Tent campsites near New Haven, Vermont provide access to the Green Mountain National Forest, which covers over 400,000 acres across central and southern Vermont. The region's camping elevation ranges from 500 to 2,000 feet, with summer temperatures typically averaging 75-80°F during days and dropping to 50-55°F at night. Fall camping season brings vibrant foliage but requires warmer sleeping gear as overnight temperatures can drop below 40°F by late September.
What to do
Hiking from camp: At Michigan Brook Road Camping, you'll find numerous unmarked trails extending from the campsites. "Nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore," notes marcus, who appreciated the accessibility of recreational opportunities directly from camp.
Swimming in natural pools: Visit local swimming holes near Patterson Brookside Camp, where campers enjoy cooling off during summer months. "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road," shares Thomas and James S., highlighting the "gorgeous rock river" that provides natural swimming opportunities adjacent to campsites.
Sunrise mountain viewing: Wake early at Camel's Hump State Park for memorable summit views. "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," explains Kate K., who noted the designated primitive camping area is approximately 1.5 miles into the hike with about 10-12 sites available.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion at Mount Philo State Park Campground, where site spacing creates a more isolated camping experience. "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service," notes Kaelin P. about this small, well-designed campground.
Quick access to mountain views: Many campers enjoy the combination of convenient camping with dramatic scenery. Drew Q. explains Mount Philo offers "quiet, secluded" sites and notes that "bathrooms were very clean. Coin-op shower with hot water is 50 cents for 5 minutes, 75 cents for 7:30, etc."
Natural sound environment: The rushing water at dispersed sites creates a peaceful soundscape. At Route 100 Dispersed Camping, Margaret E. found "3-5 campsites right off of route 100. This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole."
What you should know
Site closures and regulations: Some dispersed camping areas face closure due to misuse. At Patterson Brookside, Miccal M. warns, "This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact." The camper emphasizes, "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Seasonal access limitations: Winter makes many sites inaccessible. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, Keegz M. advises, "I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile. I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning."
Theft concerns: At some dispersed sites, security can be an issue. One camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 reported, "Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
Tips for camping with families
Fire safety planning: When camping with children, establish clear fire safety rules. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, Helen P. observed, "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better."
Swimming hole access: Look for sites with gentle water access. Margaret E. notes that Route 100 Dispersed Camping has "a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."
Check bear activity reports: Before camping with children, verify recent bear activity. At Camel's Hump State Park, Kate K. mentioned the campground "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)."
Tips from RVers
Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing many dispersed sites. Thomas and James S. warn about Michigan Brook Road: "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Parking limitations: RVs longer than 20 feet may struggle at most tent-focused areas. Chris D. found at Route 100 that the "main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping" but noted "entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter," recommending "AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance."
