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Best Tent Camping near Ascutney, VT

715 Reviews

The Appalachian Trail corridor near Ascutney, Vermont offers numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities at established shelters and primitive sites. Winturri Backcountry Shelter, Thistle Hill Shelter, and Happy Hill Shelter provide tent-only camping areas along the AT, with most sites located within a day's hike of trailheads. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters, approximately 30 miles west of Ascutney, features tent platforms and a three-sided shelter in Green Mountain National Forest. North Hartland Lake Beach provides additional tent camping options closer to town, while primitive tent sites can be found throughout the surrounding public lands.

Most backcountry tent campsites near Ascutney feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. Tent sites at AT shelters typically consist of cleared dirt or forest duff areas with variable terrain. According to visitor reports, many tent spots around shelters like Thistle Hill have somewhat sloped surfaces. Water availability fluctuates seasonally, with several campers noting dry sources during late summer months. One section hiker observed that "water was running in mid-August from a spring close to Winturri Shelter, but many sources are unreliable." Basic privies are available at most established sites, but campers should bring water filters, food storage containers, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Fire regulations vary by location, with some AT shelter areas prohibiting open flames.

Tent camping experiences in the Ascutney region vary with elevation and season. Sites along the Appalachian Trail provide access to long-distance hiking routes and occasional views from nearby summits. A camper who tented at Happy Hill noted "there were a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter" with good privacy between spots. At Stony Brook Shelter, another visitor highlighted "large tent areas where multiple tents could fit" and access to a small swimming hole downstream. Michigan Brook Road in Green Mountain National Forest offers more accessible primitive tent camping with established fire rings and riverside sites, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Walk-in tent sites generally provide more seclusion than drive-in options, with less ambient noise and greater wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Tent Sites Near Ascutney, Vermont (32)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ascutney, VT

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ascutney, VT

715 Reviews of 32 Ascutney Campgrounds

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Baker Rocks

    Great location and amazing facilities

    I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

    Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins. I booked one of the tent platforms.

    The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area.

    The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight.

    The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water.

    Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler. Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery.

    Check-in was super easy with the camp hosts who were very flexible with timing and wanted to make sure I had a great stay. The property and individual sites are deliberately designed with guests in mind.

    I would definitely stay here again if I’m in the area and might try some of the glamping options as well.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2022

    Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Standard AT back country shelter on the limited site of tent camping

    Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy.

    I tented along here for a night during a section hike of the AT from Lyme into Vermont.

    The shelter was the basic AT 3-sided wood structure and was generally in good shape.

    The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022).

    The tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area.

    There was no real view from the shelter.  There was also a basic privvy available.

    This was a decent shelter to stop at along the AT, but I would not consider it a weekend destination.

    There was no bear box onsite.

  • 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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Squam Lakes Association

    Boat in & Hike In Camping Along Squam Lake

    Simple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter.

    We did not camp here, as we came across these campsites while hiking and canoeing with some friends who have a cabin in the area. The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association.

    The area offers water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways. Nearest town is Meredith, about 10 minutes away, and has all that you need for your camping trip.

  • 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!!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Greenfield State Park Campground

    Loved it here

    We stayed here for a night in mid October, as they were getting ready to close for the season, so more than half of the campground was closed off. But the part that we did see was awesome. Each site was huge, separated from its neighbor, private, mostly flat, and beautiful. No hookups in the campground, and sites are hit or miss with tree coverage, some sites may have enough opening for solar or starlink, but I wouldn’t count on it. 

    There are hiking trails throughout the campground, but our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that. There are water spigots throughout the campground and a dump station. Showers were free and nice and clean, and you can control the temperature and let the water run (no button to push). 

    The dump truck driver was there picking up garbage and I asked him about recycling and he said they have their own transfer station where the waste is sorted, so all recycling and garbage goes into the dumpster. 

    We paid $23 for a site because it was primitive season, but I think normally it’s $25. No other taxes or fees were charged. There’s a little store in the ranger office with basic supplies and gifts, ice cream, fire starters, ice, etc. There’s also a little free library exchange behind the office. And to top it off, we had cell service here. Great stay, highly recommend! Beware of ticks!

  • Jessica N.
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Greenfield State Park Campground

    Great Park, big sites

    Stayed for a weekend (1 night). Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud. Very respectful drivers made biking feel fun and safe for kids. Campers beach was lovely. Sure the water was a little weedy, but we didn’t mind. The lake is a great spot for kayaking (although it is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot with a heavy boat) and the sunset on the lake definitely didn’t disappoint. Nice partially shaded and level site with good access for backing in our small trailer. Playground, camp store, convenient check-in at office, firewood available for $6, lots of trails and fairly level for easy biking. State park camping (no hookups) but there’s a dump station near the exit and water spigots dispersed around the campsites. Absolutely would go again.

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

    Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    Quiet and well maintained campground

    I tent camped here before doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and it was one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at before.

