1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent camping near Cavendish, Vermont ranges from free primitive tent campsites to fee-based tent platforms, with options spanning drive-in roadside sites and remote backcountry shelters. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters, located 20 miles southwest of Cavendish, provides tent platforms and a three-sided shelter for hikers, with a $5 per person fee. Several Appalachian Trail backcountry shelters, including Stony Brook and Winturri, offer tent-only camping areas adjacent to their structures. Michigan Brook Road Camping in the national forest provides free primitive tent campsites approximately 25 miles northwest of Cavendish, with both drive-in and walk-in tent sites available.
Most tent campsites in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Backcountry tent sites typically include a fire ring and level ground for pitching tents, but rarely offer potable water. Campers should bring water filters or purification methods, as many water sources are seasonal and unreliable during dry periods. Privies are available at AT shelters but absent at dispersed camping areas. Forest roads accessing tent campgrounds may become impassable during spring thaw or after heavy rains, requiring high-clearance vehicles. Winter access is limited, with most forest roads unplowed from November through April. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all primitive tent camping locations.
Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail or exploring the surrounding forest. According to reviews, Stony Brook shelter offers "large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level," making it popular for groups. One visitor noted that Michigan Brook sites fill quickly on weekends, with the riverside spots being most desirable. Patterson Brookside camp provides walk-in tent sites along a river with "no electricity, no cell coverage, no outhouses," requiring complete self-sufficiency. Stratton Pond Shelter, accessible via a 3.75-mile hike, features dedicated tent platforms and access to one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail, offering backcountry tent camping with swimming opportunities during warmer months.
"There's a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms, and there's even a composting privy (#2 only)!!"
from $5 / night
"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."
"Note: This is a back country shelter on the Appalachian trail that doesn't have consistent water. I stopped here on a section hike of the Appalachian trail."
"I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."
"Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."
"Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great! The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. "
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"Note this is a back country campsite that is 100% hike in, with no guaranteed water. I tent camped here in August while doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail. "
from $85 / night
"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."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutThe recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂
ScoutWe came up looking for a campground where we could actually spend a few days without constantly driving somewhere. Ended up fishing, swimming, walking along the river and exploring the area. The campground gave us plenty to do, but it was also nice having the option to just sit at the campsite and do nothing. Would definitley come back.
ScoutWe have a big RV and had no trouble getting settled in. Having the full hookups made things super easy, especially for a longer stay.
TravelerGorgeous pond filled with lily pads!
ScoutNothing beats sitting by the river after a long day of exploring. We visited a few places around the Lake Sunapee area and this was a really convenient home base.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
ScoutWe brought the kids and they found plenty to do. Between the pool, river and recreation area, they were pretty much entertained the entire trip.
ScoutWe rented a cabin and honestly it was perfect for what we needed. Spent the days exploring around Lake Sunapee and came back here to relax at night.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 36 tent camping locations near Cavendish, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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