Best Tent Camping near Sunderland, VT
Tent campsites dot the Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Sunderland, Vermont, offering varied terrain for primitive tent camping experiences. Seth Warner Shelter and Stratton Pond Shelter both provide hike-in accommodations along the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems, while Michigan Brook offers more accessible dispersed camping for tent campers seeking backcountry settings without the long hike.
Most primitive tent camping areas feature ungraded surfaces on forest duff or compacted soil, with limited amenities appropriate for self-sufficient campers. Michigan Brook Road camping areas include three distinct spots - one before the bridge and two after - with the riverside site before the bridge noted as particularly desirable. Vault toilets are available at some designated sites like Stratton Pond Shelter, which features "2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," according to a recent visitor. Many locations lack reliable cell service, particularly in the Michigan Brook area where one camper noted "this location does not provide cell phone service or WiFi connection."
Vermont's backcountry tent sites offer distinctive experiences not available at developed campgrounds. Many sites sit along waterways, with Stratton Pond being "one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail." Walk-in tent campers should prepare for varying conditions, as seasonal factors significantly impact accessibility and comfort. Several forest areas permit camping anywhere at least 150 feet from trails, creating abundant opportunities for those seeking solitude. In winter months, visitors to Michigan Road should anticipate deep snow requiring "snowshoes or a snowmobile" for access beyond plowed areas. The area's proximity to natural features like swimming holes makes these tent-only camping areas particularly appealing during summer months when local waterways provide cooling relief.
