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Best Tent Camping near Pawlet, VT

752 Reviews

The Green Mountain National Forest offers several tent camping options near Pawlet, Vermont, with primitive sites along Michigan Brook Road and Last Light on Michigan Brook providing access to backcountry tent camping. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters, located within hiking distance, features tent platforms and a three-walled cabin that can accommodate multiple campers. Stratton Pond Shelter, accessible only by hiking trails, provides tent camping areas near water sources in a more remote setting.

Most tent sites in this region lack amenities, requiring campers to pack in all necessities and practice Leave No Trace principles. According to one visitor, "There are no services of any sorts at this location," highlighting the need for self-sufficiency. The Michigan Brook area features established fire rings at designated camping spots along the river, though road conditions can be challenging with one camper noting, "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised." Seasonal access varies, with many forest roads becoming impassable during winter months or spring mud season.

Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for exploring the surrounding wilderness and trail networks. The primitive nature of these sites appeals to those seeking solitude away from developed campgrounds. A review mentioned that Michigan Brook Road "lingers along the river" with "quite a few sites along the road," providing options for different camping experiences. Areas near water sources like Stratton Pond offer swimming opportunities during warmer months. Tree cover provides shade at most sites, though exposure varies by location. For those willing to hike in, backcountry shelters along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail provide alternative tent camping options with more established facilities like pit toilets and sometimes water sources, though these require advance planning and proper equipment for remote camping.

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Best Tent Sites Near Pawlet, Vermont (33)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pawlet, VT

43 Photos of 33 Pawlet Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Pawlet, VT

752 Reviews of 33 Pawlet Campgrounds

  • Erin B.
    Sep. 11, 2019

    Clarksburg State Park Campground

    low key and beautiful fall getaway

    Keep in mind that this review is written after camping sept 8th (the week that school started for many) so it might not be relevant to peak camping season. We were pleasantly surprised with our weekend getaway to Clarksburg State Park. Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site. Several spots (including ours 6) were very close to the rather large pond. While the trees obstruct the views, the site was waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks (there is a designated launching spot elsewhere). No electric and water hookups are provided but we were totally okay with that. Bear boxes were provided on each site so that you don’t have to keep stinky food or garbage in your car! Each site also had a fire pit with a grate so that you can cook right there on the fire. The bathrooms were some of the cleanest campground bathrooms and showers i’ve experienced (no bugs or webs also) and there was a dishwashing station on the side. The sites were large and well spaced but they had trees in between so that you felt privacy. The campground itself had plenty of sites, firewood for sale in the front and a pavilion and beach area on the day use side. There are plenty of trails you can hop on right outside your tent site and very little light pollution for optimal star gazing. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be back!

  • 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.

  • Dawn S.
    May. 30, 2020

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Clean

    My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities. They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. We will go back.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Molly Stark State Park Campground

    Quiet, secluded & nestled in the woods

    We stayed here as a stopover on our way home to NJ from Maine. It's 5 min down the road from Wilmington, one of our favorite towns to visit. There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16. It's a pull through RV site with a fire ring & picnic table. T16 is right next to bathrooms- unfortunately the map shows showers there too (there are not). We boondocked- there's a spot up top near the other bathrooms where you can fill your fresh water tank. We had a slight issue with our fresh tank overflow valve & the park worker was INCREDIBLE, helpful and so kind. I think his name was Jerry?. He came right over and even rigged up a fix for it in his workshop. We got him a 12pack as a thanks before we left :). Campground is quiet & nestled in the woods. We didn't see any bear, but it is an active bear area. Some tent sites have lean to structures as well. There's a large pavilion at the top of the campground for eating etc. If we stayed longer we would have definitely done the Mt Olga Fire-tower trail. This is no frills, primitive & refreshing camping. And yes- we would stay again!!

  • Sara Q.
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Small, loud, muddy

    Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this small campground. Right from the start, upon checkin, I bought two $5 ea. bundles of wood after being assured they were "kiln dried".  The wood wouldn't catch no matter what I tried -- not even with the help of some fire starter.  The tent site itself was very small and barely fit my truck and tent.  It was made smaller still because of the mud and holes on the perimeter of the site. At night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby and despite a posted quiet time, other campers were slamming car doors over and over and talking at the top of their lungs, making it difficult to sleep. The surrounding state forest was pretty and the trails were in decent shape.

  • Christina W.
    May. 28, 2019

    Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation

    I go every year!

    Me and my friends get a group site at least once a year. It's an amazing place with really great staff that care about the safety of everyone and keeping the areas clean. We always have an amazing time here. The views are great and we have never had any issues. 

