1 campground with availability this weekend
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.
"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."
"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!"
"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
"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."
"All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained."
"Beautiful stream close by."
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 / night
"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. "
"Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"
"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."
"Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any."
"Note: This is a back country shelter on the Appalachian trail that doesn't have consistent water. I stopped here on a section hike of the Appalachian trail."
ScoutIt was dark. I arrived after 7p. There were 3 rv camps already going on. All 3 had camp fires. Many fire rings for many groups. No hassles at all. It's off the beaten path but worth it. The first 4 camp sites were open. Made a fire. Ate some food. I got a good night sleep. Nothing ate me or attacked me so that's 5 star in my book.
ScoutThe recreation hall was a nice surprise. We had some rainy weather one afternoon and the kids were able to play games while we relaxed for a bit. Saved the day honestly😂
ScoutWe came up looking for a campground where we could actually spend a few days without constantly driving somewhere. Ended up fishing, swimming, walking along the river and exploring the area. The campground gave us plenty to do, but it was also nice having the option to just sit at the campsite and do nothing. Would definitley come back.
ScoutWe have a big RV and had no trouble getting settled in. Having the full hookups made things super easy, especially for a longer stay.
ScoutNothing beats sitting by the river after a long day of exploring. We visited a few places around the Lake Sunapee area and this was a really convenient home base.
GuideThere was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.
ScoutWe brought the kids and they found plenty to do. Between the pool, river and recreation area, they were pretty much entertained the entire trip.
ScoutWe rented a cabin and honestly it was perfect for what we needed. Spent the days exploring around Lake Sunapee and came back here to relax at night.
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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 43 tent camping locations near Rutland, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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