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Best Tent Camping near Quechee, VT

700 Reviews

The Appalachian Trail corridor near Quechee, Vermont offers numerous backcountry tent camping opportunities with shelters and designated tent sites. Winturri Backcountry Shelter and Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter provide free hike-in tent camping options along the AT, with both locations featuring tent pads near three-sided shelters. Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, located approximately 8 miles from Quechee, offers primitive tent-only camping with basic amenities. Michigan Brook Road in the Green Mountain National Forest, about 25 miles west of Quechee, provides both walk-in and drive-in tent campsites along a forest service road.

Most tent campsites in the region require self-sufficiency and preparation. Backcountry shelters typically include a pit toilet or privy but lack running water, with campers needing to filter water from seasonal streams. Tent sites at AT shelters are often on slightly sloped terrain with minimal site preparation. According to reviews, water sources can be unreliable during summer drought conditions, particularly in August. Forest service roads leading to dispersed camping areas may become impassable during spring mud season or winter months, with Michigan Brook Road requiring higher clearance vehicles. Fire regulations vary by location, with some AT shelter areas prohibiting open fires while forest service road campsites typically allow fires in established rings.

In early fall, backcountry tent sites offer increased solitude and more reliable water sources. One camper noted that Winturri Backcountry Shelter "had lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter" with "decent privacy" between sites. Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter stands out for tent campers with "a few large tent areas where multiple tents could fit and which looked quite level," plus access to a small swimming hole downstream. Tent campers at Michigan Brook sites report the best spots are located "after crossing the bridge where you can camp right next to the river." Most primitive tent camping areas lack cell service, creating a true disconnected wilderness experience within relatively short distances from Quechee.

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Best Tent Sites Near Quechee, Vermont (34)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Quechee, VT

55 Photos of 34 Quechee Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Quechee, VT

700 Reviews of 34 Quechee Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    White Mountain National Forest Wildwood Campground

    quiet, large sites

    I reviewed this campground last fall after visiting on the final day of the season, but I just had a chance to sty here during a peak summer weekend and have a few additional insights. Fees are now up to $20/night, still a bargain, but it comes with only the most basic amenities, i.e. vault toilets, running water at faucets, picnic tables and fire rings. Although the campground description indicates that the sites are first-come, first-served, this has changed and many of them are available online in advance. I didn't realize this and when i arrived late Friday afternoon I had 5 or 6 campsites to choose from that could accommodate my small teardrop camper; if I were tent camping, I'd have had a couple more sites available to me. The tent only sites require a short walk from the parking area.

    When you arrive, each site will be labelled either Reserved or _Open. _ If it is Reserved, the dates it is reserved will be listed and they may not be contiguous. All the sites filled up Friday night. 

    I had site 24 which I liked. it was very large and level, with ample space for today's large tents. The water spigot was near the site next door. I could see my neighbors, but they didn't bother me. Every host site always seems to look messy with tarp-covered items and wood piles and site 24 will give you a view of the host site, but it's far enough away that you can ignore it. 

    If I were in a tent, I'd try for site 22. It's a walk-in site that includes 7-8 steps down, but it opens into a large open area and just a bit beyond there is a small brook, too.

    The campground is just a few miles west of I-93 and the town of Woodstock. If you want to hike Mooselauke or the Kinsmans, the Appalachian Trail crosses 112 nearby. Lost River Gorge is nearby as are numerous tourist attractions/activities in Woodstock and Lincoln. Take some time to explore Cascade Park in Woodstock if you want to cool off in the river and lounge on the rocks (park on the street or in the lot that is north of 112 just before the traffic light at Rte 3 in Woodstock). While you're there, pick up ice cream at Coneheads; choose among numerous hard serve ice cream made on site (downstairs) or dozens of soft-serve flavors.

    This side of 112 seems quieter than the stretch east of Lincoln. Noise level was quite low. Cell coverage is non-existent for several miles around here; you'll start to get a signal closer to Lost River Gorge in the direction of Woodstock.

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Russell Pond Campground

    Russell Pond Campground (Walk in)

    Walk in sites at Russel Pond are nice. spacious sites with fire pits and a picnic table. Potable water is close by along with a bear box. Bathrooms are clean and the showers are $2.50 for 5 minutes. Genuinely nice staff a close proximity to several nice hikes.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Baker Rocks

    Great location and amazing facilities

    I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

    Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins. I booked one of the tent platforms.

    The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area.

    The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight.

    The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water.

    Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler. Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery.

    Check-in was super easy with the camp hosts who were very flexible with timing and wanted to make sure I had a great stay. The property and individual sites are deliberately designed with guests in mind.

    I would definitely stay here again if I’m in the area and might try some of the glamping options as well.

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2022

    Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Standard AT back country shelter on the limited site of tent camping

    Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy.

    I tented along here for a night during a section hike of the AT from Lyme into Vermont.

    The shelter was the basic AT 3-sided wood structure and was generally in good shape.

    The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022).

    The tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area.

    There was no real view from the shelter.  There was also a basic privvy available.

    This was a decent shelter to stop at along the AT, but I would not consider it a weekend destination.

    There was no bear box onsite.

  • 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.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2018

    Squam Lakes Association

    Boat in & Hike In Camping Along Squam Lake

    Simple, but gorgeous. The association maintains about a dozen campsites in the Squam Lake area -- some hike-in and others boat-in only. There are some with tent platforms and all have fire rings (camping fee includes 1 bundle of firewood). There is a composting toilet in each camping area, but no picnic table or drinking water. Come prepared with your own water...or a filter.

    We did not camp here, as we came across these campsites while hiking and canoeing with some friends who have a cabin in the area. The sites are pricey and fill up quickly when reservations open for the year on Feb 15, but the money supports the conservation of the area via the Squam Lakes Association.

