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Best Tent Camping near Benson, VT

708 Reviews

In the Green Mountain National Forest near Benson, Vermont, tent campers find several primitive camping options with Michigan Brook Road area offering the most established backcountry tent camping. Located within the national forest boundaries, these sites provide access to streams and forest trails without developed amenities. The "Last Light on Michigan Brook" site represents one of the more secluded tent campsites, positioned at the very end of the forest road.

Road conditions on Michigan Brook Road vary significantly with seasons and weather. High clearance vehicles are recommended as several reviewers note the road becomes "muddy and quite rutted" during spring months. Most primitive tent sites feature established fire rings but no other amenities. Campers must bring all necessary supplies including drinking water and pack out all trash. According to reviews, some sites are located before a bridge crossing while others can be found after crossing. Sites near water are most sought after, with one camper noting "the one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one."

The tent camping experience in this area offers true backcountry solitude with limited cell service. Areas near streams provide both water access and ambient sound that enhances the primitive camping atmosphere. Many sites can accommodate multiple tents with space to spread out. Forest cover provides good shade at most locations. Sites allow campfires, which is an important consideration for tent campers seeking the traditional camping experience. The area experiences minimal traffic aside from local vehicles and other campers. A visitor commented that there are "a couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by." Winter access is limited as roads are not maintained, making this primarily a spring through fall tent camping destination.

Best Tent Sites Near Benson, Vermont (45)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Benson, VT

708 Reviews of 45 Benson Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Maribeth W.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Lake Harris Campground

    Wet but beautiful!

    We got rained out!! Our site did have good drainage and ample tree cover so that helped. Easy access to buy firewood on the road into the campground.

  • 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.

  • Karimah G.
    Jan. 5, 2026

    Route 100 Dispersed Camping

    Free dispersed camping

    Free dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.

  • 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.

  • Tara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Miccal M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

Guide to Benson

Michigan Brook Road in Green Mountain National Forest offers primitive tent campsites near Benson, Vermont. The area contains several dispersed camping locations with varying access conditions. Sites are positioned along a forest road that extends about a mile from the main parking area, with campsite options both before and after a small bridge crossing. Most tent campers visit between spring and fall when road conditions permit vehicle access.

What to do

Explore nearby hiking trails: Campers staying at the Michigan Brook area have access to forest trails for day hiking. According to one visitor at Michigan Brook Road Camping, there are "Nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore."

Fishing in local streams: The brook provides fishing opportunities for campers seeking freshwater species. A visitor notes that at Michigan Brook "there are 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge."

Winter adventures: For cold-weather enthusiasts, the area transforms with snow coverage. One reviewer at Michigan Brook Road Camping advises: "if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."

What campers like

Proximity to water: Tent campers appreciate sites positioned near the brook for both practical use and natural ambiance. A camper at Michigan Brook Road Camping mentioned finding "a few nice ones near the creek."

Secluded camping spots: The less accessible locations offer greater privacy. At Last light on Michigan Brook, a reviewer describes it as "the very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Established fire rings: Despite minimal development, most sites feature existing fire rings from previous campers, allowing for traditional campfire experiences without bringing portable fire pits.

What you should know

Road conditions vary: Vehicle access can be challenging depending on seasonal conditions. One camper reports that Michigan Brook Road Camping has sections that are "muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"

No cell service: Communications are limited in this remote area. A reviewer warns: "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION."

Amenities and supplies: No facilities exist on site, requiring complete self-sufficiency. The nearest supplies are available at "a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store" at the end of upper Michigan Brook road.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategy: When camping with children, look for spots with natural boundaries like water features or terrain variations that help contain play areas.

Proximity to town: For families needing access to supplies, positioning closer to the main road provides quicker access to town resources if needed.

Space considerations: The campsites near Davey Falls ADK represent the type of "secluded creekside spot" with "private waterfall, hiking trails" that can entertain children while keeping them within sight.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Only smaller RVs and campervans can navigate Michigan Brook Road. According to a visitor noting the "road goes in pretty far," larger rigs should avoid attempting access beyond the main parking area.

Spring conditions: RVers should avoid the area during spring melt. One camper observed Michigan Brook in spring becomes "muddy and quite rutted, I would not recommend driving down there with a car that is low to the ground."

Strategic parking: For those with towable RVs, consider parking at the main lot and walking to scout tent sites before attempting to bring in a trailer. As one visitor noted, there are "a couple of spots along the forest access road" that might accommodate smaller rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Benson, VT is Narrow Island Group — Lake George Islands with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Benson, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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