Best Tent Camping near Reading, VT
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Reading? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Reading. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Reading, Vermont's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Reading, VT (36)
1. Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest
Pittsfield, Vermont3 Reviews•3 Photos•108 SavesThere are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.
Forest Road 35 in Pittsfield, off of State Route 100, provides many camping opportunities in the woods and along Michigan Brook. The road is not recommended for low clearance vehicles.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
2. Branbury State Park Campground
Salisbury, Vermont9 Reviews•33 Photos•136 SavesThe park is divided by Route 53. 19 tent/RV sites and 7 lean-to sites are on one side of the highway in a heavily wooded area, and 17 tent/RV sites are located along the perimeter of a grassy open area near the beach. There are restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. There is also a concession stand selling snacks, drinks and beach toys.
Nearby hiking trails to scenic vistas, waterfalls, caves, mountain lakes and streams provide outstanding hiking opportunites. Mountain biking trails are also nearby. There is fishing and boating on Lake Dunmore (canoe, kayak, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals are available at the park).
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Cabins
3. Winturri Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
West Hartford, Vermont1 Review•6 Photos•1 Savehere are nearly six dozen Long Trail overnight sites spaced no more than a moderate day’s hike apart. These range from fully enclosed lodges to three-sided lean-tos and tenting areas. All sites, although primitive, have a water source nearby (purity and reliability cannot be guaranteed) and a privy (outhouse). Visitors must carry their own food, backpacking stove, and overnight gear.
Sites Along the Long Trail: Tenting area: Wooden tent platforms. Shelter: Usually three sided with a sloped roof. Fit 6-10 people. Lodge: Usually four-sided with wooden bunks. Fit 10-24 people.
Backcountry Campsites How many sites on the Long Trail? Over 70! Are there amenities? Established backcountry sites are all located by a primitive water source (untested) and a privy. There are no wood stoves. Are they by reservation? No, all sites are first-come, first-served. Is there a fee? A moderate fee ($5) is charged at overnight sites with GMC caretakers in the summer and fall. This fee funds a small portion of the Caretaker Program, which is an integral part of maintaining and protecting the Long Trail. The sites with caretakers require consistent maintenance of the site and the surrounding trails. (GMC members get to stay free!) How long can I stay? We request you stay no more than two consecutive nights. Do I still need to bring my tent if there is a shelter at the site I plan on spending the night? YES! Shelters are first come, first served, and during peak hiking season they are usually full. It is important to have your tent, tarp, or other shelter with you.
- Tents
- Cabins
- Toilets
5. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters
Danby, Vermont1 Review•6 Photos•67 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
6. Michigan Brook
Pittsfield, Vermont3 Reviews•16 Photos•57 SavesThere are many general forest areas available on the Green Mountain National Forest for rustic or dispersed camping. These areas provide a place to camp and enjoy nature’s solitude at no charge. Visitors can camp anywhere on the forest unless the area is posted closed to camping. Camp in existing sites or stay the strongly recommended 200 feet from roads, streams, trails, and bodies of water to disperse impact. Do not cut any vegetation. There is a camping limit of 14 days in any 30-day period on the Forest. Please leave the campsites clean by using Leave No Trace Principles, such as carry out what you carry in.
Forest Road 35 in Pittsfield, off of State Route 100, provides many camping opportunities in the woods and along Michigan Brook. The road is not recommended for low clearance vehicles.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Alcohol
7. Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
West Hartford, Vermont1 Review•4 PhotosThere are nearly six dozen Long Trail overnight sites spaced no more than a moderate day’s hike apart. These range from fully enclosed lodges to three-sided lean-tos and tenting areas. All sites, although primitive, have a water source nearby (purity and reliability cannot be guaranteed) and a privy (outhouse). Visitors must carry their own food, backpacking stove, and overnight gear.
Sites Along the Long Trail: Tenting area: Wooden tent platforms. Shelter: Usually three sided with a sloped roof. Fit 6-10 people. Lodge: Usually four-sided with wooden bunks. Fit 10-24 people.
Backcountry Campsites How many sites on the Long Trail? Over 70! Are there amenities? Established backcountry sites are all located by a primitive water source (untested) and a privy. There are no wood stoves. Are they by reservation? No, all sites are first-come, first-served. Is there a fee? A moderate fee ($5) is charged at overnight sites with GMC caretakers in the summer and fall. This fee funds a small portion of the Caretaker Program, which is an integral part of maintaining and protecting the Long Trail. The sites with caretakers require consistent maintenance of the site and the surrounding trails. (GMC members get to stay free!) How long can I stay? We request you stay no more than two consecutive nights. Do I still need to bring my tent if there is a shelter at the site I plan on spending the night? YES! Shelters are first come, first served, and during peak hiking season they are usually full. It is important to have your tent, tarp, or other shelter with you.
