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Best Tent Camping near Springfield, VT

613 Reviews

The wooded areas surrounding Springfield, Vermont offer primitive tent camping opportunities on the Appalachian and Long Trails with backcountry shelters serving as overnight stopping points. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides tent platforms and shelter space at $5 per person per night, while Stratton Pond Shelter offers tent platforms alongside a three-sided shelter structure. Several backcountry sites along the Appalachian Trail provide basic amenities for hikers seeking overnight accommodations.

Most walk-in tent sites require significant hiking to reach, with no vehicle access. Backcountry shelters typically feature a three-sided wooden structure with adjacent tent platforms or cleared tent sites on somewhat level ground. Toilet facilities consist of composting privies or basic outhouses designated for solid waste only. Water availability varies seasonally, with some sites featuring springs or streams that may run dry during summer drought conditions. Fire regulations differ between locations, with several Appalachian Trail shelters prohibiting fires entirely while other sites maintain established fire rings.

Tent camping in this region primarily serves hikers on multi-day treks rather than destination campers seeking weekend getaways. Sites generally accommodate 6-8 people in shelters with additional tent platforms or cleared areas for personal tents. Tree cover provides shade at most locations, though views vary by site. According to one visitor at Little Rock Pond, "There's a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms, and there's even a composting privy." Stony Brook Shelter stands out for having "a brand new privvy, large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water" nearby, based on reviews from The Dyrt. Many backcountry tent sites lack bear boxes, so proper food storage techniques are essential.

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Best Tent Sites Near Springfield, Vermont (33)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Springfield, VT

56 Photos of 33 Springfield Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Springfield, VT

613 Reviews of 33 Springfield Campgrounds

  • Sa R.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Beautiful lake

    First time staying there. Two tents allowed per site, no alcohol although no one checked. No water or electricity at the sites. You park & walk in but they provide carts. You have to buy firewood from them. Canoe, kayak & padddleboard rental available. Showers & bathrooms by the parking area. Lots of islands & places to explore on the lake. Buggy in June so bring your repellent. Dogs allowed...that’s all I got for now :)

  • Erin B.
    Sep. 11, 2019

    Clarksburg State Park Campground

    low key and beautiful fall getaway

    Keep in mind that this review is written after camping sept 8th (the week that school started for many) so it might not be relevant to peak camping season. We were pleasantly surprised with our weekend getaway to Clarksburg State Park. Nestled in the Berkshires and basically walking distance to Vermont, Clarksburg State Park provides a comfortable and semi-private tent site. Several spots (including ours 6) were very close to the rather large pond. While the trees obstruct the views, the site was waterfront and we were able to walk a few yards downhill to the waters edge where we launched our kayaks (there is a designated launching spot elsewhere). No electric and water hookups are provided but we were totally okay with that. Bear boxes were provided on each site so that you don’t have to keep stinky food or garbage in your car! Each site also had a fire pit with a grate so that you can cook right there on the fire. The bathrooms were some of the cleanest campground bathrooms and showers i’ve experienced (no bugs or webs also) and there was a dishwashing station on the side. The sites were large and well spaced but they had trees in between so that you felt privacy. The campground itself had plenty of sites, firewood for sale in the front and a pavilion and beach area on the day use side. There are plenty of trails you can hop on right outside your tent site and very little light pollution for optimal star gazing. We really enjoyed our time here and will definitely be back!

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2022

    Baker Rocks

    Great location and amazing facilities

    I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

    Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins. I booked one of the tent platforms.

    The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area.

    The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight.

    The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water.

    Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler. Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery.

    Check-in was super easy with the camp hosts who were very flexible with timing and wanted to make sure I had a great stay. The property and individual sites are deliberately designed with guests in mind.

    I would definitely stay here again if I’m in the area and might try some of the glamping options as well.

  • Nancy R.
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Tully Lake Recreation Area (MA) — Tully Lake

    Tully Lake Campground is perfect to enjoy traditional family camping!

    Tully Lake Campground is located in Royalston, MA, which is a northern part of Central Massachusetts, near the New Hampshire border. It is a State managed campground, and reservations must be made through Massachusetts Trustees of Reservations. There are some prime camp sites with direct access to the lake, but suggest you be prepared to call early in the morning of the first day State Campground reservations can be made, if you want one of these!

    This is a "Carry In" campground. You park at the entrance, register with Ranger. Large wooden wheelbarrows are provided to bring your gear to your camp site. (This means no noise or disturbances from cars entering your camp sites.) There are individual sites, and 2 group sites, if you are camping with a group. Canoes are available to rent to explore Tully Lake. Most parts of the lake are suitable for swimming, and some camp sites offer direct entry into the lake for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking. If you'd like to hike with children, there is an easy hike close to the entrance, along Doane's Falls, a series of 5 waterfalls along an ascending path through a wooded area. The views are beautiful, and it's not unusual to spot professional nature photographers at various points along the waterfalls. Bring your cameras or smart phones to capture some of these breathtaking views! And of course there are longer, more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. There are family oriented programs offered, and dogs are allowed, on leash only. Cell service is spotty to non-existent for some providers within the campground. But a short walk or drive away from the campground you can get connected again.

    The bathrooms are located near the entrance to the Park, and include flush toilets as well as coin operated, hot showers, open 24/7. There are sinks beside the building, where campers are asked to wash their dishes, rather than at the camp site. A fire ring and picnic table are provided at each camp site. If you've forgotten any gear or need groceries, there's a Walmart just a 15 minute drive away, open until 12 midnight.

    The staff are quite friendly, helpful and informative. If you enjoy "old fashioned" family tent camping, without the noise and presence of cars and RV's near your camp site, (or cell phones!) this is the place for you. Enjoy!

  • 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.

