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Best Tent Camping near Rutland, VT

721 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Green Mountain National Forest offers primitive tent camping sites near Rutland, Vermont, with concentrated options along Michigan Brook Road. These dispersed tent sites provide rustic experiences with minimal infrastructure, typically situated within hardwood forests close to streams and trails. Most locations are free to use and follow basic forest service regulations, though availability varies depending on weather and road conditions.

Tent campsites in the Michigan Brook area require moderate clearance vehicles to access as several reviews mention rutted, muddy roads that become challenging after rainfall. Sites feature established fire rings but no potable water, restrooms, or trash collection. Campers must be self-sufficient, packing in all necessities and carrying out all waste. A camper described the experience: "There's 3 camping spots, 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge. The one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one."

The Green Mountain National Forest tent camping experience appeals to those seeking solitude and natural settings. Several tent campsites are positioned along running water, with Michigan Brook and Patterson Brookside offering proximity to streams. While main forest roads receive maintenance, access to more remote tent sites may require navigating unmaintained forest roads. A visitor noted, "Crystal clear waters with never ending mesmerizing relaxation." Fall offers vibrant foliage viewing from tent sites, while summer provides cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Most tent camping areas remain accessible from late spring through mid-fall, with seasonal closures occurring after significant snowfall.

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Best Tent Sites Near Rutland, Vermont (39)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Rutland, VT

62 Photos of 39 Rutland Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Rutland, VT

721 Reviews of 39 Rutland Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Kate K.
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Camel's Hump State Park — Camels Hump State Park

    Amazing Hike! Great Campground

    This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though. The designated primitive camping area is about 1.5 miles into the hike. If I recall it had about 10-12 sites. The area had a host who was there 24/7 and a shared area for eating and food storage (I guess Bear’s are a problem there). We hiked all day, so we didn’t have a fire and to be honest I can’t remember if there was a shared spot for them or not. Either way, this hike was gorgeous and so was the camping. I would love to go back!

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • Tara S.
    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!

Guide to Rutland

Dispersed tent camping opportunities near Rutland, Vermont extend beyond Michigan Brook Road to include Patterson Brookside Camp and Bingo campgrounds. These areas provide primitive camping in Green Mountain National Forest terrain ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet elevation. Winter closures typically begin after November snowfall, with most sites reopening by late April depending on spring mud conditions and road maintenance schedules.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: The clear streams at Patterson Brookside Camp provide good fishing spots. According to a visitor, the "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road" with "gorgeous rock river" features making it ideal for anglers.

Swimming holes: Several campsites provide water access for summer cooling. A camper at Route 100 Dispersed Camping noted it's "right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place."

Backcountry hiking: For those willing to hike in, the Appalachian Trail shelters offer more remote experiences. One hiker at Winturri shelter stated there were "lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter" providing good base camps for day hikes.

What campers like

Riverside sites: Water proximity ranks high among campers' preferences. At Last Light on Michigan Brook, a visitor recommended "the very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Swimming areas: Natural water features enhance the camping experience. One camper at Stony Brook Shelter found "a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off" after hiking.

Multiple site options: Many campers appreciate having choices. A visitor to Michigan Brook Road noted, "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."

What you should know

Road conditions: Access challenges are common at dispersed sites. A visitor to Michigan Brook Road advised "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"

Amenities limited: Most dispersed sites lack facilities. The Bingo campground review simply states there are a "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by" but no toilets or other services.

Seasonal access: Winter camping requires additional planning. A Michigan Brook camper reported "during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile. I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning."

Cell service gaps: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the region. At Michigan Brook, a camper warned "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION" but noted that walking "to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service."

Tips for camping with families

Shelter options: For families wanting more structure, established shelters offer advantages. At Little Rock Pond Shelter, a camper found "a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms," making it more comfortable for groups with children.

Water features: Ponds and streams provide natural entertainment. A Little Rock Pond visitor noted "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."

Wildlife viewing: Natural settings offer wildlife observation opportunities. Multiple campsites report loon sightings, deer tracks, and small mammal encounters adding educational value for children.

Pack-in necessities: No services means complete preparation. Michigan Brook campers should know "Gas, firewood, water/drinks and a restroom" can be found at "a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store" in the nearby town.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: For RV camping near Rutland, choose carefully. One Route 100 camper noted that "Main lot has plenty of parking, perfect for car camping" while "Pull through the trees has some spots for tents and smaller setups."

Clearance concerns: Many forest roads present challenges for larger vehicles. A Michigan Brook visitor recommended "Higher clearance would be advised" and emphasized that some "parts are muddy and very rough."

Seasonal considerations: Winter RV access is severely limited. A Route 100 camper observed that "Entrance and exit are a little steep and tricky in the winter, lot wasn't plowed so AWD/4x4 and good ground clearance are recommended."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rutland, VT is Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Rutland, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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