- Tents
- Toilets
8. Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter on the AT in Vermont — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
West Hartford, Vermont1 Review•8 Photos•1 SaveJust like the Long Trail, the Vermont Appalachian Trail has shelters that can be used by hikers. Winturri Shelter, Stony Brook Shelter, Thistle Hill Shelter, and Happy Hill Shelter are all available on a first come, first serve basis for hikers to spend the night.
Group Use: Groups hiking this portion of the Appalachian Trail may need an Outfitter Guide Special Use Permit from the Green Mountain National Forest. Gilford Woods State Park Campground, where the Appalachian Trail crosses VT 100, and Silver Lake State Park Campground, north of the AT off VT 12 in Barnard, are available for base camp hiking. Please refer to our Groups Hiking Page for more information.
- Tents
- Toilets
9. Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Hanover, New Hampshire1 Review•9 Photos•4 SavesThe Velvet Rocks Shelter is located on the Velvet Rocks Trail 1.2 miles from the official western terminus of the trail near NH Rte 120 and Chase Field House in Hanover. A privy is located nearby. Water is accessed along the loop trail but may be unreliable in dry months.
- Tents
Recent Tent Reviews in Reading
614 Reviews of 36 Reading Campgrounds
Kim L.
Ranger
Moosalamoo Campground
Somewhat primitive, remote but peaceful
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. Within walking distance from the campground are accesses to hiking / biking trails. Sites are spacious and shady.
- JJOHN T.
Legend
Lazy Lions Campground
Nice Quiet CG
This is a nice, quiet, and secluded CG for an overnight stay. We didn't have time to check out the area. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. The FHUs were in good order. Slightly low water pressure. It was perfect for our needs. We would stay here again.
- JJOHN T.Legend
Greenwood Lodge & Campsites
Beautiful and Well Maintained CG
What a beautiful and well maintained CG! Great owners, facilities, and amenities. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. There are W/E sites, dry sites, and many secluded tent sites. There are two lakes and another nearby. It is close to many hiking trails. We arrived an hour after the water was turned off due to freezing temps. We were allowed to fill the fresh tank from the lodge. We woke the next day to heavy fog. We would definitely stay here again - for longer than an overnight stay!
- WWilliam P.
Scout
Coolidge State Park Campground
A very quiet and accommodating location
It was a very quiet location. There was plenty of room between sites. The roads going in and leaving were well maintained. I accidently booked a tent site, and my popup camper and truck almost didn't fit. We will have to go back and get a shelter site. This way we can get the beautiful views of the mountains. We both enjoyed the Coolidge State Park
- Murf V.Scout
Route 100 Dispersed Camping
This is not for camping
This is a picnic area that people insist on camping there and because of this kind of stuff is why we keep loosing free camping sites
- MMichael G.Scout
Emerald Lake State Park Campground
A Lot of Camping Sites at this State Part
There are a lot of camping sites for tents at this location. Quite a few lean-tos to rest . Restrooms with coin operated showers. Every site has a picnic table.
Lorrie W.Scout
Ashuelot River Campground
Ashuelot campground
Site 47 pull thru. Nice clean campground ! No neighbors left and right. Staff very nice. Very noisy tho in sites by the river due to Rte 10. We enjoyed the campground. Small and cozy. Nice size sites
- MMaryA L.Scout
George D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
Wonderful spot
I just got here. Road was quite good. I believe I have the last of 4 sites. Nice camp fire area.
- MMaryA L.Scout
Somerset Vt Dispersed on the Deerfield River
No camping signs all along road
No camping signs. Private property
- MMaryA L.Scout
Country Village Campgrounds
Nice place, $35/nite
I needed a place to stop, been traveling for 6 hours. Nice enough for me. Everything was wet from last night's rain. Everyone was pleasant.
- GGerald P.
Traveler
Green Mountain National Forest FR25 - Dispersed Camping
Nice location
small number of sites and a bit hard to find
Miccal M.Legend
Brookside RV Camping (Electric hookup only)
Great location along the river
This is a great spot to stop for a night with your RV and enjoy the river for a night.
Easy to get to, just off of a one-way paved road.
