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Best Tent Camping near Chester, VT

632 Reviews

The Green Mountain National Forest offers several backcountry tent camping options near Chester, Vermont, with the Appalachian Trail corridor providing numerous established shelters and tent platforms. Little Rock Pond Group Camp features tent platforms, composting privies, and costs about $5 per person per night, according to visitor reviews. Michigan Brook Road Camping in the Green Mountain National Forest offers primitive tent sites with three established camping spots—one before a bridge and two after—that provide true backcountry experiences without designated facilities.

Tent camping areas in this region typically feature basic accommodations with fire rings but minimal amenities. Several backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail corridor provide both shelter space and adjacent tent platforms or cleared areas for tent camping. Most tent sites require either walk-in or hike-in access, with many shelters positioned several miles from the nearest trailhead or parking area. According to one visitor, "This is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privy." Water availability varies seasonally, with some shelter sites featuring nearby springs that may run dry during summer drought periods.

The tent camping experience near Chester prioritizes natural immersion over conveniences. The established backcountry shelters provide strategic stopping points for section hikers, while more accessible sites like those at Michigan Brook Road attract weekend campers. A visitor commented that Michigan Brook offers "very back woods camping" with sites positioned near a river. Many tent sites feature level spots appropriate for smaller backpacking tents rather than large family camping setups. Cell service is extremely limited or non-existent at most primitive tent locations, though hiking to higher elevations or nearby roads sometimes provides connectivity. Campers should practice proper food storage techniques as wildlife encounters are possible, with bears active throughout the region's forests.

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Best Tent Sites Near Chester, Vermont (32)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Chester, VT

46 Photos of 32 Chester Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Chester, VT

632 Reviews of 32 Chester Campgrounds

  • Sa R.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Beautiful lake

    First time staying there. Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them. Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available. Showers & bathrooms by the parking area. Lots of islands & places to explore on the lake. Buggy in June so bring your repellent. Dogs allowed...that’s all I got for now :)

  • 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!

  • Ryan A.
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Mohawk Trail State Forest Campground

    Great Campground in Western Mass

    This is a great campground located off of highway 2 in western Mass. I stayed in site 51 and luckily the campground was mostly empty(it was on a Thursday though and was supposed to be full for the weekend.) Each campsite has a bear box and fire ring, there is easy access to hiking trails and flush-toilet bathrooms with sinks are located throughout. There is only one dumpster though and it’s a walk to get to – store your trash in your car or drive it each night, or enjoy the walk. 

    The campsites are very close together without much brush for privacy, so you should expect to see your neighbors up close and personal. Some of the sites are on Cold River(which is more like a creek). The bugs were awful, especially the gnats and I did see a large tick on my fire grill, so be prepared. The best sites are on the lower loop around the water. Avoid any site next to the bathroom as the lights stay on all night and will shine directly into your tent. 49 looked really nice and seemed dark. The hike-in sites were also close together, 22 is the most private. There are baskets with wheels provided. 

    The rangers are friendly and sell firewood in case you need any. You’ll need to check in before going to the campsite, they’ll give you a map and they take good care of the sites. Would definitely camp here again.

  • Nancy R.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Tully Lake Campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping!

    Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. It is a State managed campground, and reservations must be made through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!

    This is a "Carry In" campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.) There are individual sites, and 2 group sites, if you are camping with a group. Canoes are available to rent to explore Tully Lake. Most parts of the lake are suitable for swimming, and some camp sites offer direct entry into the lake for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls. Bring your cameras or smart phones to capture some of these breathtaking views! And of course there are longer, more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only. Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground. But a short walk or drive away from the campground you can get connected again.

    The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7. There are sinks beside the building, where campers are asked to wash their dishes, rather than at the camp site. A fire ring and picnic table are provided at each camp site. If you've forgotten any gear or need groceries, there's a Walmart just a 15 minute drive away, open until 12 midnight.

    The staff are quite friendly, helpful and informative. If you enjoy "old fashioned" family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you. Enjoy!

  • 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.

  • Dawn S.
    May. 30, 2020

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Clean

    My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities. They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. We will go back.

  • 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!!

  • Sara Q.
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Small, loud, muddy

    Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this small campground. Right from the start, upon checkin, I bought two $5 ea. bundles of wood after being assured they were "kiln dried".  The wood wouldn't catch no matter what I tried -- not even with the help of some fire starter.  The tent site itself was very small and barely fit my truck and tent.  It was made smaller still because of the mud and holes on the perimeter of the site. At night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby and despite a posted quiet time, other campers were slamming car doors over and over and talking at the top of their lungs, making it difficult to sleep. The surrounding state forest was pretty and the trails were in decent shape.

Guide to Chester

Tent camping near Chester, Vermont offers primitive backcountry experiences along several notable hiking corridors. The region sits between 1,200-2,500 feet elevation, with summer temperatures typically ranging 45-80°F. Several designated backcountry shelters provide strategic stopping points for both section hikers and weekend adventurers, with most requiring significant hiking distances from trailheads.

What to do

Swimming opportunities: At Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter, campers can cool off in nearby swimming holes. "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," notes Justin P.

Winter camping: Cold weather adventurers can experience peaceful, snowy solitude. "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!" shares Miccal M. about his winter stay at Stratton Pond Shelter.

Explore water bodies: Several campgrounds provide lake and pond access. "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," describes a Stratton Pond visitor. Another camper at a nearby pond mentions "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many backcountry shelters offer secluded tent areas. At Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, Justin P. notes, "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."

Wildlife viewing: The region's natural habitats attract diverse wildlife. "The pond is home to two Common Loons," reports one visitor about their camping experience near a pond in the Green Mountain National Forest. Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the area's waterways.

Multi-level shelters: Some backcountry shelters feature unique designs. Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter offers "a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably," providing flexibility for different camping groups.

What you should know

Water availability varies: Many tent sites have inconsistent water sources. "Note this is a back country campsite that is 100% hike in, with no guaranteed water," cautions Justin P. about Happy Hill. Another shelter visitor mentions, "Water was running when I was there in mid-August from a spring close to the shelter."

Bear safety considerations: Some sites provide bear protection infrastructure. At Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter, a hiker observed, "There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound)."

Road conditions for remote sites: Access to the best tent camping near Chester, Vermont can be challenging. "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" warns Thomas and James S. about Michigan Brook Road camping areas.

Tips for camping with families

Tent platform availability: For easier family setup, seek sites with platforms. Little Rock Pond Group Camp offers multiple tent platforms managed by on-site caretakers, providing stable, level sleeping areas for families with young campers.

Bathroom facilities: Shelters typically have basic toilet facilities. "The privvy was relatively new and in great shape," notes a Happy Hill visitor. At Stony Brook, a hiker mentioned, "The privvy looked brand new and was more spacious than most on the trail."

Winter preparedness: Families exploring in colder months need proper equipment. Keegz M. advises for Michigan Brook Road: "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."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV access: Most backcountry camping sites near Chester require hiking in with gear. Michigan Brook Road offers some primitive camping accessed by vehicle, but road conditions limit larger vehicles.

Emergency communication: Cell service is extremely limited. "PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION," warns Keegz M. about Michigan Brook. "However, 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."

Supply locations: RVers should stock up before heading to remote sites. "There you can find just about anything. Gas, firewood, water/drinks and a restroom," notes a Michigan Brook camper about the nearby general store.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chester, 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 Chester, VT?

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