1 campground with availability next weekend
Green Mountain National Forest offers several primitive tent camping options near West Rutland, Vermont, with free tent campsites located within 15-20 miles in the surrounding mountains. Michigan Brook Road Camping provides free tent sites with drive-in and walk-in access, while Last Light on Michigan Brook offers similar primitive tent accommodations. For backcountry tent camping, Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides hike-in access with tent platforms and a three-walled shelter.
Most tent camping locations in this region require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. Sites typically feature established fire rings on natural, sometimes uneven terrain. Michigan Brook sites are accessible via a dirt road that becomes challenging during wet conditions or winter months. A camper noted, "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot. There's 3 camping spots—one before the bridge and two after the bridge." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all locations, with no trash service, drinking water, or maintained toilets available. The Patterson Brookside area offers similar primitive tent setups along a river with multiple walk-in sites.
Campers at these locations typically enjoy a genuine backcountry experience with natural surroundings and flowing water. Sites near Patterson Brook offer seclusion with river access, making them popular for tent campers seeking water proximity. The Little Rock Pond site, operated by Green Mountain Club, includes tent platforms and composting toilet facilities, with the pond providing swimming opportunities during warmer months. Walk-in tent locations tend to offer more privacy and distance from vehicle noise. According to one visitor, "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact." Winter access is limited, with most forest service roads closed due to snow accumulation until spring thaw.
"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."
"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
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"Beautiful stream close by."
"I have stayed on Nobles Island & Floating Battery Island in the Narrows of Lake George. You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
"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."
"Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any."
"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. "
"Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
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.
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.
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
Green Mountain National Forest provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities around West Rutland, Vermont. The forest terrain includes elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet with multiple river systems cutting through forested valleys. Winter closures affect most forest service roads from November through April, with primitive sites typically opening as snow melts and ground conditions firm up.
River exploration: At Patterson Brookside camp, visitors can access multiple swimming spots along the riverside. "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!" notes a camper.
Day hikes: The Appalachian Trail passes through several camping areas within 20 miles of West Rutland. Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter offers "a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail" according to a hiker.
Fishing access: Multiple forest service roads provide streamside camping with fishing opportunities. The brook systems contain native trout populations. Forest roads often parallel waterways, making access straightforward for anglers.
Backcountry isolation: The Michigan Brook Road area attracts campers seeking seclusion. According to a visitor at Michigan Brook Road Camping, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Natural swimming: Several camping areas feature river and pond access for swimming during summer months. One camper at Stony Brook noted they "found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit."
Wildlife viewing: The forest shelters diverse wildlife populations. At Little Rock Pond Group Camp, a visitor observed, "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles, especially during spring thaw or after rain. A reviewer at Michigan Brook advises, "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."
No services: Most camping areas lack basic amenities. "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in," notes a Patterson Brookside camper.
Location identification: Finding specific sites can be challenging without clear markers. At Last Light on Michigan Brook, a camper suggests, "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"
Environmental impact concerns: Some areas show signs of overuse. "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," warns a Patterson Brookside visitor.
River-adjacent sites: For families seeking water access, look for established sites near streams. At Bingo, a camper notes there are a "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by."
Communication limitations: Cell service is unavailable at most forest sites. A Michigan Road visitor emphasizes, "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."
Supply planning: Nearest supply points are typically 10-20 miles away in surrounding towns. Consider the Michigan Brook area which offers proximity to "a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store which also serves as a restaurant. There you can find just about anything."
Road condition awareness: Dirt forest roads can deteriorate quickly with weather changes. Michigan Brook campers note, "In Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted" and recommend against low-clearance vehicles.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. A Michigan Brook visitor describes it as "big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road."
Spring access challenges: Many forest roads become impassable during spring thaw. A Michigan Brook camper warns that "the dirt road is not plowed" during winter months, limiting RV access until roads dry out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Rutland, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Rutland, VT is Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near West Rutland, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near West Rutland, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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