- Miccal M.Legend
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
Janeth C.Scout
Getaway Mountain Campground
Avoid Getaway Mountain Campground
I strongly urge anyone considering Getaway Mountain Campground to stay far away. Our experience here was nothing short of appalling. From the moment we checked in, the owners were extremely rude and unwelcoming. After staying for the weekend, we extended our stay due to the campground’s cleanliness, thinking it would be perfect for our family, including our three children with special needs and our service animals.
Unfortunately, the owner’s behavior quickly escalated. One day, the man running the office drove by on his golf cart and began yelling and swearing at me, accusing us of not picking up after our dogs. I explained that we always clean up after them, but he refused to listen. We decided to leave for the weekend to avoid further conflict, but when we returned, we found piles of dog poop deliberately placed near our motorhome. Things worsened when one of our children, who is nonverbal, picked up a pile of the mess.
When we addressed the issue with the office, the owner’s wife not only refused to acknowledge their behavior but also accused us of lying. The man’s hostile behavior escalated again, yelling and swearing at us in front of our children. He threatened to have us thrown out by the police, which he followed through on. The officers who responded could see that this was a personal issue and were baffled as to why they had been called. We were told to leave, but not before being denied a refund for the remaining days we had already paid for.
To make matters worse, we’ve since learned that the owners of Getaway Mountain Campground have been actively calling around to other campgrounds, slandering our name. They falsely claim we don’t pick up after our dogs and that my husband chased the owner with a 2x4—an outright lie. The current campground we’re staying at informed us of this and has stated that they’ve seen no issues with us or our pets. In fact, the surrounding campers have no complaints, and the campground owner is willing to write a statement about the situation, including notifying the authorities of this baseless harassment.
The entire experience left us feeling targeted and mistreated. We have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and have never encountered anything like this. Save yourself the trouble and avoid this campground at all costs.
Verdict: AVOID Getaway Mountain Campground.
Kevin C.Ranger
Green Mountain Camp on Town Road 11
Beautiful view but no toilet
Came in on a Wednesday afternoon in late September and found several available camp sites.
There are no amenities at this campground. It is an open field on the left side of the road with two or three sites on the right side of the road that are walk in sites.
The scenic beauty of this place is amazing. There was some color in the forest but most of it was still green. There are wide open views of 3 mountain ranges. There are many flowering plants, wild apple trees on the right side of the road. Lots of birds, butterflies, and bees (they were not agressive).
The campground was very quiet at night except for an occasional owl hoot.
We were fortunate to have perfect weather for our stay. This would be an awesome place to see the fall colors.
katherine B.Scout
Forest Lake Campgrounds
People who run it are rude and of their word
Paid in full for a week in July, we stay here every year. Learned in May that I had cancer and would need surgery and weekly chemo until the end of September. Contacted Forest Lake Campground in May to cancel reservation, discussed options and was told we could carry our week over for later. Just received the all clear from my Dr today. Called to make reservations and was told they would not honor our already paid week. They said we would not get our money back either. Won’t stay here again as they are not people of their word.
Eric H.Scout
Moose Hillock Camping Resort
Mixed Feelings
My family and friends were drawn to this campground for its exciting pool and convenient location, and those aspects definitely lived up to expectations. However, our campsite was not level, and the sites were very close together with little privacy. We were tent camping but the area we were in, while a tent site, is best for RVs.
The bathroom facilities could also use some attention– a loose toilet and a broken hand dryer weren't ideal. Overall, we enjoyed our stay, but these conditions kept it from being great.
- FFrance M.Scout
Silver Lake State Park Campground
A forested dream.
In addition to the descriptions of this campground in other reviews, I add charm and utility of site design, and the friendliness and intelligence of the staff. Enjoy the serenity of the forest surrounding you, while you glimpse stars, and warm your innards beside a fire.
Ashley O.Scout
Rest N Nest Campground
Great, clean site!
Owners were very welcoming and helpful. The bathrooms were cleaner than mine at home. Nostalgic feel with playground, pool, and rec hall.
Evan M.ScoutGeorge D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
Easy and Desolate
Great spot for quiet desolate camping. Several spots to choose from.
- JJohn C.Traveler
Tree Farm Campground
4 Day getaway
Nicely spaced sites, level and welcoming hosts. There are a few trails around the campground and it is close to Mt Ascutney which if you are feeling a bit lazy there is an auto rd that goes about 3/4 of the way up. 3 mi. Away Springfield as all the services you might need.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Somerset Airfield
Good stopover location
Only the first section of the campground was open due to flooding. As a result, there were puddles everywhere.
Campsites are listed as disbursed but there are only 7 trees to separate 9 camp sites. The campsites are all next to the road and have fire circles.
There is a single pit toilet at the end of the camping area. No garbage service, no water, no cell service. Basically a camp site where you can share a fire with the neighbors.
