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Camping near Pittsfield, Vermont spans free dispersed campsites, developed campgrounds, and cabin options across the surrounding national forest. 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.
Campsites near Pittsfield offer 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.
"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."
"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $38 / night
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GuideSimply said, if you like a well maintained place with a swim beach, floating dock, grass galore, space to stretch out, and more, this is the place. It’s beautiful. As a bonus, it’s cost effective over other RV parks. If you want free, nope. If you want wild open spaces, nope. You a great lush big clean park that feels like your Owen estate, then come check this place out. We will be back.
ScoutWe spent several days here during the summer and had a really good experience. Some days we stayed busy swimming and exploring, while other days we barely left our campsite. That was probably what we enjoyed most.
ScoutReally enjoyed the setting at Crow’s Nest. There are lots of trees and having the Sugar River running alongside the campground gives the whole place a nice New Hampshire feel. We were mostly looking for somewhere to disconnect for a couple of days, cook outside, fish a little, and enjoy being away from home. Crow’s Nest was a great fit for that.
ScoutWhat we liked most about Crow’s Nest was being able to choose between doing absolutely nothing or heading out and exploring. One day we stayed around the campground, went swimming and relaxed by the river. The next day we got out and explored more of the Lake Sunapee area. It made a really good home base and it was always nice coming back to our campsite at the end of the day.
ScoutVery Disappointed With the Changes
Crown Point Campground used to be a wonderful place to camp. Unfortunately, since Happy Grounds purchased the campground, we have seen a significant decline in the overall experience.
I do want to make one thing very clear: the woman managing the campground is absolutely wonderful. She genuinely cares about the campers, is kind, helpful, and does her best to make people feel welcome. Our frustrations are not directed toward her. She deserves recognition for the effort she puts in, especially given the circumstances.
Unfortunately, there are serious concerns with the direction the campground has taken. There is no reliable Wi-Fi or cell service, which is especially concerning because there is no dependable way to call out in the event of an emergency. We have also seen a significant change in the atmosphere and clientele. Drugs have been found on the premises, including needles, which is extremely concerning for the safety of campers, especially families with children.
The campground has also become increasingly overcrowded. Tent sites have had upwards of 10 people on a single site, creating a very different camping experience from what many long-time campers originally signed up for.
Seasonal campers were told that there would be a gradual increase over two years to bring rates up to the new “going rate.” However, when the new contracts came out for next year, the price had increased by approximately $900. That is a substantial increase for a campground that, in our opinion, has continued to decline rather than improve.
What was perhaps most disappointing was how campers' concerns were handled. When people questioned the increase and expressed their frustrations, the response from the corporation was, and I quote:
“Get out and leave. I’ve heard enough complaints. Just leave if you don’t like it.”
That is an incredibly disappointing way to speak to people who have supported this campground for years.
It is heartbreaking to see what Crown Point Campground has become. There are good people here, and the campground itself has so much potential. Most importantly, the manager genuinely cares about the campers, and she deserves credit for that.
Our hope is that Happy Grounds will listen to the people who have invested years of their time and money here, address the safety and overcrowding concerns, and bring back the sense of community that once made Crown Point such a wonderful place to camp.
GuideGood size campground with three loops. 2 shower / restroom facilities. Many of the sites are simply grass. There are a few gravel ones. The staff has no problem with driving on the or parking on grass. All sites have a firepit. Wood can be obtained locally. There is no store at the camp. There is only one dump station. There is a boat launch with limited trailer parking although when we stayed (Aug 2026) the water was only 18 in to 2 ft deep at docks. Heavily choked with vegetation. Shower facilities were clean enough but could use more attention, heavy cobwebs at lights, corners and edges of shower pretty dark with mold. Plenty of fresh water spigots throughout the camp. Camp is on the banks of lake Champlain, although only a couple sites have a lake view. Ruins of two pre-revolutionary war forts are within walking distance and offer a great introduction to life in the early 18th century. Fort Ticonderoga is a 30 min drive and will take most of the day to tour. Well worth the trip. Only 3 min drive to Vermont. I would stay again.
ScoutCrow’s Nest was a really convenient stop for us while traveling through New Hampshire. Getting our RV situated was easy and we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay.
LegendWe spent a long weekend at Moose Hillock in Fort Ann, New York, to visit Lake George. This is a difficult place for me to review. But I’ll do my best to share my experience.
The pool is the main attraction here and probably the largest and most ridiculous I’ve ever seen at a campground. Great for young kids.
THINGS I LIKED:
— The sites are enormous and private, probably the biggest sites we’ve ever seen at any campground we’ve stayed at.
