Tent Camping near South Royalton, VT

Primitive tent camping sites are available along several Green Mountain National Forest service roads near South Royalton, Vermont. Michigan Brook Road offers secluded forest camping with multiple sites near water features. The area ranges from 700 to 1,400 feet in elevation with weather conditions varying considerably between seasons. Most dispersed sites require visitors to follow Leave No Trace principles with no facilities available.

What to do

Brook exploration: Michigan Brook offers several natural swimming holes in summer months. A visitor to Michigan Brook noted, "Great stop-over spot but not really a destination," making it suitable for travelers visiting Killington or exploring the White River region.

Hiking access: Some AT shelters serve as bases for day hikes. At Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter, campers can access a swimming hole by hiking "a bit further down the trail when heading northbound" according to a recent visitor who found "plenty of water at Stony Brook/Mink Brook."

River camping: West Hill Road provides tent sites alongside flowing water. According to one camper at Patterson Brookside Camp, "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!"

What campers like

Secluded forest spots: The last camping area on Michigan Brook Road offers exceptional privacy. One camper described Last Light on Michigan Brook as "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Multi-level shelter structures: Some AT shelters feature unique architectural elements. At Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, "The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing."

Bear boxes: Some shelters provide bear-resistant food storage. A hiker mentioned that Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter had "a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont."

Natural water features: Many primitive sites include stream access. A Michigan Brook camper mentioned there are "nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore."

What you should know

Road conditions: Forest service roads can deteriorate seasonally. A recent visitor to Michigan Brook Road Camping warned, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"

Seasonal water sources: Water availability at shelters varies by season and weather conditions. A 2022 visitor to Velvet Rocks Shelter noted, "The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)."

No facilities: Primitive sites lack amenities. At Patterson Brookside Camp, a camper emphasized, "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."

Winter access limitations: Some areas become inaccessible during winter months. At Michigan Brook Road, a winter camper discovered, "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning."

Tips for camping with families

Emergency communications: Cell service is spotty throughout the region. One Michigan Brook Road camper offered practical advice: "If you walk to the end of upper Michigan Brook road you will have cell phone service and a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store."

Site selection for multiple tents: Some AT shelters offer better tent camping options than others. At Winturri Backcountry Shelter, a hiker observed "lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter" and noted the site had "a great amount of tent camping around in spaces with decent privacy."

Water safety: Swimming holes can be inconsistent depending on rainfall. One Stony Brook camper found "a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit."

Site impact awareness: Overuse has led to site closures in some areas. A Patterson Brookside visitor cautioned, "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."

Tips from RVers

Vehicle clearance requirements: Forest roads require appropriate vehicles. For the best tent camping near South Royalton, Vermont, one Michigan Brook Road camper suggested that "higher clearance would be advised" due to muddy and rough road conditions.

Limited turnaround space: Some forest roads have tight quarters. A Patterson Brookside camper noted, "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."

Spring road closures: Mud season makes some roads impassable. Regarding Michigan Brook, one visitor shared 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."