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Best Tent Camping near Green Mountain National Forest

699 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent campsites throughout Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont offer diverse options ranging from established walk-in tent sites to remote backcountry camping. Michigan Brook Road Camping provides several tent-friendly locations with established fire rings, while dispersed camping areas along Michigan Brook offer more secluded experiences near flowing water. The Last Light on Michigan Brook site marks the final camping location before a closed gate, providing primitive tent camping with both drive-in and hike-in access options.

Most primitive tent sites in the forest require campers to bring their own water and pack out all waste. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many walk-in tent locations, particularly at Michigan Brook where the road becomes muddy and rutted in spring. Winter access is severely limited, with most forest roads unplowed. Fire rings exist at established sites, but toilets are rare except at designated backcountry shelters like Stony Brook and Winturri. One camper 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."

Walk-in tent sites along Patterson Brookside provide peaceful riverside camping with natural soundtrack from flowing water. Several backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail, including Stony Brook and Winturri, offer both shelter accommodations and tent camping platforms with basic amenities like pit toilets. Green Mountain National Forest FR25 features tent campsites scattered along a small stream, though they fill quickly during peak season. Many tent campgrounds become quieter after Labor Day when temperatures cool. A recent review mentioned, "Beautiful stream close by. We had quiet and respectful neighbors," highlighting the serene atmosphere that draws tent campers to these primitive locations. Sites near water features typically offer the most pleasant tent camping experience but require extra attention to Leave No Trace principles.

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Best Tent Sites Near Green Mountain National Forest (41)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Green Mountain National Forest

69 Photos of 41 Green Mountain National Forest Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Green Mountain National Forest

699 Reviews of 41 Green Mountain National Forest Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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!

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

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Chittenden Brook Campground dispersed campsites

    Chittenden Brook Campground is in the Green Mountain National Forest off of Rt 73. Besides reserved site s and a cabin, the service road that leads to the campground has several free dispersed camping sites

  • 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.

Guide to Green Mountain National Forest

Tent camping near Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Green Mountain National Forest

  • For a serene experience, consider staying at Michigan Brook, where you can find a few secluded spots along the river, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
  • Be prepared for primitive camping at Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, which offers a handful of sites along the river with no amenities, ensuring a true back-to-nature experience.
  • If you're looking for a well-reviewed site with easy access, Branbury State Park Campground features tent sites near a beautiful beach, making it a great spot for families.

Local attractions and activities

Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $0

  • Camping at Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters costs only $5 per person per night, providing an affordable option for groups.
  • Enjoy free camping at Michigan Brook, where you can find a few spots for tents along the river.
  • Route 100 Dispersed Camping offers a no-cost option for those looking to camp in a more rustic setting, though it’s important to note that it’s primarily a picnic area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Green Mountain National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Green Mountain National Forest 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 Green Mountain National Forest?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Green Mountain National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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