— The mature trees are everywhere, great for privacy.
— It’s located about 25-minutes to the heart of Lake George. Easy drive away but not in the loud and busy area.
— The camp store is pretty good and sells snacks, drinks, basic supplies, and souvenirs.
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(# 709) was sloped, so much that even with leveling boards under the rear wheels, rear jacks fully extended and front jacks fully retracted, we couldn’t level. That’s annoying and so easily fixed by a campground this size with this array of equipment and resources.
— Except for the entry roads, the rest of the park is gravel and dirt, which was extremely dusty. Our vehicles and our stuff were instantly covered by this dusty dirt which was a never-ending battle to keep outside.
— I’m ok paying premium money for a great site, but this site wasn’t matched to the price. I paid$647.38 for 3-nights. That’s$215.79 per night.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Probably not. For me, having a level site that’s not covered in dirt and dust is important— especially when it costs$215 per night. There’s a much nicer park about 10-minutes away(closer to Lake George) where we’ve stayed in the past. The sites are smaller, but they’re level.
ScoutWe brought the kids here for a few days and they had a blast. Between swimming, exploring around the campground, and just riding around and making friends, they always had something to do. For us, it was nice being able to actually relax while the kids stayed entertained. We cooked at the campsite most nights and spent the evenings around the fire. Great family trip.
Pittsfield VT camping sites are nestled in a varied terrain of forested mountains, offering elevation changes from 750 to over 3,000 feet in nearby peaks. Winter camping is possible at some dispersed locations, though most campgrounds close after mid-October. Temperatures typically range from 60-80°F in summer with cooler nights in the 50s, making sleeping comfortable even during peak season.
Hiking to mountain lakes: Access Silver Lake via a short 0.6-mile trail from the parking area near Moosalamoo Campground. "Silver Lake is just a one mile hike from the sites. The trail to the site features a multitude of cascading falls and is incredibly tranquil," notes Michelle R.
Trail access to Appalachian Trail: Gifford Woods State Park offers direct connections to famous long-distance trails. One camper explains, "The Appalachian Trail runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park."
Mountain biking opportunities: Dedicated trails for cycling enthusiasts are available at several sites. At Moosalamoo, a reviewer mentioned "awesome bike trails with smooth trail beds and nice rolling bumps. The kind campground hosts can tell you all about the hiking and biking trails within Moosalamoo National Forest."
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn transforms the landscape into vibrant colors. A camper at Branbury State Park simply stated, "Fall in New England can't be beat."
Secluded campsites: Many campers value privacy at sites throughout the region. At Chittenden Brook Campground, "This was a great site that feels secluded but isn't. There's quite a bit of space between each site so you can't really see your neighbors which is excellent."
Winter camping options: For those seeking solitude, some dispersed sites remain accessible in winter. A visitor to Green Mountain National Forest noted, "My first time winter camping and had the entire area to myself. Beautiful sunsets, night skies and scenery. Extremely calm and peaceful. Woke up to two moose nearby the morning I was leaving."
Road conditions and vehicle requirements: Many forest service roads require appropriate vehicles. For Michigan Brook Road camping, "Beware that in Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted, I would not recommend driving down there with a car that is low to the ground."
Bear safety precautions: Wildlife requires proper food storage. A camper at Coolidge State Park reported, "We were advised that there was an active bear in the campground, but we took the advice of Sean the park ranger."
Limited facilities at dispersed sites: Free sites offer minimal amenities. At Michigan Brook, a camper described it as "Very back woods camping!" while another noted "there was some trash (please practice LNT fellow campers!!!)."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds have limited seasons. Moosalamoo operates from "Memorial Day to Columbus" while Coolidge State Park runs from "Memorial Day Weekend to Columbus Day Weekend."
Kid-friendly amenities: Quechee State Park offers programs specifically for children. A visitor shared, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee.)"
Family-accessible swimming: Several parks offer swimming options suitable for various ages. At Branbury, "There is a beach with wading depth, sand for playing, buoys to mark the shallow area, a large dock to jump from with a ladder for climbing out."
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play structures. A Branbury visitor noted, "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground."
Clearance challenges: Forest service roads can pose difficulties for larger vehicles. At Chittenden Brook, "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."
Limited hookup options: Most campgrounds lack full amenities for RVs. Quechee State Park has "No Electric or hookups" but does provide "a spacious dump site if needed."
Level site considerations: Finding flat parking can be challenging. A camper at Quechee noted, "Site 16 is one of the smaller sites and is not super level, but we were able to get the Subaru backed in and relatively level for camping."
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.
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