Tent camping near Roxbury, Vermont offers multiple sites within the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,000-2,000 feet. The region receives approximately 45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions but sometimes challenging camping situations in spring when snowmelt can make access roads difficult. Weather patterns shift quickly in this mountainous terrain, with temperature variations of 20-30 degrees possible between day and night.
What to do
**Water activities: Spend time at Michigan Brook Road Camping where the creek provides natural swimming holes and wading areas throughout summer months. According to a camper, "I found most of the spots to be on the road before the GPS marker. Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a hill, lots of space at mine."
**Winter exploration: Access Michigan Brook for year-round camping options requiring specialized gear during colder months. A visitor explains, "This area is open for camping year-round but probably only accessible in Spring through early Fall because the dirt road is not plowed." Another camper noted winter conditions require preparation: "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning."
**Hiking connections: Utilize the trail systems at Mount Philo State Park for day trips approximately 40 miles northwest of Roxbury. A camper reports, "Only 8 campsites, dispersed in the trees. $23/night. Picnic table and fire pit. Moderate cell service. Nice hikes and cool views of the area!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Route 100 Dispersed Camping offers natural separation between camping areas. A recent visitor noted, "This site has 3-5 campsites right off of route 100. This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."
Natural soundscapes: Many campers appreciate the riverside locations that provide ambient noise and cooling effects during summer. At Green Mountain National Forest FR25, one camper mentioned, "Gorgeous stream/river...love the river sounds."
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hours provide opportunities to see local wildlife. "Some people were really entrenched with string lights etc," observed one camper about how some create semi-permanent setups at FR25 sites, which can attract or deter wildlife depending on management practices.
What you should know
Closure risks: Several camping areas face potential closure due to improper use. At FR25, "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better."
Limited amenities: Last light on Michigan Brook represents the typical amenity level for dispersed camping in this region - no toilets, drinking water, or trash facilities. One visitor advised: "Keep it clean!" referring to the responsibility of campers to maintain the area.
Road conditions: Access roads often require vehicles with appropriate clearance, especially in spring. A Michigan Brook Road camper warned, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose sites near water features for natural entertainment. The Waterbury Reservoir remote sites, located about 25 miles from Roxbury, offer good options: "These remote sites are so peaceful. Be sure to launch from cotton brook road if your site r11-27."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for encounters with various creatures at primitive facilities. One camper at Waterbury Reservoir noted, "The bathroom is a composting toilet that you'll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!"
Communication planning: Cell service is highly variable throughout the Roxbury tent camping area. At Michigan Brook, a camper emphasized, "This location does not provide cell phone service or wifi connection," which requires advance planning for family emergencies.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. Michigan Brook campsites have specific limitations: "The area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road."
Seasonal limitations: Road access for RVs changes dramatically with seasons. One visitor to Michigan Brook advised, "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."
Limited turnaround space: Several forest roads near Roxbury have minimal space for maneuvering larger vehicles. A camper at Green Mountain National Forest FR25 observed, "I didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily."
