to one visitor at Stratton Pond, "The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter." Proper food storage is essential, as bears are active throughout the region.
Walk-in tent sites provide a more secluded camping experience compared to developed campgrounds. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters offers tent camping with toilet facilities and is managed by Green Mountain Club caretakers who maintain the site. A review mentioned that this location costs only "$5 per person per night" and includes several tent platforms with a composting privy nearby. Most primitive tent campgrounds in the area feature natural settings with minimal development, preserving the wilderness character. Tent campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions and bring appropriate gear for potentially cold nights, even during summer months. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most backcountry tent sites, requiring advanced planning and proper navigation tools.