  • Jessica D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2023

    Molly Stark State Park Campground

    Quiet, secluded & nestled in the woods

    We stayed here as a stopover on our way home to NJ from Maine. It's 5 min down the road from Wilmington, one of our favorite towns to visit. There are no hookups at any Vermont state parks (Molly Stark included). We stayed at site T16. It's a pull through RV site with a fire ring & picnic table. T16 is right next to bathrooms- unfortunately the map shows showers there too (there are not). We boondocked- there's a spot up top near the other bathrooms where you can fill your fresh water tank. We had a slight issue with our fresh tank overflow valve & the park worker was INCREDIBLE, helpful and so kind. I think his name was Jerry?. He came right over and even rigged up a fix for it in his workshop. We got him a 12pack as a thanks before we left :). Campground is quiet & nestled in the woods. We didn't see any bear, but it is an active bear area. Some tent sites have lean to structures as well. There's a large pavilion at the top of the campground for eating etc. If we stayed longer we would have definitely done the Mt Olga Fire-tower trail. This is no frills, primitive & refreshing camping. And yes- we would stay again!!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Greenfield State Park Campground

    Loved it here

    We stayed here for a night in mid October, as they were getting ready to close for the season, so more than half of the campground was closed off. But the part that we did see was awesome. Each site was huge, separated from its neighbor, private, mostly flat, and beautiful. No hookups in the campground, and sites are hit or miss with tree coverage, some sites may have enough opening for solar or starlink, but I wouldn’t count on it. 

    There are hiking trails throughout the campground, but our dog got covered in ticks so watch for that. There are water spigots throughout the campground and a dump station. Showers were free and nice and clean, and you can control the temperature and let the water run (no button to push). 

    The dump truck driver was there picking up garbage and I asked him about recycling and he said they have their own transfer station where the waste is sorted, so all recycling and garbage goes into the dumpster. 

    We paid $23 for a site because it was primitive season, but I think normally it’s $25. No other taxes or fees were charged. There’s a little store in the ranger office with basic supplies and gifts, ice cream, fire starters, ice, etc. There’s also a little free library exchange behind the office. And to top it off, we had cell service here. Great stay, highly recommend! Beware of ticks!

  • Jessica N.
    Sep. 13, 2021

    Greenfield State Park Campground

    Great Park, big sites

    Stayed for a weekend (1 night). Easy access to a bathroom (which was very clean). Quiet neighbors, everyone around us observed the quiet hours (10p-7a) and even during the day no one was super loud. Very respectful drivers made biking feel fun and safe for kids. Campers beach was lovely. Sure the water was a little weedy, but we didn’t mind. The lake is a great spot for kayaking (although it is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot with a heavy boat) and the sunset on the lake definitely didn’t disappoint. Nice partially shaded and level site with good access for backing in our small trailer. Playground, camp store, convenient check-in at office, firewood available for $6, lots of trails and fairly level for easy biking. State park camping (no hookups) but there’s a dump station near the exit and water spigots dispersed around the campsites. Absolutely would go again.

Guide to Springfield

Backcountry tent campsites near Springfield, Vermont cluster along the Appalachian and Long Trails, offering secluded hiking destinations throughout the Green Mountains. Elevation typically ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 feet, with some sites experiencing temperature drops 5-10 degrees cooler than valley locations. Most shelters require significant hiking distance from trailheads, with water availability highly dependent on seasonal rainfall patterns.

What to do

Swimming opportunities: Stratton Pond offers one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail, making it a popular destination for cooling off during summer months. According to a camper who visited in winter, "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."

Seasonal hiking challenges: Winter camping at Stratton Pond Shelter provides a completely different experience than summer visits. One winter camper noted: "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great! The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."

Brook exploration: The area around Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter features swimming holes not immediately visible from the trail. A hiker reported, "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."

What campers like

Double-decker shelter design: The unique sleeping configuration at Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter provides more privacy options than standard shelters. A hiker appreciated that "The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing."

Seasonal wildlife: Certain locations offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Little Rock Pond stands out for its resident birds, as noted by visitors who have observed "two Common Loons" on the pond.

Level tent sites: Winturri Backcountry Shelter provides better-than-average tent camping options. One camper observed, "There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter... this stop had a great amount of tent camping around in spaces with decent privacy."

What you should know

Water reliability: Water sources vary dramatically by season and recent rainfall. At Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, a hiker noted water was available "during my stay, though it was right after a smaller storm the previous evening."

Bear protection: Bear boxes are inconsistently available across tent campsites near Springfield, Vermont. One camper specifically mentioned that at Velvet Rocks Shelter, "There was no bear box onsite," while noting Stony Brook does provide bear protection.

Sloped tent sites: Some shelters offer less-than-ideal tent camping. A camper at Thistle Hill observed the area "seemed to have smaller spots for tent camping that were somewhat sloped."

Tips for camping with families

Best family shelters: When camping with children, prioritize shelters with consistent water sources and level tent sites. Stratton Pond Shelter offers family-friendly features including "2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter."

Fire regulations: Fire policies vary between shelters, with many prohibiting fires entirely. When planning family trips that include campfires, verify current regulations at your specific destination.

Swimming access: For summer family trips, consider Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter for its combination of "large tenting areas, and a swimming hole and consistent water" nearby.

Tips from RVers

No vehicle access: The backcountry tent campsites near Springfield require hiking access only, with no RV accommodations at shelter locations. RVers must park at designated trailheads and backpack to any shelter.

Alternative options: The nearest developed campground with vehicle access is several miles from most backcountry shelters. When planning mixed tent/RV trips, groups must coordinate separate camping arrangements.

Seasonal considerations: Winter access becomes significantly more challenging, with one camper noting a "3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter" to reach Stratton Pond Shelter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Springfield, VT is Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Springfield, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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