Best Tent Camping near Cuttingsville, VT

Green Mountain National Forest provides tent camping opportunities near Cuttingsville, Vermont, with both designated backcountry shelters and dispersed camping options. The Michigan Brook area offers several primitive tent sites along forest roads, while Little Rock Pond features a group camp with tent platforms operated by the Green Mountain Club. Several sites along the Appalachian Trail, including Stony Brook and Winturri shelters, provide hike-in tent camping experiences within reasonable distance of Cuttingsville.

Most backcountry tent sites have basic amenities but require self-sufficiency. Tent platforms at Little Rock Pond cost approximately $5 per person per night, while dispersed camping in the national forest is free. Sites along Michigan Brook require vehicles with higher clearance as the dirt road becomes rough and rutted, particularly after rain. Primitive outhouses or composting toilets are available at established shelters, but dispersed sites typically lack facilities. A review noted, "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." Campers should pack out all waste and bring sufficient water.

Tent campsites in this region provide direct access to swimming holes, hiking trails, and fishing opportunities. Areas around Michigan Brook feature several established sites with existing fire rings, though their conditions vary throughout the season. In early summer, many sites offer comfortable temperatures and fewer insects than later in the season. A camper described Little Rock Pond as "easily my favorite campsite in the Northeast" with a "big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms" and noted the pond is "surprisingly warm for its altitude." Walk-in tent sites at Stratton Pond Shelter include two tent platforms near a large body of water, making it popular with hikers and backpackers. Forest service roads often close during winter months, limiting access to many dispersed tent camping areas until spring.

Best Tent Sites Near Cuttingsville, Vermont (36)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Cuttingsville, VT

729 Reviews of 36 Cuttingsville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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!!

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    Quiet and well maintained campground

    I tent camped here before doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and it was one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at before.

    The sites have some privacy and woods in between, though the tent sites vs. shelters and cabins were mostly closer to the access road. All sites were super clean and had a picnic table and fire ring. Most sites had a built in cooking fire structure (vs. a fire ring) they looked great for camp cooking, though my site (T01) seemed to be the only without it.

    The facilities were well-maintained, there were water spigots everywhere, and though I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, there were lots of activities right there (volleyball lawn, the AT running right through the campground, mountain bike trails).

    I didn’t stay in them, but the cabins and lean-tos looked great for group or family options.

    Kent Pond was also just across the road for water activities, and I saw at least one fly fisher out.

    Killington was also right nearby for restaurants and other needs.

    I will definitely be coming back to explore more!

  • Lauren S.
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Moosalamoo Campground

    Hidden Gem

    Tucked down a gravel road in the Green Mountain National Forest is this hidden treasure. Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others. You will pass several trailheads on your way up to the campground. Many of the sites are reservable, others are first come first serve. You will find a pay station as you enter the campsite. The camp host is at site 1. Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me. Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent. I didn’t experience many bugs, no mosquitoes, what I saw the most of were caterpillars. But If you needed bug spray or forgot anything back in town a few miles Ripton grocery has you covered.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2022

    Greendale Campground

    Greendale campground, Weston Vt.

    Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.

    There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur. Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents. There is also a vault toilet.

    The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams. This loop includes approximately 2 miles of walking along town maintained roads open to vehicular traffic.

    This site is not maintained for winter use. Deep snow often covers amenities at this site December – mid April. The nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away and access is via skis or snowshoes. My wife and I car camped in July and there were very few campers. Many sites are beside Greendale Brook. The water is clean, refreshing and soothing. Especially soothing while sitting by the campfire.

  • Tara S.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Best Fall Camping Ever!

    We just returned from two nights at Grout Pond. We were lucky to have 70 degree days and 50 degree nights in October. We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road. We have camped at Grout Pond a few times in the summer, and while it’s always beautiful, it’s just too busy in July and August. Early October is just about perfect - no bugs, no people, and fantastic views all around.

