Green Mountain National Forest provides extensive tent camping near Cavendish, Vermont with options beyond standard campgrounds. Elevation ranges from 900 to 2,000 feet across the camping areas, creating varied terrain and vegetation zones. Seasonal access varies significantly, with most primitive sites available from May through October when forest service roads remain passable for standard vehicles.
What to do
Pond swimming and wildlife watching: At Stratton Pond Shelter, campers access one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail after a 3.75-mile hike. "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," notes Miccal M. Winter visitors experience a completely different atmosphere with "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods."
Explore forest service roads: The Michigan Brook area provides opportunities for off-grid exploration. According to Thomas and James S., "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" The road conditions create natural limitations on visitor numbers, making secluded camping possible even during peak summer months.
Multi-day section hiking: The Appalachian Trail shelters serve as strategic overnight points for hikers completing Vermont sections. Justin P. notes about Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably." Multiple tent sites surrounding shelters accommodate groups continuing multi-day hikes.
What campers like
Elevated shelter design: The multi-level construction at some backcountry shelters provides practical benefits. "The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing," explains a visitor to Happy Hill shelter. This design creates natural separation for different activities and sleeping preferences.
Riverside campsites: The most sought-after spots at Michigan Brook are those adjacent to running water. Trucker C. advises, "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!!"
Clean facilities: While primitive, the backcountry toilets receive regular maintenance. Justin P. observed at Winturri Backcountry Shelter, "There was a decent privvy onsite." Other visitors note the relative cleanliness of facilities compared to typical backcountry locations.
What you should know
Water availability varies seasonally: Most water sources are unreliable during late summer. At Winturri shelter, "Water was running when I was there in mid-August from a spring close to the shelter," but this isn't guaranteed. Drought conditions frequently affect water availability at higher elevation sites.
Limited phone connectivity: Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most tent camping locations. Keegz M. emphasizes about Michigan Brook Road camping: "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION. However, if you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service and a gas station."
Winter accessibility challenges: Snow changes access requirements dramatically. "I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile. I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning," warns one winter visitor to Michigan Brook Road camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Select shelters with platforms: For family camping with children, shelters with tent platforms provide more comfort and stability. Velvet Rocks Shelter offers "tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area." Look for locations with established flat areas to accommodate family-sized tents.
Consider proximity to emergency services: The remote nature of most tent camping locations means limited emergency access. The Michigan Brook area allows vehicle access but requires preparation: "Drive through the residential neighborhood until you hit a dirt road and see National Forest signs." This accessibility makes it better suited for families than more remote hike-in options.
Plan water needs carefully: With unreliable water sources, families need to carry adequate supplies. Justin P. notes about Happy Hill, "There wasn't any water at the source during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)." Families should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day during summer visits.
Tips from RVers
Road condition assessment: RV access to dispersed sites requires careful evaluation. Maggie F. cautions about Michigan Brook: "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." Small trailers and truck campers navigate these roads better than full-sized RVs, particularly after weather events.
Seasonal closures affect access: Verify road status before attempting RV travel to remote sites. Matthew B. warns, "Road has been closed" at Michigan Brook, indicating the need to check current conditions through the Green Mountain National Forest office, particularly during spring thaw and after heavy rainfall periods.
