Best Tent Camping near Cavendish, VT
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Best Tent Sites Near Cavendish, VT (38)
1. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters
Danby, Vermont1 Review•6 Photos•67 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
2. Greenfield State Park Campground
Bennington, New Hampshire19 Reviews•41 Photos•98 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
3. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest
Pittsfield, Vermont3 Reviews•3 Photos•108 SavesThere are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.
Forest Road 35 in Pittsfield, off of State Route 100, provides many camping opportunities in the woods and along Michigan Brook. The road is not recommended for low clearance vehicles.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
5. Branbury State Park Campground
Salisbury, Vermont9 Reviews•33 Photos•136 SavesThe park is divided by Route 53. 19 tent/RV sites and 7 lean-to sites are on one side of the highway in a heavily wooded area, and 17 tent/RV sites are located along the perimeter of a grassy open area near the beach. There are restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. There is also a concession stand selling snacks, drinks and beach toys.
Nearby hiking trails to scenic vistas, waterfalls, caves, mountain lakes and streams provide outstanding hiking opportunites. Mountain biking trails are also nearby. There is fishing and boating on Lake Dunmore (canoe, kayak, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals are available at the park).
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Cabins
6. Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
West Hartford, Vermont1 Review•6 Photos•1 Savehere are nearly six dozen Long Trail overnight sites spaced no more than a moderate day’s hike apart. These range from fully enclosed lodges to three-sided lean-tos and tenting areas. All sites, although primitive, have a water source nearby (purity and reliability cannot be guaranteed) and a privy (outhouse). Visitors must carry their own food, backpacking stove, and overnight gear.
Sites Along the Long Trail: Tenting area: Wooden tent platforms. Shelter: Usually three sided with a sloped roof. Fit 6-10 people. Lodge: Usually four-sided with wooden bunks. Fit 10-24 people.
Backcountry Campsites How many sites on the Long Trail? Over 70! Are there amenities? Established backcountry sites are all located by a primitive water source (untested) and a privy. There are no wood stoves. Are they by reservation? No, all sites are first-come, first-served. Is there a fee? A moderate fee ($5) is charged at overnight sites with GMC caretakers in the summer and fall. This fee funds a small portion of the Caretaker Program, which is an integral part of maintaining and protecting the Long Trail. The sites with caretakers require consistent maintenance of the site and the surrounding trails. (GMC members get to stay free!) How long can I stay? We request you stay no more than two consecutive nights. Do I still need to bring my tent if there is a shelter at the site I plan on spending the night? YES! Shelters are first come, first served, and during peak hiking season they are usually full. It is important to have your tent, tarp, or other shelter with you.
- Tents
- Cabins
- Toilets
7. Stratton Pond Shelter
Manchester Center, Vermont1 Review•23 Photos•12 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Toilets
8. Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
West Hartford, Vermont1 Review•4 PhotosThere are nearly six dozen Long Trail overnight sites spaced no more than a moderate day’s hike apart. These range from fully enclosed lodges to three-sided lean-tos and tenting areas. All sites, although primitive, have a water source nearby (purity and reliability cannot be guaranteed) and a privy (outhouse). Visitors must carry their own food, backpacking stove, and overnight gear.
Sites Along the Long Trail: Tenting area: Wooden tent platforms. Shelter: Usually three sided with a sloped roof. Fit 6-10 people. Lodge: Usually four-sided with wooden bunks. Fit 10-24 people.
Backcountry Campsites How many sites on the Long Trail? Over 70! Are there amenities? Established backcountry sites are all located by a primitive water source (untested) and a privy. There are no wood stoves. Are they by reservation? No, all sites are first-come, first-served. Is there a fee? A moderate fee ($5) is charged at overnight sites with GMC caretakers in the summer and fall. This fee funds a small portion of the Caretaker Program, which is an integral part of maintaining and protecting the Long Trail. The sites with caretakers require consistent maintenance of the site and the surrounding trails. (GMC members get to stay free!) How long can I stay? We request you stay no more than two consecutive nights. Do I still need to bring my tent if there is a shelter at the site I plan on spending the night? YES! Shelters are first come, first served, and during peak hiking season they are usually full. It is important to have your tent, tarp, or other shelter with you.
- Tents
- Toilets
9. Michigan Brook
Pittsfield, Vermont3 Reviews•16 Photos•57 SavesThere are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.
