Best Campgrounds near Pittsfield, VT

Camping in the Green Mountain National Forest around Pittsfield, Vermont provides a mix of established campgrounds, dispersed sites, and cabin options. Michigan Brook offers free camping areas along a dirt road with several primitive sites near water, while Chittenden Brook Campground features more developed facilities with tent platforms and picnic tables. Gifford Woods State Park, approximately 10 miles east of Pittsfield, provides cabins, lean-to shelters, and tent sites with the Appalachian Trail running directly through the park.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many forest service roads requiring higher clearance vehicles, especially during spring mud season. Most camping areas operate from Memorial Day through mid-October, though some dispersed sites remain open year-round with limited winter access. A camper noted, "There's a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair." Cell service is generally unavailable at most forest sites, though signals can be found in nearby towns. Travelers should prepare for rustic conditions with limited facilities at dispersed sites, while state parks offer more amenities including showers and designated camping areas.

The camping experience near Pittsfield features a range of privacy levels and natural settings. Several visitors highlight the sound of running water as a key feature at sites near brooks and streams. Sites at Chittenden Brook Campground are described as feeling "secluded but aren't. There's quite a bit of space between each site so you can't really see your neighbors." Michigan Brook Road camping spots are appreciated for their proximity to water, with one camper pointing out "the one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one." Most camping areas provide good access to hiking trails, including sections of the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail, making the region popular with both overnight campers and through-hikers seeking temporary lodging.

Best Camping Sites Near Pittsfield, Vermont (194)

    1. Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Killington, VT
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 775-5354

    "Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."

    "The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."

    2. Moosalamoo Campground

    16 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $15 / night

    "there are no amenities other than cascading waterfalls, mountain views, incredible swimming hole, a nearby lake, a picnic table and a fire ring. the easiest access to sites one and two is the Silver Lake"

    "Access to campground is on a gravel road but my van did okay. It is small and primitive and there is a camp host who is very nice."

    3. Chittenden Brook Campground

    5 Reviews
    Goshen, VT
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 767-4261

    $15 / night

    "Nice hiking trails close to long trail, really tucked away a few miles off 73. Great if you’re looking for some solitude."

    "Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground."

    4. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest

    4 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."

    "Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."

    5. Coolidge State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Plymouth, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 672-3612

    "This place gets my vote for best campground in Vermont. Especially true if you're lucky enough to get one of the few sites on the outside of A loop that has a Lean-to with a view."

    "Coolidge is off the beaten path but well worth the wander! There are no water sites, it’s on the side of a heavily wooded mountain with a few sites having amazing views!"

    6. Branbury State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 247-5925

    "The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."

    "Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."

    7. Silver Lake State Park Campground

    4 Reviews
    Barnard, VT
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 234-9451

    "Surrounded by breathtaking mountain-scapes. Facilities are nice and the lake is lovely with some great fishing. You can swim, walk around it or rent a vessel to cruise around in."

    "Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire."

    8. Quechee State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Quechee, VT
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 295-2990

    $38 / night

    "The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont."

    "Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left."

    9. Green Mountain National Forest FR207

    8 Reviews
    Granville, VT
    16 miles
    Website

    "If you're considering a spot in Vermont to camp, come here! Also, make sure your car has a bit of clearance as some sports have dips in the ground."

    "Able to see sunrise/sunset/moonrise over the surrounding rolling hills and crests.  Upper meadows accessible with 4WD / high clearance vehicles."

    10. Michigan Brook

    3 Reviews
    Pittsfield, VT
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (802) 747-6700

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Pittsfield, VT

717 Reviews of 194 Pittsfield Campgrounds


  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Mount Ascutney State Park Campground

    Great state park

    This is a beautiful state park at the base of Mt ascutney. The campground is lovely. Forest Ed and beautiful fall colors in October. Good facilities. Friendly staff. Some noise from the interstate but not terrible. There is a 3.7 mile road that is extremely steep but paved, and goes to the summit of the mountain. Less than 1 mile hike from there to the observation tower. Great views. Lots of hiking trail trails.

  • S.D.G
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Great stop on any trip

    Clean, good facilities. Price has gone up to $38 a night. Got there close to the time the rangers left for the night, Nick was really kind to make sure I got situated before he left. Walking distance from the antique mall which is a stop everyone should make as well as good food and pizza right nearby. Great spot to stop at on any trip

  • Stuart M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Moscow Recreation Park

    Quiet & Safe in Stowe

    Quiet spot out of the way. Large sporting field car park suitable for big dogs. No 'no camping' signs. There was a portaloo on site.

  • Marc D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Shelburne Camping Area

    Nice Campground

    This is a nice little private campground in Shelburne, just outside of Burlington. Close to Lake Champlain. Good place to spend the night and good access to activities. Sides are somewhat small close together. Bathrooms spotlessly clean. Older couple is the staff, very friendly and unhelpful.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Woodbury Meadows Campground

    Family-Owned Campground Near Stowe

    With 6 sites, this family-owned campground was the perfect pit stop on our road trip to Stowe. Dig and kid friendly. Has showers, water, and electrical hookup.

  • Jenna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Crown Point Campground

    Nice with a view

    Pretty nice campground all things considered, bathrooms are definitely rustic but kept clean. Some of the campsites are very close together, and others have a decent amount of space between them, not necessarily a lot of trees in between campsites for privacy. Beautiful views of the water, and surrounding mountains. Staff was extremely friendly!

