1 campground with availability this weekend
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.
"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
"One of many locations along Forest rd 71, this spot was a good place to pitch a tent for the night while exploring the area even in the rain."
"We stayed at one near the creek just over a little bridge. Cute little site, nice fire pit, clean, perfect rock to put a big water jug on. The sound of running water was soothing."
"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. "
"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."
from $125 - $500 / night
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $29 - $40 / night
from $85 / night
"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."
"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."
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.
TravelerGorgeous pond filled with lily pads!
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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.
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 34 tent camping locations near Springfield, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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