DeAnna V.Scout
Rogers Rock Campground
Worst Campground We Have Ever Been To
Absolute worst campground we have ever been to(and we do a TON of camping in state parks both in NY and out of state and private campgrounds as well). When we arrived our site was covered in trash and the picnic table was in the site next to ours with old propane tanks sitting on them. Beer bottle caps and cigarette ends were EVERYWHERE on our site, crushed cans and bottles scattered around, tons of garbage throughout the site(plastic spoons, cardboard pieces, plastic wrappers, a huge metal pipe, etc.) We spent the first half hour there cleaning up all the trash on our site and we didn't even get it all. All of the sites next to us had just as much trash in them as well and were never cleaned up the duration of our stay either. When walking around we noticed tons of other sites with garbage left in them too. I don't think any of the sites are checked after checkout and if they are they are definitely not cleaned up at all after check out. We stayed on the'other side of the road' and the bathrooms were absolutely disgusting and falling apart. They were never cleaned at all during our stay(although we seen workers sitting in the golf cart goofing around and talking several times instead of actually cleaning the bathrooms). The only thing the workers did was add toilet paper(and not even enough because there were several times we went and there was no toilet paper). We were there 5 nights and the trash can wasn't emptied once and none of the garbage or toilet paper on the floor was ever picked up. There was also poop smeared across the wall and door in the one stall and poop all over one of the other toilets that was like that our whole stay as well. Mirror was literally tapped together with black tape, there was only one faucet handle and locks on the stall were broken. We had to go across the street into the other side of the campground to shower and the showers were absolutely disgusting. Black mold covered the shower curtains, was all in the lights and on the lower and higher sections of walls and it smelled like mildew. It was gross and cannot possibly be safe. This is definitely a party campground and no quiet hours are enforced. People were up partying, drinking and blasting music literally all night. It's such a shame because the location of this campground is amazing and it has the potential to be a great campground but we will never go back. We have never been to any campground this dirty, unkempt and with workers who literally just don't care or do their jobs. Such a disappointment. Wish I had seen all the other bad reviews before going.
- JJacob R.Scout
Woodford State Park Campground
3 night getaway
Had a pleasant stay at Woodford State Park. Sites near T38 have a great elevated view of the reservoir. Also a nice loop trail for those looking to do a little bit of hiking.
- TTam E.
GuideGeorge D Aiken Wilderness Dispersed
Large sites
Large, well organized camping spots along the road. The spot I chose had a beautifully built fire pit. It was a little muddy from rain.
Julie R.Scout
Northstar Campground
Just okay
The owners are very nice but the sites are super close together. We had neighbors that had a large party 4 ft from our camper for two days. The showers cost .50 and are luke warm, definitely not hot. Only 4 shower stalls (2 men 2 female) for the whole campground. The bathrooms weren't cleaned during the 2 days we were there. The country side is beautiful and Newport is a cute little town. We won't stay at the campground again.
- HHelen P.Scout
Route 100 Dispersed Camping
This is not a campground.
This site was lovely, but signs say No Camping. There were a few spots with fire rings and picnic tables and would be a great place to camp though! Not sure how strict that is. There was someone camping for a least a week given their tent was there the whole week I was in the area. So I guess it's not that strict. Signs indicate this offshoot road where these sites are is also FR-25, then FR-25 picks up again as a spur off of VT 100 a little farther south down 100 where there were permitted (but full) camping sites.
Guide to Reading
Tent camping near Reading, Vermont offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy a peaceful stay at Michigan Brook, where you can set up camp next to the river and soak in the serene surroundings.
- Experience the Appalachian Trail at Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, perfect for those looking to hike and explore the scenic trails.
- Visit Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters, where you can enjoy swimming, fishing, and relaxing by the water.
Tent campers should check out local attractions
- The Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter offers a unique double-decker shelter experience, ideal for those wanting to explore the Appalachian Trail.
- For a more rustic experience, Winturri Backcountry Shelter provides ample tent camping spots and a chance to connect with nature.
- Don't miss the chance to camp at Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter, where you can find a nearby swimming hole for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.
Unique features of these camping spots
- At North Hartland Lake Beach, you can enjoy electric hookups and a beautiful beach setting, perfect for a family camping trip.
- Four Springs Farm offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites and cabins, making it a versatile choice for different camping styles.
- Experience the charm of Velvet Rocks Shelter, a well-reviewed backcountry shelter that provides a peaceful retreat along the Appalachian Trail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Reading, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Reading, VT is Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Reading, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Reading, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.