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Best Tent Camping near Belmont, VT

714 Reviews

Green Mountain National Forest provides multiple primitive tent campsites around Belmont, Vermont, with several options along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems. Michigan Brook Road Camping offers drive-in tent sites with established fire rings, while backcountry options like Stratton Pond Shelter and Little Rock Pond provide tent platforms along hiking routes. Some sites like Last Light on Michigan Brook combine drive-in access with secluded tent spots near water features.

Many backcountry tent areas operate with minimal amenities, requiring campers to pack in water or filter from seasonal streams. Toilet facilities vary widely, with AT shelters typically offering composting privies while dispersed sites have no facilities. Michigan Road sites feature rough, sometimes muddy access requiring higher clearance vehicles during spring and after rainfall. Most tent camping areas permit fires in established rings, though some AT shelters prohibit open flames. Water availability fluctuates seasonally, with several sites reporting dry sources during late summer. As one camper noted about Stony Brook shelter, "There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook a bit further northbound."

Tent camping experiences in this region often center around water features and forest immersion. Little Rock Pond provides platforms with pond access where "the pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude." Sites along Michigan Brook Road offer streamside camping with natural swimming areas and opportunities for exploration. Backcountry shelters provide varying tent space, from "slightly sloped" areas at Thistle Hill to "large tent areas with decent privacy" at Winturri Shelter. Higher elevation sites like Stratton Pond remain snowbound until late spring, with winter access requiring snowshoes. One camper described Michigan Brook Road camping as having "nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore."

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Best Tent Sites Near Belmont, Vermont (38)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Belmont, VT

47 Photos of 38 Belmont Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Belmont, VT

714 Reviews of 38 Belmont Campgrounds

  • Erin B.
    Sep. 11, 2019

    Clarksburg State Park Campground

    low key and beautiful fall getaway

    Keep in mind that this review is written after camping sept 8th (the week that school started for many) so it might not be relevant to peak camping season. We were pleasantly surprised with our weekend getaway to Clarksburg State Park. Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site. Several spots (including ours 6) were very close to the rather large pond. While the trees obstruct the views, the site was waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks (there is a designated launching spot elsewhere). No electric and water hookups are provided but we were totally okay with that. Bear boxes were provided on each site so that you don’t have to keep stinky food or garbage in your car! Each site also had a fire pit with a grate so that you can cook right there on the fire. The bathrooms were some of the cleanest campground bathrooms and showers i’ve experienced (no bugs or webs also) and there was a dishwashing station on the side. The sites were large and well spaced but they had trees in between so that you felt privacy. The campground itself had plenty of sites, firewood for sale in the front and a pavilion and beach area on the day use side. There are plenty of trails you can hop on right outside your tent site and very little light pollution for optimal star gazing. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be back!

  • 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.

  • 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!!

  • 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.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2022

    Greendale Campground

    Greendale campground, Weston Vt.

    Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.

    There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur. Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents. There is also a vault toilet.

    The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams. This loop includes approximately 2 miles of walking along town maintained roads open to vehicular traffic.

    This site is not maintained for winter use. Deep snow often covers amenities at this site December – mid April. The nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away and access is via skis or snowshoes. My wife and I car camped in July and there were very few campers. Many sites are beside Greendale Brook. The water is clean, refreshing and soothing. Especially soothing while sitting by the campfire.

  • Rae-Ann W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 25, 2024

    Ashuelot River Campground

    Nice quiet weekend

    We took our new to us hybrid camper out for its inaugural trip.

    We chose to stay in the wooded loop of the campground and we were very happy with our site, #66. That section has about 12 sites, some big and some on the smaller side. Our site was easy to back into, even more so since no one was in the site across from us. Our site was very spacious, level and included a picnic table, fire ring, and nicely placed hookups for water and electric. We had easy access to trails that went along the river behind some of the sites with a few paths down to the river.

    Everyone we encountered was friendly and respectful. There are quiet hours from 10pm-8am that are enforced. We were grateful to not have to hear loud partying going on into the night. There was car noise from nearby Rt 10 on the other side of the river, but nothing you can do about that.

    We asked for assistance at the office with our first time using a pumping station at the end of the trip. We were given friendly helpful assistance and some great tips and advice for the future.

