Best Tent Camping near Londonderry, VT
Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Londonderry, Vermont with numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail corridors. Stratton Pond Shelter, located 3.75 miles from the nearest parking area, offers tent platforms and primitive tent sites near one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides tent-only camping with several platforms at just $5 per person per night. Michigan Brook Road Camping in the Green Mountain National Forest offers more accessible tent camping options with established sites along a forest service road approximately 25 miles north of Londonderry.
Most tent campsites in the region require preparation for minimal facilities. Backcountry shelters typically include basic privies but unreliable water sources, particularly during late summer drought conditions. At Michigan Brook Road, campers should bring their own water and be prepared for rough, rutted roads that require higher clearance vehicles, especially after spring thaw when mud can make access challenging. Tent sites at Appalachian Trail shelters are often on uneven ground with minimal site preparation. Fire regulations vary by location, with some areas permitting fires in established rings while others prohibit them entirely during dry periods. Cell service is virtually nonexistent at most primitive tent camping locations.
Tent campers frequently use these sites as stopovers during longer section hikes rather than weekend destinations. According to one visitor at Stratton Pond, "The tent camping areas have two dedicated platforms and several flat spots for multiple tents." At Michigan Brook, a camper noted that "the spot before the bridge right next to the river is the best one" for tent camping. The area around Little Rock Pond offers surprisingly warm swimming during summer months, with large tent areas that can accommodate multiple tents. Winter camping is possible at some locations, though access becomes significantly more difficult, with Stratton Pond requiring snowshoes or skis for the nearly four-mile approach. Most backcountry tent sites provide good separation between campers, offering privacy even during busier periods.