Forest Road 35 in Pittsfield, off of State Route 100, provides many camping opportunities in the woods and along Michigan Brook. The road is not recommended for low clearance vehicles.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
10. Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
West Hartford, Vermont1 Review•8 Photos•1 SaveJust like the Long Trail, the Vermont Appalachian Trail has shelters that can be used by hikers. Winturri Shelter, Stony Brook Shelter, Thistle Hill Shelter, and Happy Hill Shelter are all available on a first come, first serve basis for hikers to spend the night.
Group Use: Groups hiking this portion of the Appalachian Trail may need an Outfitter Guide Special Use Permit from the Green Mountain National Forest. Gilford Woods State Park Campground, where the Appalachian Trail crosses VT 100, and Silver Lake State Park Campground, north of the AT off VT 12 in Barnard, are available for base camp hiking. Please refer to our Groups Hiking Page for more information.
- Tents
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews in Cavendish
584 Reviews of 38 Cavendish Campgrounds
Kim L.
Ranger
Moosalamoo Campground
Somewhat primitive, remote but peaceful
Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice. Within walking distance from the campground are accesses to hiking / biking trails. Sites are spacious and shady.
- JJOHN T.
Legend
Greenwood Lodge & Campsites
Beautiful and Well Maintained CG
What a beautiful and well maintained CG! Great owners, facilities, and amenities. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. There are W/E sites, dry sites, and many secluded tent sites. There are two lakes and another nearby. It is close to many hiking trails. We arrived an hour after the water was turned off due to freezing temps. We were allowed to fill the fresh tank from the lodge. We woke the next day to heavy fog. We would definitely stay here again - for longer than an overnight stay!
- WWilliam P.
Scout
Coolidge State Park Campground
A very quiet and accommodating location
It was a very quiet location. There was plenty of room between sites. The roads going in and leaving were well maintained. I accidently booked a tent site, and my popup camper and truck almost didn't fit. We will have to go back and get a shelter site. This way we can get the beautiful views of the mountains. We both enjoyed the Coolidge State Park
- Murf V.Scout
Route 100 Dispersed Camping
This is not for camping
This is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites
- MMichael G.Scout
Emerald Lake State Park Campground
A Lot of Camping Sites at this State Part
There are a lot of camping sites for tents at this location. Quite a few lean-tos to rest . Restrooms with coin operated showers. Every site has a picnic table.
Lorrie W.Scout
Ashuelot River Campground
Ashuelot campground
Site 47 pull thru. Nice clean campground ! No neighbors left and right. Staff very nice. Very noisy tho in sites by the river due to Rte 10. We enjoyed the campground. Small and cozy. Nice size sites
- MMaryA L.Scout
George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
Wonderful spot
I just got here. Road was quite good. I believe I have the last of 4 sites. Nice camp fire area.
- MMaryA L.Scout
Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River
No camping signs all along road
No camping signs. Private property
- MMaryA L.Scout
Country Village Campgrounds
Nice place, $35/nite
I needed a place to stop, been traveling for 6 hours. Nice enough for me. Everything was wet from last night's rain. Everyone was pleasant.
- GGerald P.
Traveler
Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
Nice location
small number of sites and a bit hard to find
Miccal M.Legend
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
Janeth C.Scout
Getaway Mountain Campground
Avoid Getaway Mountain Campground
I strongly urge anyone considering Getaway Mountain Campground to stay far away. Our experience here was nothing short of appalling. From the moment we checked in, the owners were extremely rude and unwelcoming. After staying for the weekend, we extended our stay due to the campground’s cleanliness, thinking it would be perfect for our family, including our three children with special needs and our service animals.
Unfortunately, the owner’s behavior quickly escalated. One day, the man running the office drove by on his golf cart and began yelling and swearing at me, accusing us of not picking up after our dogs. I explained that we always clean up after them, but he refused to listen. We decided to leave for the weekend to avoid further conflict, but when we returned, we found piles of dog poop deliberately placed near our motorhome. Things worsened when one of our children, who is nonverbal, picked up a pile of the mess.
When we addressed the issue with the office, the owner’s wife not only refused to acknowledge their behavior but also accused us of lying. The man’s hostile behavior escalated again, yelling and swearing at us in front of our children. He threatened to have us thrown out by the police, which he followed through on. The officers who responded could see that this was a personal issue and were baffled as to why they had been called. We were told to leave, but not before being denied a refund for the remaining days we had already paid for.