    This was a nice enjoyable first visit for us. We will definitely be adding it to our list of places to visit again, but likely later in the year when we can enjoy the river and activities a bit more. We did not explore the options for bike, kayak, and canoe rentals but would like to in the future.

  • Tara S.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Best Fall Camping Ever!

    We just returned from two nights at Grout Pond. We were lucky to have 70 degree days and 50 degree nights in October. We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road. We have camped at Grout Pond a few times in the summer, and while it’s always beautiful, it’s just too busy in July and August. Early October is just about perfect - no bugs, no people, and fantastic views all around.

    The campground is maintained by the National Forest Service, and for many years the sites were free. In 2018, the cost will be significantly higher than free - $16 per night with a limit of 14 consecutive days. There are about 18 sites in total. 7 near the road for car camping or RVs, 5 that are hike-in (the farthest is about a mile from the parking lot), and 6 waterfront sites that you can either hike or paddle to. We really love site #2 for the awesome views and proximity to the toilet, but #11 is bigger and probably the most private of all the sites.

    If you’re paddling in, you can unload all your stuff in the day-use area, and then park your car in the lot. It’s an easy 5-minute paddle to most of the sites. There are lots of well-marked trails. The only water is in the day-use area, so I recommend bringing a filter so you can drink right from the lake. All tents must be set up on tenting platforms, so you’ll need a smallish tent. Sites 10 and 11 have two platforms.  

    After camping here in July and October, I would never camp here in the summer again - come in the fall - you won’t be disappointed!

Guide to Belmont

Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous dispersed tent campsites near Belmont, Vermont with varying access and amenities. The forest encompasses 400,000+ acres across central and southern Vermont, with elevations ranging from 900 to 4,000 feet. Camping conditions change dramatically between seasons, with muddy spring conditions contrasting with typically drier late summer periods.

What to do

Water activities at ponds: Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides swimming opportunities in a mountain pond setting. According to camper Meredith C., "Easily my favorite campsite in the Northeast! The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons. There's a huge jumping rock on the far side of the pond."

Hiking trail connections: Stratton Pond Shelter offers proximity to multiple trail systems. One camper notes, "Great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail... The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."

Stream exploration: Drive-in sites at Michigan Brook Road Camping provide access to brook exploration. Camper Thomas and James S. advise, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"

What campers like

Amenities at backcountry shelters: Justin P. reports about Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, "The shelter was a one-story standard AT shelter with a fire ring and a bench for seating... There was a decent privvy and water during my stay, though it was right after a smaller storm the previous evening."

Accessibility to local services: Michigan Brook locations offer unexpected proximity to civilization when needed. Keegz M. 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."

Level tent platforms: Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter offers good tent placement options. A visitor observed, "There were a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter. The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing."

What you should know

Seasonal water availability: Water sources at backcountry shelters fluctuate greatly. Justin P. observed at Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, "There wasn't any water at the source while I was staying here and it looks like a seasonal source."

Road conditions for drive-in sites: Michigan Brook access can be challenging with conventional vehicles. Maggie F. cautions, "Beware that in Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted, I would not recommend driving down there with a car that is low to the ground."

Winter preparation requirements: Winter camping requires additional equipment at higher elevations. Miccal M. shares about winter camping at Stratton Pond: "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."

Tips for camping with families

Multi-tent camping areas: Winturri Backcountry Shelter offers space for multiple tents. Justin P. observes, "The shelter is on the larger side and could fit maybe 6-8 folks. There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter."

Stream-adjacent sites: Look for sites with water features for child-friendly activities. At Bingo campground, Rose notes, "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by."

Specific site selection: For family camping at Michigan Brook, TRUCKER C. recommends, "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!!"

Tips from RVers

Clearance considerations: Last light on Michigan Brook can accommodate smaller vehicles but requires attention to road conditions. Thomas and James S. advise, "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Site identification: Locate designated camping areas along forest service roads by looking for established fire rings. At Michigan Brook sites, Maggie F. notes they are "frequently camped in so fire rings exist. As with many free campsites, there was some trash (please practice LNT fellow campers!!!)."

Seasonal closures: Check for road status before attempting backcountry access with vehicles. Matthew B. reported about one Michigan Brook access point: "Road has been closed," highlighting the importance of verifying current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Belmont, VT is Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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