    The sites have some privacy and woods in between, though the tent sites vs. shelters and cabins were mostly closer to the access road. All sites were super clean and had a picnic table and fire ring. Most sites had a built in cooking fire structure (vs. a fire ring) they looked great for camp cooking, though my site (T01) seemed to be the only without it.

    The facilities were well-maintained, there were water spigots everywhere, and though I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, there were lots of activities right there (volleyball lawn, the AT running right through the campground, mountain bike trails).

    I didn’t stay in them, but the cabins and lean-tos looked great for group or family options.

    Kent Pond was also just across the road for water activities, and I saw at least one fly fisher out.

    Killington was also right nearby for restaurants and other needs.

    I will definitely be coming back to explore more!

  • Emma N.
    Sep. 27, 2018

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Quiet and Private

    Before hiking Mount Ascutney, we camped in the state park of the same name. We hiked the Weathersfield Trail (2.9 miles from trailhead to summit). It was a challenge, but well worth it. There were several lookout points with spectacular views. I highly recommend it!

    We arrived around 7pm for a weekend stay. The ranger station was closed, but the rangers were kind enough to leave a note on a whiteboard for all the campers with reservations arriving late. The note reminded everyone of their campsites, and included a map that showed where each specific site was. It was very helpful! The campground is very wooded and dark, so without this map it would have been even more difficult to find our site!

    Due to the looming threat of thunderstorms, we chose a lean-to site. Each sturdy lean-to was equipped with a broom to sweep out any leaves/dirt/debris that had accumulated in there. All sites included a fire ring and picnic table. There were some dated, but clean restrooms. There were coin-operated hot showers that were reasonably priced ($1 for 10 min). The campground also sold firewood ($6 for a good-sized bundle) and ice ($2 for a 5lb. bag) which can be purchased at the ranger station.

    One aspect of this campground that I loved was the privacy. Due to the spacing between sites, and all the trees, it was quiet and peaceful. The campground couldn't have been more than a third full, but I bet it would still be quiet if it were more populated.

    I really enjoyed my stay at Mt. Ascutney State Park Campground, and would love to return!

Guide to Ascutney

Tent camping near Ascutney, Vermont centers around a network of Appalachian Trail facilities and dispersed sites across elevations ranging from 800 to 3,100 feet. Most backcountry campsites in the region become accessible after snowmelt in mid-May through mid-October. Water availability varies significantly by location and season, with many sources becoming unreliable during late summer drought conditions.

What to do

Explore swimming spots: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter offers access to a small swimming hole just downstream from the campsite. According to one camper, "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." The water depth allows for partial submersion during summer months.

Enjoy elevated views: Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter provides a bench overlooking a clearing with valley views. One backpacker noted the shelter "did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."

Access pond recreation: Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters offers swimming and wildlife observation opportunities at higher elevations. A visitor observed "the pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons," making it suitable for summer swimming despite the mountain location.

What campers like

Multi-level shelters: Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter features an uncommon two-story design with sleeping options on both levels. A hiker described it as having "a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably," providing flexibility for group camping arrangements and separation between sleeping and common areas.

Large, flat tent sites: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter stands out for its spacious tent camping areas. A reviewer mentioned "there were a few large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level," making it suitable for small groups traveling together.

New facilities: Several shelters in the region have recently upgraded facilities. At Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, a camper highlighted that "the privvy was also new and very spacious," while another noted Stony Brook's "brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole."

What you should know

Water source reliability: Water availability remains unpredictable throughout the region, especially in late summer. At Velvet Rocks Shelter, a hiker reported "the water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)." Carrying extra water or planning alternate sources is essential.

Bear protection: Food storage options vary between sites. A camper at Stony Brook noted "there was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont," while Velvet Rocks Shelter specifically lacks this amenity with one user reporting "there was no bear box onsite."

Limited reservation options: Most backcountry shelters operate on a first-come basis without reservations. Sites fill quickly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Midweek visits offer greater site availability and solitude.

Tips for camping with families

Consider shelter proximity: Cardigan Campsites provides a good base for families wanting a short but rewarding summit hike. A visitor noted it's a "great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long."

Look for flat, grouped sites: When camping with children, prioritize locations with level tent areas. At Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, a hiker reported "there were a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter" which allows families to set up multiple tents in close proximity.

Plan water carefully: Families require more water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking. Winturri Backcountry Shelter offers more reliable water sources in mid-summer. One camper confirmed "water was running when I was there in mid-August from a spring close to the shelter."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: True RV camping near Ascutney requires traveling to established campgrounds with hookups. Most backcountry shelters and primitive sites require hike-in access only.

Consider seasonal closures: Available RV campgrounds typically operate from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with limited shoulder season availability based on weather conditions and spring road maintenance schedules.

Plan for minimal facilities: Even at drive-in locations, services may be limited. Check ahead for drinking water availability, dump station access, and generator restrictions at each location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ascutney, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ascutney, VT is Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ascutney, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Ascutney, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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