To make matters worse, we’ve since learned that the owners of Getaway Mountain Campground have been actively calling around to other campgrounds, slandering our name. They falsely claim we don’t pick up after our dogs and that my husband chased the owner with a 2x4—an outright lie. The current campground we’re staying at informed us of this and has stated that they’ve seen no issues with us or our pets. In fact, the surrounding campers have no complaints, and the campground owner is willing to write a statement about the situation, including notifying the authorities of this baseless harassment.
The entire experience left us feeling targeted and mistreated. We have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and have never encountered anything like this. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this campground at all costs.
Verdict: AVOID Getaway Mountain Campground.
Kevin C.Ranger
Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11
Beautiful view but no toilet
Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.
There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.
The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).
The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.
We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.
katherine B.Scout
Forest Lake Campgrounds
People who run it are rude and of their word
Paid in full for a week in July, we stay here every year. Learned in May that I had cancer and would need surgery and weekly chemo until the end of September. Contacted Forest Lake Campground in May to cancel reservation, discussed options and was told we could carry our week over for later. Just received the all clear from my Dr today. Called to make reservations and was told they would not honor our already paid week. They said we would not get our money back either. Won’t stay here again as they are not people of their word.
- FFrance M.Scout
Silver Lake State Park Campground
A forested dream.
In addition to the descriptions of this campground in other reviews, I add charm and utility of site design, and the friendliness and intelligence of the staff. Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire.
Ashley O.Scout
Rest N Nest Campground
Great, clean site!
Owners were very welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall.
Evan M.ScoutGeorge D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
Easy and Desolate
Great spot for quiet desolate camping. Several spots to choose from.
- JJohn C.Traveler
Tree Farm Campground
4 Day getaway
Nicely spaced sites, level and welcoming hosts. There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi. Away Springfield as all the services you might need.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Somerset Airfield
Good stopover location
Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
- JJacob R.Scout
Woodford State Park Campground
3 night getaway
Had a pleasant stay at Woodford State Park. Sites near T38 have a great elevated view of the reservoir. Also a nice loop trail for those looking to do a little bit of hiking.
- TTam E.
GuideGeorge D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
Large sites
Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain.
Julie R.Scout
Northstar Campground
Just okay
The owners are very nice but the sites are super close together. We had neighbors that had a large party 4 ft from our camper for two days. The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground. The bathrooms weren't cleaned during the 2 days we were there. The country side is beautiful and Newport is a cute little town. We won't stay at the campground again.
- HHelen P.Scout
Route 100 Dispersed Camping
This is not a campground.
This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though! Not sure how strict that is. There was someone camping for a least a week given their tent was there the whole week I was in the area. So I guess it's not that strict. Signs indicate this offshoot road where these sites are is also FR-25, then FR-25 picks up again as a spur off of VT 100 a little farther south down 100 where there were permitted (but full) camping sites.
- HHelen P.Scout
Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
Pretty, scattered sites along small stream
All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there. There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better. There were some fire ring sites along Vermont 100 where FR-25 intersects it, but those are marked as No Camping (though one tent had been there at least a week). That area along 100 is supposed to be a day-use picnic area.
The sites looked lovely though. Some people were really entrenched with string lights etc.
Thomas and James S.Guide
Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest
Michigan Brook
Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!
- Thomas and James S.Guide
Last light on Michigan Brook
The Last Light
Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you’ve reached the closed gate you’ve missed the site! Keep it clean!
Kaileigh K.Traveler
Jamaica State Park Campground
Large level campsites
This campground was perfect for our group that had 5 small children. The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads, sites were large and well spaced out from each other, great playground and fun playing in the river. Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day
Guide to Cavendish
Cavendish, Vermont, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. From scenic backcountry shelters to well-equipped group camps, there's something for everyone.
Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $0
- The Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters charges only $5 per person per night and features a spacious cabin and tent platforms.
- Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont offers free camping with basic amenities, perfect for those on a budget.
- At Michigan Brook, you can enjoy free camping in a beautiful wooded area, making it an ideal choice for those looking to save.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy a refreshing swim at the nearby swimming hole when you stay at Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont, which is just a short hike from the shelter.
- Experience the tranquility of Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont, where you can hike the Appalachian Trail and explore the surrounding forest.
- For those seeking a more social atmosphere, NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins offers a range of activities, including hiking and fishing, with the added benefit of onsite caretakers.
Specific local attractions
- The Stratton Pond Shelter is located near the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, making it a prime spot for hikers looking to explore multiple trails.
- Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont provides access to scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities in the Green Mountain National Forest.
- Visit Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest for a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while being close to Killington, a popular destination for outdoor activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cavendish, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cavendish, VT is Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cavendish, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Cavendish, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.