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Best Tent Camping near Barnard, VT

661 Reviews

The Green Mountain National Forest near Barnard, Vermont offers primitive tent camping opportunities along wooded waterways and mountain ridges. Backcountry shelters on the Appalachian Trail, such as the Winturri, Thistle Hill, and Stony Brook shelters, provide established tent platforms and camping areas for hikers. Michigan Brook Road and Michigan Brook in the Green Mountain National Forest offer more accessible tent camping locations with drive-in and walk-in tent sites approximately 10 miles west of Barnard.

Tent campsites at Michigan Brook Road are typically arranged along the stream with basic established fire rings but no formal facilities. Campers should bring all supplies including drinking water, as most areas have no potable water sources or waste facilities. The dirt access roads can become rutted and muddy during spring thaw or after heavy rains, requiring vehicles with adequate clearance. Seasonal closures affect some areas, particularly during winter months when roads are not plowed. While most tent sites have natural fire rings, campers should verify current fire restrictions before planning trips, as seasonal bans are common during dry periods.

Backcountry tent sites along the Appalachian Trail offer level tent pads and basic privies but generally require hiking several miles to access. These walk-in tent sites provide deeper forest immersion than drive-in locations. The Stony Brook shelter area stands out with "large tenting areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level," according to one review. Michigan Brook tent sites provide stream access and relative solitude despite being accessible by vehicle. Many tent campers appreciate the natural settings and free camping, though some areas show signs of overuse. A visitor to Michigan Brook Road noted that while the area offers free tent camping, "As with many free campsites, there was some trash. Please practice Leave No Trace, fellow campers!"

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Best Tent Sites Near Barnard, Vermont (40)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Barnard, VT

61 Photos of 40 Barnard Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Barnard, VT

661 Reviews of 40 Barnard Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I reviewed this campground last fall after visiting on the final day of the season, but I just had a chance to sty here during a peak summer weekend and have a few additional insights. Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings. Although the campground description indicates that the sites are first-come, first-served, this has changed and many of them are available online in advance. I didn't realize this and when i arrived late Friday afternoon I had 5 or 6 campsites to choose from that could accommodate my small teardrop camper; if I were tent camping, I'd have had a couple more sites available to me. The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area.

    When you arrive, each site will be labelled either Reserved or _Open. _ If it is Reserved, the dates it is reserved will be listed and they may not be contiguous. All the sites filled up Friday night. 

    I had site 24 which I liked. it was very large and level, with ample space for today's large tents. The water spigot was near the site next door. I could see my neighbors, but they didn't bother me. Every host site always seems to look messy with tarp-covered items and wood piles and site 24 will give you a view of the host site, but it's far enough away that you can ignore it. 

    If I were in a tent, I'd try for site 22. It's a walk-in site that includes 7-8 steps down, but it opens into a large open area and just a bit beyond there is a small brook, too.

    The campground is just a few miles west of I-93 and the town of Woodstock. If you want to hike Mooselauke or the Kinsmans, the Appalachian Trail crosses 112 nearby. Lost River Gorge is nearby as are numerous tourist attractions/activities in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take some time to explore Cascade Park in Woodstock if you want to cool off in the river and lounge on the rocks (park on the street or in the lot that is north of 112 just before the traffic light at Rte 3 in Woodstock). While you're there, pick up ice cream at Coneheads; choose among numerous hard serve ice cream made on site (downstairs) or dozens of soft-serve flavors.

    This side of 112 seems quieter than the stretch east of Lincoln. Noise level was quite low. Cell coverage is non-existent for several miles around here; you'll start to get a signal closer to Lost River Gorge in the direction of Woodstock.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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

  • 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!

  • Lauren S.
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Moosalamoo Campground

    Hidden Gem

    Tucked down a gravel road in the Green Mountain National Forest is this hidden treasure. Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others. You will pass several trailheads on your way up to the campground. Many of the sites are reservable, others are first come first serve. You will find a pay station as you enter the campsite. The camp host is at site 1. Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me. Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent. I didn’t experience many bugs, no mosquitoes, what I saw the most of were caterpillars. But If you needed bug spray or forgot anything back in town a few miles Ripton grocery has you covered.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2021

    New Discovery State Park Campground

    Interesting State Park

    This state park has a little bit of everything. There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without. Some sites are in the middle of a grassy field while others are tucked in the trees. Site size various pretty vastly as you travel through the campground. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other. The campground loops have bath houses, complete with coin operated showers. Park staff were attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency. 

    There are more remote walk-in shelters on the Osmore Pond, located within New Discovery State Park. The shelters are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables. The remote sites are spaced nicely around the pond along a hiking trail that skirts the perimeter. The walk from the parking area to the shelters varies, depending what side of the pond you are camping on. If bringing a full-sized cooler(or other large/luxury car camping items) be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area. It would be a challenge to get some of those larger, heavier items to sites across the pond from the parking lot.

Guide to Barnard

Tent camping opportunities abound in the Green Mountain National Forest near Barnard, Vermont. Sites range from backcountry Appalachian Trail shelters to more accessible forest road dispersed camping. The area features elevations between 1,200 and 2,500 feet with numerous small streams and brooks that provide water sources during spring and summer months. Winter access becomes limited when forest service roads close due to snow accumulation typically from November through April.

What to do

Explore swimming holes: Michigan Brook offers several natural swimming spots during summer months. One camper noted, "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."

Venture beyond initial campsites: For better tent camping near Barnard, Vermont, drive deeper into Michigan Brook Road. "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge! The one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one!!" suggests a Michigan Brook visitor.

Visit nearby towns: Camping at Michigan Brook Road provides access to local services. As one camper explains, "If you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service and a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store which also serves as a restaurant. There you can find just about anything."

What campers like

Shelter designs: The Happy Hill shelter offers unusual accommodations. According to one camper, "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably... The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing." The Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter provides flexible options for hikers.

Stream access: Camping beside water ranks high among visitors to the best tent camping near Barnard. A camper at Last Light on Michigan Brook shared: "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Bear boxes: Some Appalachian Trail shelters provide additional wildlife protection. A hiker reported, "There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound)."

What you should know

Road conditions: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many camping areas. "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" warns a visitor to Michigan Brook Road Camping.

Water availability: Water sources at backcountry shelters are inconsistent. At Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, a hiker found "water during my stay, though it was right after a smaller storm the previous evening."

Winter access limitations: Snow significantly impacts camping options. One winter camper reported, "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning." Forest service roads are not maintained during winter months.

Tips for camping with families

Choose established sites: For families seeking tent camping near Barnard, Vermont, established forest road sites offer better access. A camper at Bingo Brook noted, "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by," making it appropriate for children who enjoy water play.

Pack all supplies: No services exist at most camping areas. "This area is open for camping year-round but probably only accessible in Spring through early Fall because the dirt road is not plowed," reports a Michigan Brook visitor, highlighting the importance of bringing all necessities.

Consider proximity to attractions: Some sites serve well as base camps. "I liked this camping area for it's accessibility to Killington, VT and it was of course free!" notes a camper, making Bingo a practical option for families planning day trips.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate only smaller recreational vehicles. Narrow forest roads with tight turns restrict access for larger RVs beyond the initial parking areas.

Bridge crossings: When camping along Michigan Brook, evaluate bridge stability before crossing. "The area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road," reports one camper at Velvet Rocks Shelter, though most recommend smaller vehicles.

Leave no trace: Maintain site cleanliness for future visitors. "Keep it clean!" reminds a Last Light on Michigan Brook camper, highlighting the importance of proper waste disposal in these unmanaged areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Barnard, VT is Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Barnard, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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