    The area offers water sports of all kinds, amazing views, spectacular hiking and backpacking in the White Mountains and some cute little villages along the local highways. Nearest town is Meredith, about 10 minutes away, and has all that you need for your camping trip.

  • J
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Adults only, comfortable but lacking excursions

    Lazy Lions is a comfortable campground with an adults-only policy. Having spent time in plenty of campgrounds with screaming or unwinded children, I could see this as a positive draw for the RV'ing crowd. I think we were the only tent campers the night we stayed.

    Our tent site was level and on comfy plush grass, well maintained and either a beautiful addition of two (plastic) adirondack chairs at our fire pit with grill. This was especially welcome because we hadn't really planned on cooking but when we saw the great fire set up not only did we save time and energy by not having to take out (and put away!) our camping chairs, I was able to turn our chips and salsa into nachos using some amazing Vermont cheese we'd picked up earlier. My boyfriend has declared this was his favorite camping meal ever so thanks Lazy Lions for the unexpected awesomeness.

    Our check in was smoothe, there was plenty of room at this campground, perhaps due to the fact that there isn't too much to do other than set up and sleep. It did have a pool.

    On check in we found the front desk (owner?) to be less than warm, and at $7 to firewood a little pricey. We were warned to be careful with our food because of "critters" and when I asked what kind of critters the man responded, "all of them". Less than helpful. In hindsight we believe we found bear scat on our site.

    We slept well, bathroom facilities were clean and well stocked. Showers, which we did not use, we $0.25 for four minutes. There was a microwave and wash sink as well for dishes, we didn't use either.

    We met lovely people and had a fine night, there was just nothing particularly special about the place

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2021

    Quechee State Park Campground

    nice state park with lean tos as well as tent/rv sites

    This is a nice state park located near the Quechee Gorge, a lovely place to explore and play. Vermont State parks often offer lean-to options and Quechee is no exception. If you don't have a tent, you still have a dry structure; if you do have a smaller tent, you can even pitch it in the lean-to. It give you some security for those wet camping trips that inevitably hit at some point in the summer!

    The sites are broken up into several smaller loops; sites are large and private. A few of them are Y sites that make a nice setting for families and friends camping together. Sites are back-in, generally level with lots of space to pitch a tent. No hookups, but a dump station is available. There's a large field that a few of the sites back up to. Bathrooms were clean, showers are coin-operated, so bring your quarters. Firewood available for sale. Groceries are available nearby.

    Take time to walk down into the gorge and explore the river. It's a great place to cool off. You'll need to walk back toward the visitor's center (there's a trail that will take you over to the parking lot) for the descent. At the top, check out the visitors' center. Farther afield you can visit the Billings Farm and Museum, explore trails at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP, enjoy scenic Woodstock. There's an annual balloon festival and even if the balloons don't fly due to weather, there's music and other entertainment. Lots of small shops and markets in the area. In Quechee, VINS has a canopy walk and raptors; check out their calendar for events. Traffic can be a beast during

  • 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!

Guide to Quechee

Dispersed camping options near Quechee, Vermont extend beyond the main Appalachian Trail corridor to include additional backcountry sites within Green Mountain National Forest. The area sits at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,100 feet with a humid continental climate characterized by distinct seasons. Road conditions accessing remote sites deteriorate significantly during spring thaw when frost leaves the ground, typically lasting from mid-March through early May.

What to do

Swim in seasonal brooks: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter provides access to a natural swimming spot. "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," notes one camper at Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter.

Explore forest service roads: Michigan Brook Road offers multiple camping spots with river access. "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!" advises a camper at Michigan Brook.

Enjoy elevated views: Some shelters provide modest scenic overlooks not found at all sites. At Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, "The shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."

What campers like

Multi-level shelter layouts: Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter offers unique sleeping arrangements. "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably... The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing," explains a camper at Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter.

Bear boxes for food storage: Some backcountry sites provide secure storage. A visitor at Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter noted, "There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound)."

Updated privy facilities: Several campgrounds feature newer toilet facilities. At Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, a camper reported, "The privvy was also new and very spacious."

What you should know

Water availability varies seasonally: Drought conditions impact water sources throughout the region. At Trapper John Backcountry Campground, a camper observed, "There is a water source in the area but it did not have water when I visited (probably on account of the drought)."

Road access limitations: Michigan Brook Road requires appropriate vehicles. "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" warns a recent visitor.

Winter considerations: Cold-weather camping requires additional preparation. A Michigan Brook Road camper reported, "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning. PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION."

Tips for camping with families

Seek level, spacious tent sites: Some AT shelters provide better accommodations for multiple tents. At Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, a hiker noted, "it seemed to have smaller spots for tent camping that were somewhat sloped," indicating this might not be ideal for families.

Check proximity to amenities: When tent camping with children near Quechee, consider sites closer to services. Michigan Brook Road campers can find "a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store which also serves as a restaurant. There you can find just about anything. Gas, firewood, water/drinks and a restroom."

Plan for alternative shelter options: Double-decker shelters provide flexibility for family groups. Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter features "a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter" with the shelter itself offering segregated sleeping areas.

Tips from RVers

Road conditions impact access: Access to tent camping sites near Quechee can challenge larger vehicles. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"

Seasonal closures affect planning: Road maintenance schedules determine site availability. One camper reported, "This area is open for camping year-round but probably only accessible in Spring through early Fall because the dirt road is not plowed."

Consider stopping distance from major attractions: Michigan Brook provides convenient access to regional destinations. "I liked this camping area for it's accessibility to Killington, VT and it was of course free!" notes one camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Quechee, VT is Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Quechee, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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