1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent camping near Danby, Vermont ranges from backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail to drive-in tent campsites at Michigan Brook Road, giving campers options across skill and comfort levels. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters features tent platforms and a three-walled cabin operated by the Green Mountain Club. The Appalachian Trail corridor provides backcountry tent camping opportunities at shelters like Stony Brook, which sits approximately 8 miles from town and allows overnight stays for hikers.
Most primitive tent sites in the Danby area require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. Michigan Brook Road Camping in the Green Mountain National Forest offers drive-in tent sites with basic facilities, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing the rough, sometimes muddy forest roads. According to one visitor, "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!" Many backcountry sites lack drinking water, though seasonal springs can be found near some shelters. Primitive toilets or composting privies are available at established sites like Little Rock Pond and Stony Brook Shelter, but dispersed camping areas generally have no facilities.
Tent campers frequently use these Green Mountain locations as bases for hiking sections of the Appalachian Trail or Long Trail. A review mentioned that Little Rock Pond is "easily my favorite campsite in the Northeast" with a warm pond suitable for swimming despite its elevation. Most backcountry tent areas provide significant tree cover, offering shelter from sun and wind. The tent platforms at Stratton Pond Shelter accommodate overnight hikers with level surfaces that prevent water accumulation during rain. Sites near water features like Michigan Brook tend to be more popular, with several campsites located along the stream. Many tent areas remain peaceful even during peak season, though Michigan Brook Road sites can fill quickly on summer weekends.
"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
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
"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 this 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 dispersed camping opportunities in the Danby, Vermont region, where elevations range from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. Campers access primitive sites via forest roads or hiking trails throughout this section of the 400,000-acre national forest. Winter camping requires additional preparation, as many access roads remain unplowed and temperatures can drop below zero.
Hike to swimming spots: At Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters, visitors can enjoy water activities after the hike in. "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons," notes camper Meredith C.
Explore nearby trails: Stratton Pond Shelter sits at the intersection of multiple long-distance trails. "Great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail," reports Miccal M., who camped there in February. "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."
Fish mountain streams: Several sites along Michigan Brook offer access to small stream fishing. Many campers report multiple spots suitable for setting up near water features. "Nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore," writes Marcus about the Michigan Brook Road area.
Solitude during weekdays: Most backcountry tent sites near Danby remain relatively uncrowded except during summer weekends. "The shelter was fairly basic, 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," Justin P. shares about Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter.
Cost-effective options: Free camping areas provide budget-friendly alternatives. "This dispersed camping area is down Upper Michigan Road in Pittsfield Vermont. Drive through the residential neighborhood until you hit a dirt road and see National Forest signs," reports Maggie F. about Michigan Brook, noting it was "of course free!"
Spacious sites: Many tent camping locations near Danby offer ample room for multiple tents. "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!" explains Thomas and James S. about the Last Light on Michigan Brook site.
Vehicle requirements: Many forest roads accessing tent sites have rough conditions. "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" warns Thomas and James S. about Michigan Brook Road Camping.
Winter accessibility: Snow significantly impacts access to dispersed camping areas. "The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded. However if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile," advises Keegz M., who got stuck overnight in winter conditions.
Cell service limitations: Most areas lack reliable communications. "PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION," cautions Keegz M., adding that service is available if you "walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road."
Water sources: Reliable drinking water can be scarce at primitive sites. Visitors to Stony Brook Shelter note: "There was no water on the shelter, but there was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound."
Shelter options: Some locations offer covered structures for inclement weather. At Stratton Pond Shelter, campers find good infrastructure: "There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," reports Miccal M.
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons can be problematic at some sites. Multiple campers mention encounters with wildlife, and proper food storage is essential as bears are present in the Green Mountain National Forest. Stony Brook Shelter provides "a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont."
Road conditions: RVers should carefully research forest road conditions before attempting access. "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," cautions Maggie F. about Michigan Brook.
Limited amenities: Most tent camping areas near Danby lack hookups or facilities for larger vehicles. "The area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road," notes one reviewer, but most sites are better suited for tents or small trailers.
Access points: Several dispersed camping areas have multiple potential sites along a single road. "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!" advises TRUCKER C. about Michigan Brook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Danby, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Danby, VT is Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 42 tent camping locations near Danby, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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