Tent camping sites near Poultney, Vermont cluster primarily around the Green Mountain National Forest, with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,500 feet above sea level. Campsites along Michigan Brook Road offer creek-side camping on rugged terrain 15 miles from town. Winter access becomes challenging with unplowed forest roads accumulating heavy snowfall from December through March.
What to do
Swimming in natural pools: Little Rock Pond offers surprisingly warm water despite its elevation, with a group campsite that costs only $5 per person per night. As Meredith C. notes, "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."
Explore forest trails: At Michigan Brook Road Camping, multiple camping spots provide forest access. According to Keegz M., "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."
Winter camping preparation: For cold weather enthusiasts, Michigan Brook Road offers backcountry winter camping, though mobility becomes challenging. One camper advises: "if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."
What campers like
Secluded riverside sites: The Last light on Michigan Brook offers complete privacy at the road's end. Thomas and James S. recommend: "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site! Keep it clean!"
Multi-day hiking routes: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter provides Appalachian Trail access with solid amenities. Justin P. reports, "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."
Access to water features: The Bingo camping area provides national forest access with water nearby. Rose notes these forest sites offer "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access to Michigan Brook requires appropriate vehicles. As Maggie F. explains, "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."
Water sources require treatment: While some areas like Stony Brook Shelter have water access, treatment is necessary. One camper notes this shelter has "no water on site, but plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook a bit further northbound."
Limited amenities: The best tent camping near Poultney, Vermont means self-sufficiency. Michigan Brook provides basic camping with TRUCKER C. advising: "Very back woods camping! Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for communication gaps: Most forest camping sites lack cell service. One camper at Michigan Brook Road warns: "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION," making advance planning essential.
Swimming options for children: Little Rock Pond offers family-friendly swimming. A camper describes it as "Easily my favorite campsite in the Northeast" with water that's "surprisingly warm for its altitude."
Multiple tent space needs: Glen Island Group accommodates larger groups with room for multiple tents. Justin B. shares: "Me the wife and our 3 children had an amazing time on our three night stay... spectacular views and pristine waters."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Michigan Brook accommodates small RVs but requires caution. A camper notes "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Seasonal RV restrictions: Winter camping with RVs becomes nearly impossible as forest roads close. Keegz M. reports attempting "to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning."
Alternative RV options: For RV camping near Poultney, consider Long Island Group campsites which offer more amenities. Anastasiia T. recalls: "We had a great spot on Long Island! Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip."