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Tent Camping near Poultney, VT

38 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Tent campers exploring the Green Mountain region near Poultney, Vermont can find several primitive camping areas in the surrounding national forest lands. Michigan Brook and Last Light on Michigan Brook offer free tent camping within Green Mountain National Forest, with sites positioned along creeks and forest access roads approximately 15 miles from Poultney.

    Access roads to these primitive tent campsites often become rutted and muddy during spring thaws, with high-clearance vehicles recommended for reaching more remote locations. Most sites feature established fire rings but lack amenities like drinking water, showers, or trash service. A review mentioned that Michigan Brook Road "goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised." Campers must pack in all supplies and practice proper waste disposal, as most locations have no toilets except for backcountry shelters like Stony Brook on the Appalachian Trail, which has pit toilets.

    Primitive tent areas in this region provide excellent access to hiking trails and water features. Several tent sites along Michigan Brook offer streamside camping with natural swimming holes during summer months. A camper noted that Michigan Brook provides "nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore." Fall brings vibrant foliage and fewer crowds at most tent campgrounds, though winter access becomes limited when forest service roads close due to snow. For hikers, backcountry options include Little Rock Pond Group Camp, which provides tent platforms, a three-walled shelter, and access to swimming in the pond. Cell service is extremely limited throughout most primitive camping areas, requiring advance planning for safety and communications.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Poultney (38)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Narrow Island Group — Lake George Islands

      5.0(2)16mi from Poultney83 sitesTents

      "I have stayed on Nobles Island & Floating Battery Island in the Narrows of Lake George. You must have a power boat ride out there or be up for a long paddle."

      from $28 / night

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      2. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters

      5.0(1)16mi from PoultneyTents

      "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)!!"

      from $5 / night

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      3. Long Island Group — Lake George Islands

      4.5(4)21mi from Poultney86 sitesTents, Glamping

      from $28 / night

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      4. Shelving Rock Area of the Lake George Wild Forest

      4.0(1)17mi from PoultneyTents

      "DEC has designated and constructed 12 camp sites in areas around Shelving Rock Road and Dacy Clearing Road."

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      5. Glen Island Group — Lake George Islands

      4.5(2)21mi from Poultney205 sitesTents

      "When camping on lake George, staying on an island to camp is a must-do. We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private."

      from $28 / night

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      6. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest

      5.0(4)26mi from PoultneyTents

      "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."

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      7. Last light on Michigan Brook

      5.0(1)25mi from PoultneyTents

      8. Michigan Brook

      3.0(3)26mi from PoultneyTents

      "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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      9. Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      4.0(1)28mi from PoultneyTents, Cabins

      "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."

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      10. Bingo

      5.0(1)29mi from PoultneyTents

      "Beautiful stream close by."

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Poultney, VT

    43 Photos of 38 Poultney Campgrounds

    Tent Camping Reviews near Poultney, VT

    739 Reviews of 38 Poultney Campgrounds

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • Karimah G.
      Jan. 5, 2026

      Route 100 Dispersed Camping

      Free dispersed camping

      Free dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.

    • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 3, 2022

      Greendale Campground

      Greendale campground, Weston Vt.

      Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.

      There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur. Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents. There is also a vault toilet.

      The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams. This loop includes approximately 2 miles of walking along town maintained roads open to vehicular traffic.

      This site is not maintained for winter use. Deep snow often covers amenities at this site December – mid April. The nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away and access is via skis or snowshoes. My wife and I car camped in July and there were very few campers. Many sites are beside Greendale Brook. The water is clean, refreshing and soothing. Especially soothing while sitting by the campfire.

    • Tara S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 11, 2017

      Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

      Best Fall Camping Ever!

      We just returned from two nights at Grout Pond. We were lucky to have 70 degree days and 50 degree nights in October. We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road. We have camped at Grout Pond a few times in the summer, and while it’s always beautiful, it’s just too busy in July and August. Early October is just about perfect - no bugs, no people, and fantastic views all around.

      The campground is maintained by the National Forest Service, and for many years the sites were free. In 2018, the cost will be significantly higher than free - $16 per night with a limit of 14 consecutive days. There are about 18 sites in total. 7 near the road for car camping or RVs, 5 that are hike-in (the farthest is about a mile from the parking lot), and 6 waterfront sites that you can either hike or paddle to. We really love site #2 for the awesome views and proximity to the toilet, but #11 is bigger and probably the most private of all the sites.

      If you’re paddling in, you can unload all your stuff in the day-use area, and then park your car in the lot. It’s an easy 5-minute paddle to most of the sites. There are lots of well-marked trails. The only water is in the day-use area, so I recommend bringing a filter so you can drink right from the lake. All tents must be set up on tenting platforms, so you’ll need a smallish tent. Sites 10 and 11 have two platforms.  

      After camping here in July and October, I would never camp here in the summer again - come in the fall - you won’t be disappointed!

    • Miccal M.
      Sep. 24, 2024

      Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

      This is a wonderful place to camp

      There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  The dirt road along the river is an easy drive, though it is single lane in a few locations, so be aware of oncoming traffic.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

      There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

      This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

      This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

    • Jessica M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Aug. 10, 2025

      Chittenden Brook Campground

      Great site

      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. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. 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.

      Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

      All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

    • Miccal M.
      Mar. 1, 2024

      Downed Bridge Camp

      Odd Job Primitive Camping

      Great location for a small group to camp at.  Can't wait to go back.  The main area is a walk in and is worth it.  The road into here was easy to drive.  The only thing you will find at this primitive site is a fire ring.

    Guide to Poultney

    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."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Poultney, VT is Narrow Island Group — Lake George Islands with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Poultney, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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