    The campground is maintained by the National Forest Service, and for many years the sites were free. In 2018, the cost will be significantly higher than free - $16 per night with a limit of 14 consecutive days. There are about 18 sites in total. 7 near the road for car camping or RVs, 5 that are hike-in (the farthest is about a mile from the parking lot), and 6 waterfront sites that you can either hike or paddle to. We really love site #2 for the awesome views and proximity to the toilet, but #11 is bigger and probably the most private of all the sites.

    If you’re paddling in, you can unload all your stuff in the day-use area, and then park your car in the lot. It’s an easy 5-minute paddle to most of the sites. There are lots of well-marked trails. The only water is in the day-use area, so I recommend bringing a filter so you can drink right from the lake. All tents must be set up on tenting platforms, so you’ll need a smallish tent. Sites 10 and 11 have two platforms.  

    After camping here in July and October, I would never camp here in the summer again - come in the fall - you won’t be disappointed!

  • Miccal  M.
    Sep. 24, 2024

    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

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.


Guide to Cuttingsville

Tent camping near Cuttingsville, Vermont offers access to Green Mountain National Forest with established wilderness shelters and primitive sites. The region sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with temperatures ranging 45-75°F during camping season. Forest service access roads typically open mid-May, with some routes requiring high-clearance vehicles due to spring runoff conditions and minimal maintenance.

What to do

Swimming options: The Stratton Pond area features one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail. According to a winter camper, "the lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail" with tent platforms and bunk spaces available at the Stratton Pond Shelter.

Hiking connections: Thistle Hill Shelter provides direct trail access without requiring transportation to trailheads. A hiker described it as "a peaceful place to stop in the woods" with "smaller spots for tent camping that were somewhat sloped" making it suitable for solo travelers seeking connection to trail systems rather than basecamp amenities.

Fishing opportunities: Michigan Brook Road camping areas provide direct creek access for anglers. A camper noted there are "nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore" at Michigan Brook with several established sites located near fishing spots along the water.

What campers like

Waterfront locations: Last Light on Michigan Brook offers premium streamside camping for tent campers. One visitor described it as "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!" which highlights its somewhat hidden nature and proximity to water features.

Privacy levels: Stony Brook Shelter provides secluded spots away from main camping areas. A reviewer mentioned "there were a few large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level" and noted "large tenting areas" with "decent privacy" at Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter.

Wildlife viewing: Bingo camping area provides opportunities to observe woodland wildlife in natural settings. One camper simply noted the "beautiful stream close by" making it ideal for watching local wildlife that frequents water sources during early morning and evening hours.

What you should know

Water availability: Michigan Brook Road camping requires water planning as sources are seasonal. A winter visitor warned, "PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION" but mentioned "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."

Road conditions: Several Michigan Road camping areas have challenging access depending on season and vehicle type. A camper specifically cautioned that "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" at Michigan Road camping areas.

Seasonal closures: Winter access to most dispersed camping is limited or prohibited. One visitor reported simply "Road has been closed" during spring conditions, while another winter camper noted "if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."

Tips for camping with families

Swimming opportunities: Stony Brook offers family-friendly water features accessible from camping areas. A reviewer mentioned finding "a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit" after exploring "a bit offtrail down the brook."

Shelter options: Winturri Shelter provides flexibility for mixed tent and shelter camping. A visitor described it as having a "shelter on the larger side and could fit maybe 6-8 folks" with "lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter" at Winturri Backcountry Shelter.

Safety features: Several backcountry shelters offer bear boxes not common to all wilderness sites. One camper specifically noted "There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont" which provides added security for family food storage.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: Michigan Brook Road becomes progressively challenging for larger vehicles. A camper experienced firsthand that "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning" during winter conditions, suggesting even moderate-sized vehicles face challenges on these roads.

Supply planning: RVers should stock supplies before arrival as nearby services are limited. The Last Light on Michigan Brook location received the simple but important reminder from a regular visitor: "Keep it clean!" as pack-in, pack-out principles apply with no services or trash removal available at remote sites.

Turning space: Forest access roads often lack adequate turnaround areas for larger vehicles. Campers report that Michigan Road areas have limited space for maneuvering vehicles once you've passed certain points, with one camper recommending to "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Cuttingsville, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.