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Best Tent Camping near Florence, VT

700 Reviews

Green Mountain National Forest offers several primitive tent camping options near Florence, Vermont, with Michigan Brook Road Camping providing both drive-in and walk-in tent sites. Located approximately 15 miles east of Florence, this free camping area features established fire rings and allows pets. Last Light on Michigan Brook, a nearby dispersed camping area, offers tent-only sites with similar amenities but no facilities. Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the Appalachian Trail provides hike-in tent camping with more developed facilities including toilets and seasonal drinking water, making it suitable for backpackers seeking backcountry tent camping experiences.

Most tent campsites in the region feature natural, ungraded surfaces that may be sloped or uneven. Michigan Brook sites require driving on dirt roads that become rutted in spring and impassable in winter, with one camper noting they "got stuck overnight" during winter months. Walk-in tent sites typically lack amenities like drinking water, toilets, or trash service, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most primitive tent camping locations, with the nearest services often miles away in small towns.

Tent campers frequently choose these sites for their seclusion and natural settings. According to reviews, Michigan Brook offers three distinct camping spots, with the site "before the bridge right next to the river" considered the most desirable. Patterson Brookside camp provides "a handful of sites along the river, each offering a slightly different experience," though some spots have been closed due to overuse. Winter access is severely limited, with most tent campgrounds closed or requiring specialized equipment like snowshoes. The proximity to streams and brooks provides both scenic value and water for filtering, though water sources can be unreliable during drought conditions, particularly at higher elevations and backcountry tent sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Florence, Vermont (41)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Florence, VT

65 Photos of 41 Florence Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Florence, VT

700 Reviews of 41 Florence 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.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park

    Amazing Hike! Great Campground

    This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though. The designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike. If I recall it had about 10-12 sites. The area had a host who was there 24/7 and a shared area for eating and food storage (I guess Bear’s are a problem there). We hiked all day, so we didn’t have a fire and to be honest I can’t remember if there was a shared spot for them or not. Either way, this hike was gorgeous and so was the camping. I would love to go back!

  • J
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Adults only, comfortable but lacking excursions

    Lazy Lions is a comfortable campground with an adults-only policy. Having spent time in plenty of campgrounds with screaming or unwinded children, I could see this as a positive draw for the RV'ing crowd. I think we were the only tent campers the night we stayed.

    Our tent site was level and on comfy plush grass, well maintained and either a beautiful addition of two (plastic) adirondack chairs at our fire pit with grill. This was especially welcome because we hadn't really planned on cooking but when we saw the great fire set up not only did we save time and energy by not having to take out (and put away!) our camping chairs, I was able to turn our chips and salsa into nachos using some amazing Vermont cheese we'd picked up earlier. My boyfriend has declared this was his favorite camping meal ever so thanks Lazy Lions for the unexpected awesomeness.

    Our check in was smoothe, there was plenty of room at this campground, perhaps due to the fact that there isn't too much to do other than set up and sleep. It did have a pool.

    On check in we found the front desk (owner?) to be less than warm, and at $7 to firewood a little pricey. We were warned to be careful with our food because of "critters" and when I asked what kind of critters the man responded, "all of them". Less than helpful. In hindsight we believe we found bear scat on our site.

    We slept well, bathroom facilities were clean and well stocked. Showers, which we did not use, we $0.25 for four minutes. There was a microwave and wash sink as well for dishes, we didn't use either.

    We met lovely people and had a fine night, there was just nothing particularly special about the place

  • 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.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • 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!

Guide to Florence

Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Florence, Vermont with primitive camping options at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet. The region's terrain features rocky, uneven surfaces with numerous small brooks and streams cutting through the landscape. Seasonal road closures restrict access to many camping areas during winter months when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.

What to do

Swimming spots: Michigan Brook offers excellent water access with Thomas and James S. noting "Lots to see, and explore" in their review of the location. The brook provides natural swimming areas throughout warmer months.

Hiking trails: Patterson Brookside camp provides access to forest trails with riverside camping options. Miccal M. describes it as having "a handful of sites to camp at along the river, each offering a slightly different experience." The dirt road follows the river with both drive-in and walk-in primitive sites available.

Winter exploration: Michigan Brook Road Camping offers winter access with limitations. Thomas and James S. advise "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" Snow accumulation makes roads challenging from December through March without proper equipment.

What campers like

Riverside sites: Campers consistently favor spots near water. At Last light on Michigan Brook, Thomas and James S. recommend "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Privacy between sites: Most dispersed camping areas feature natural spacing. The Green Mountain National Forest FR25 area provides several secluded options, though Helen P. notes "All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately)," indicating popularity during peak season.

Natural swimming areas: The region's brooks and streams create natural swimming opportunities. At Little Rock Pond, Meredith C. shares "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons." Many campsites feature water access within walking distance.

What you should know

Road conditions: Forest service roads deteriorate significantly after rainfall. Marcus from Michigan Brook notes "Nice little spots to hangout all day," but access requires navigating unmaintained roads that become challenging after precipitation.

Limited services: Cell service disappears throughout most camping areas. Keegz M. emphasizes "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION," referring to Michigan Brook Road Camping. Emergency services may require significant travel time.

Water availability: Natural water sources require filtration or treatment. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, Sigrid O. describes the setting as "Gorgeous stream/river...love the river sounds," but campers must filter all water for consumption.

Seasonal closures: Winter camping requires specialized gear and planning. Chris D. notes that during winter at Route 100, "Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn't plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."

Tips for camping with families

Accessible swimming: Locations with gentle water entry points work best for children. Margaret E. recommends Route 100 camping areas since "This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole."

Designated sites: Established camping areas provide greater safety. For family tent camping near Florence, Vermont, Bingo offers structured sites with Rose noting "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by."

Pack additional supplies: Limited services mean bringing everything needed. Maggie F. advises that Michigan Brook camping requires preparation: "As with many free campsites, there was some trash (please practice LNT fellow campers!!!)." Families should pack extra garbage bags for waste removal.

Tips from RVers

Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles fare better on forest roads. For RV tent camping near Florence, Vermont, TRUCKER C. suggests at Michigan Brook to "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in!" but cautions about road conditions.

Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads lack adequate turning space for larger vehicles. Helen P. observed at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 that "i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."

Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Melissa M. notes that Green Mountain National Forest FR25 offers "Beautiful sites on the River" but space limitations and seasonal moisture can create challenges for larger rigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Florence, VT is Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Florence, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Florence, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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