    First time I went it was intimidating because I had never camped in an all tent camping site with no running water or public restroom areas. However, as soon as I got acclimated, I loved it. There are outhouses stationed at different areas all around, and bear boxes for every group. There are bears around so use the boxes seriously. 

    There are a number of rivers and little waterfalls that are always nice to visit. I plan to go there again very soon!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Heidi R.
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation

    Awesome backpacking with amenities!

    The hike in was a fairly easy 1.3 to the csmpground. The sites were huge and spread out. Although we could kind of see our neighbors if we tried, we were far enough away that we weren't looking at them all weekend. SO PEACEFUL! Uou will hear the bard owls call at night and not much else. Sites 11, 8, and 9 are pretty set back and private.

    Amenities include:

    1. The rangers deliver wood to your site
    2. The bear lockers are roomy and clean and could double as storage to keep items out of the rain (highly recommend reviewing being "bear aware" as we had a sighting in our neighboring site and not all other campers are bear smart and left food/trash out even though rangers gave reminders).
    3. The composting toilets were so spacious and clean you could sleep on the floor in an emergency!
    4. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.

    There are plenty of options for hiking including two nearby falls, a section of the AT, and of course the summit. The summit lodge offers breakfast & lunch. Although abut pricey, the large fire place, friendly hiker conversations, and a warm cup of coffee brightened our rainy day. They also do dinner by reservation. The summit is accessible by hiking or car. They have educational and entertainment programs scheduled throughout the weekend.

Guide to Pawlet

Dispersed camping options near Pawlet, Vermont include sites along forest service roads and remote shelters accessible by hiking. The Green Mountain National Forest encompasses over 400,000 acres in this region, with elevations ranging from 900 to 4,000 feet. Spring brings mud season from March to May, when many forest roads become impassable even for high-clearance vehicles.

What to do

Explore winter backcountry camping: At Stratton Pond Shelter, "the shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," according to visitor Miccal M. Winter camping requires specialized cold-weather gear and advanced preparation.

Fish in local streams: The Michigan Brook area provides access to small stream fishing opportunities throughout the warmer months. One camper noted, "We ate fresh fish everyday," highlighting the productive fishing in nearby waters.

Hike to secluded swimming spots: Little Rock Pond offers unexpected swimming options at higher elevations. According to Meredith C., "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons. There's a huge jumping rock on the far side of the pond."

What campers like

Affordable primitive accommodations: Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides budget-friendly options with some amenities. "Operated by the Green Mountain Club caretaker who lives onsite, this campsite costs only $5 per person per night. There's a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms, and there's even a composting privy (#2 only)!!" reports one visitor.

Water access: Several tent campsites near Pawlet, Vermont feature stream or pond access, with Michigan Brook Road particularly popular. One camper recommended: "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge! The one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one!!"

Solitude and disconnection: Most remote camping areas in this region lack cell service. As one camper at Michigan Brook Road noted, "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION," making it ideal for those seeking to disconnect.

What you should know

Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest service roads accessing tent sites require appropriate vehicles. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" according to recent visitors Thomas and James S.

Limited supplies nearby: While primitive, some camping locations offer access to basic necessities with planning. A Michigan Brook Road camper noted, "if you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service and a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store which also serves as a restaurant."

Seasonal closures affect access: Road status changes throughout the year. One camper reported in May 2021 that Michigan Brook "Road has been closed," so checking current conditions before departure is essential.

Tips for camping with families

Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, sites closer to access roads may be preferable. The Last Light on Michigan Brook site is relatively accessible but still offers seclusion. As campers Thomas and James S. described it: "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Plan for self-sufficiency: No services means bringing everything needed for your stay. Maggie F. noted about Michigan Brook: "As with many free campsites, there was some trash (please practice LNT fellow campers!!!). All in all great stop-over spot but not really a destination."

Consider shelter alternatives: Three-sided shelters can provide more protection for families than tents in adverse weather. At Stratton Pond, "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," offering both shelter options and recreation.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations restrict access: Most tent camping areas near Pawlet cannot accommodate larger recreational vehicles. One visitor to Michigan Brook noted it "is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road," but cautioned that seasonal conditions may make this impossible.

Prepare for primitive conditions: RVers accustomed to hookups will find none in this area. Even at more established sites, campers should "CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH!! Very back woods camping!" as TRUCKER C. emphasized at Michigan Brook.

Consider Killington area for basecamp: Some dispersed camping areas work well as affordable bases for exploring the broader region. One Michigan Brook camper noted it was a "Decent Stop over spot for visiting Killington" and "of course free!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Pawlet, VT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Pawlet, VT is Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Pawlet, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Pawlet, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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