Best Tent Camping near North Chittenden, VT
Dispersed tent camping opportunities abound in the Green Mountain National Forest near North Chittenden, Vermont, with several primitive sites established along Michigan Brook and Michigan Brook Road. These backcountry tent camping areas offer access to natural settings without developed facilities, primarily concentrated in the Pittsfield area approximately 7 miles northwest of North Chittenden. Most sites are free to use and provide basic fire rings for tent campers seeking a more rustic outdoor experience.
Access to Michigan Brook tent sites varies considerably with seasonal conditions. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for the Michigan Brook Road, which becomes increasingly rough and muddy during spring thaw and after rainfall. Most primitive tent camping areas lack basic amenities, with no drinking water, toilets, or trash service available. According to one visitor, "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised." Dispersed tent campers must pack out all waste and bring sufficient water supplies, as nearby brooks may require treatment before consumption. Winter access becomes difficult or impossible without snowshoes or snowmobiles when the service roads are not plowed.
The tent camping experience in this area offers considerable solitude with proximity to flowing water. Many sites feature established fire rings with several spots positioned along small streams or brooks. A recent review noted that "There's 3 camping spots. One before the bridge and 2 after the bridge. The one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one." Primitive tent sites are typically shaded by forest canopy, providing natural shelter from sun and light rain. For backcountry tent campers seeking more structure, the Appalachian Trail corridor offers alternatives like the Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter or Winturri Backcountry Shelter, both located within hiking distance of North Chittenden and featuring tent platforms alongside traditional shelters. These backcountry locations provide pit toilets but still require campers to carry in all necessary supplies.