  • Keith L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Jamaica State Park Campground

    Great Camping Experience at Jamaica State Park

    This was our second stay at this Vermont State Park. It was a great three days. The park rangers were tremendous in ensuring we had a great visit. They worked with us to get the right site. The bathroom facilities, while rustic, were clean. There is a plethora of things to do in the park itself and in the local community. Nonetheless, it starts and ends with the management of the campground. Lauren, the campground manager, and her team of professionals, do a great job. We will definitely return.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Austin Brook

    Site is mislabeled as FR 25

    There are a handful of sites down Austin Brook road, I had trouble finding a level spot. Minimal ATT reception but overall pretty area

  • B The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Quechee State Park Campground

    Beautiful, road noise, not a lot there

    Big, flat, beautiful sites. Road noise isn't super loud, but it's constant. Might be the nicest bathrooms I've seen in decades of camping.

    The weird thing is that there just isn't much here. The Quechee Gorge, best accessed from the back of the lawn behind the bathhouse, is the deepest in Vermont.. which is kind of like saying the best bagel or most populous city in Vermont. Prepared to be whelmed.

    It's a ~30 minute hike, you can access some slow semi-rapids at the bottom.

    Camping at the SP does give access to another trail that's moderately challenging and has both some level spots and a nice overlook.

    Don't regret the trip at all but it seems more like an awesome stopover than a worthwhile destination. Some decent restaurants in the area and even more in nearby Lebanon/White River Junction.


Guide to Pittsfield

Camping near Pittsfield, Vermont, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer noting, "The campground is beautifully maintained and there are many more trails to explore."
  • Fishing: The local rivers and lakes provide great fishing spots. A visitor mentioned, "We had a beautiful site on the river and enjoyed our stay while exploring the white mountains."
  • Swimming: Many campgrounds have access to water for swimming. One camper shared, "The lake next to the campground is beautiful and has plenty of picnic tables and grills for use."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review highlighted, "The bathrooms are BEAUTIFUL! The nicest I've seen yet."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private sites. One visitor said, "The sites are nicely spaced and seem to accommodate big rigs rather well."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer noted, "The staff was great and very helpful."

What you should know:

  • No Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Little River State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "The campground is a bit pricey and doesn’t offer dishwashing sinks."
  • Coin-Operated Showers: Be prepared to pay for showers at some sites. One camper shared, "Showers are $0.50 for 5 minutes, $0.25 per extra minute."
  • Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor noted, "There was an active bear around and park staff went around in their cart letting folks know."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One parent said, "Amazing programming options from the ranger staff each day."
  • Playgrounds: Choose campgrounds with playgrounds for younger children. A reviewer mentioned, "Great playground and fun playing in the river."
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has safe roads for biking. A visitor noted, "The kids were able to safely ride bikes on the camp roads."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. One RVer mentioned, "For a private campground, the sites are large and well spaced out."
  • Road Noise: Be aware of potential road noise if camping near the entrance. A camper shared, "Park access is easy from the interstate; however, that also means road noise at night."
  • Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. One reviewer said, "The campground is pretty clean and we didn’t see any trash laying around."

Camping around Pittsfield, VT, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With its beautiful landscapes and friendly atmosphere, it's a great spot to unwind and enjoy nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best places to camp in Pittsfield State Forest?

For camping in the Pittsfield area, Michigan Brook offers year-round dispersed camping accessed via Upper Michigan Road. This natural setting in the National Forest provides primitive camping with no amenities, making it perfect for those seeking solitude. For those wanting a more established experience, Moosalamoo Campground offers an excellent alternative with stunning natural features including cascading waterfalls, mountain views, and an incredible swimming hole. Sites can be accessed via the Silver Lake trail head parking lot on Vermont Route 53. Both locations are best visited from spring through early fall due to road access limitations in winter.

Do I need reservations for camping in Pittsfield State Forest?

Camping areas near Pittsfield typically require reservations, especially during peak season. At Jamaica State Park Campground, reservations are highly recommended for their 41 tent/RV sites and 18 lean-tos, as they're popular and fill quickly, especially those situated along the West River. Meanwhile, Wilgus State Park Campground opens earlier than most Vermont state parks (before Memorial Day) and also requires advance bookings, particularly for their four camping cabins that allow early-season camping when temperatures are still low. For dispersed camping in national forest areas near Pittsfield, reservations aren't needed, but it's always wise to have a backup plan during busy summer weekends.

What amenities are available at Pittsfield State Forest campgrounds?

Amenities at campgrounds near Pittsfield vary significantly. Hapgood Pond in the National Green Mountain Forest offers basic facilities at an affordable $10 per night, featuring picnic tables and fire rings in a peaceful setting that's rarely overcrowded. For more amenities, Silver Lake Campground provides well-spaced, private sites with a clean lake, concrete dock for swimming, boat rentals, and ranger-led nature tours. Most state parks in the region offer pit toilets or restroom facilities, drinking water, and designated fire rings, while amenities like showers, electricity, and dump stations are less common but available at larger campgrounds.

What are the best hiking trails near Pittsfield camping areas?

The hiking near Pittsfield camping areas offers diverse terrain and difficulty levels. Mount Ascutney State Park Campground features excellent trails with clean, well-maintained paths directly accessible from the campground. Mountain biking trails are also available here, making it perfect for multi-sport adventurers. For those seeking connections to longer trails, Gifford Woods State Park Campground provides access to the famous Appalachian Trail with plenty of space between sites for privacy when you return from your hike. The surrounding Green Mountain National Forest also offers numerous hiking opportunities ranging from easy walks to challenging mountain ascents through Vermont's stunning natural landscapes.