Best Tent Camping near Forest Dale, VT
Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Forest Dale, Vermont, with tent camping options scattered along forest roads and adjacent to streams. Michigan Brook Road Camping in the national forest offers free primitive tent sites with drive-in and walk-in access. Dispersed camping areas like Last Light on Michigan Brook and Patterson Brookside camp also provide primitive tent camping opportunities for visitors seeking solitude near flowing water. The Appalachian Trail corridor crosses the region, with Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter providing both a wooden shelter and designated tent camping areas for hikers.
Most primitive tent sites have fire rings but minimal amenities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out all waste. Sites typically feature dirt or forest duff surfaces with variable terrain. Route 100 Dispersed Camping offers picnic tables at some tent sites, while most other areas provide only basic clearings for tents. Several areas, including Michigan Brook Road and Patterson Brookside, allow pets and permit alcohol, though forest regulations still apply. Winter conditions typically make many sites inaccessible due to unplowed roads, particularly at higher elevations. One visitor noted signs of overuse at some locations: "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse."
The tent camping experience varies by location, with streamside sites offering natural white noise and cooling effects during summer months. Michigan Brook tent sites provide good access to Killington for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail feature bear boxes for food storage, especially important at Stony Brook Shelter. Sites along Patterson Brook offer varying degrees of privacy among several established camping areas. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "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." Tent platforms are notably absent from most sites, so campers should bring appropriate ground tarps or pads.