The Appalachian Trail corridor near Thetford, Vermont offers numerous tent campsites scattered along the forested sections of the trail. This segment of the AT traverses terrain that alternates between moderate climbs and gentler ridgelines with elevations generally ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, with spring and fall bringing cooler conditions requiring warmer camping gear.
What to do
Explore Holt's Ledge viewpoint: Just past the Trapper John Backcountry Campground, hikers can access impressive views from Holt's Ledge. According to Justin P., "a bit further up the trail there were good views at Holt's Ledge," making it worth the additional hiking beyond the campsite.
Fish in local rivers: The Baker River offers fishing opportunities near some of the region's tent campsites. A visitor at Baker Rocks noted, "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."
Rock climbing at Rumney: The area provides access to popular climbing destinations. One camper at AAC Rattlesnake Campground shared, "I started climbing at Rumney about a decade before this campground was developed, and man, were we overdue for one! Maintained by the American Alpine Club, pretty much all the campers here are rock climbers."
What campers like
Double-decker shelter designs: Certain shelters offer multi-level sleeping arrangements. At Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, one hiker noted, "The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably... The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing."
Overnight stay before mountain climbs: Tent campsites near Thetford serve as excellent base camps for nearby summit attempts. A visitor at Cardigan Campsites shared, "Great spot to spend the night before a climb of Mt. Cardigan! Or after! The climb is challenging but shouldn't take too long. Great fire tower views at the top too!"
Newer privy facilities: Many backcountry tent sites have updated toilet facilities. At Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, a camper observed, "The privvy was also new and very spacious," noting this as a standout feature compared to older facilities along the trail.
What you should know
Sloped tent sites at some shelters: Not all tent areas offer perfectly flat ground. At Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, one hiker reported, "I got to the shelter late in the day so my view on the tent camping might be biased, but it seemed to have smaller spots for tent camping that were somewhat sloped."
Road noise at some campgrounds: Some tent campsites near Thetford experience occasional traffic sounds. A camper at Baker Rocks mentioned, "The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight."
Limited guaranteed water sources: Water availability can be inconsistent across the region's backcountry sites. At Velvet Rocks Shelter, one hiker noted, "The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022)," highlighting the need to carry sufficient water.
Tips for camping with families
Consider glamping options: For families seeking a more comfortable camping experience near Thetford, some sites offer elevated accommodations. A family who stayed at Baker Rocks reported, "We stayed 2 nights in the double bell tent with two clean full size beds and a 3rd night in the yurt both were spacious and wonderful, among tall trees and pines."
Pack insect protection: Certain camping areas experience significant mosquito activity. One family noted, "Do bring bug spray, the mosquitoes at certain times of day were aggressive, as to be expected."
Look for animal encounters: Some campgrounds offer animal interactions that children might enjoy. A family camping at Baker Rocks mentioned, "They even have animals to visit like bunnies and goats (far away from the campsites)," providing an additional attraction for younger campers.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most tent campsites near Thetford, Vermont are exclusively hike-in locations with no vehicle access. The Appalachian Trail shelters and tent sites require backpacking gear and preparation for primitive camping conditions with no RV hookups or services.
Consider nearby developed campgrounds: For RVers wanting to explore the Thetford area, the closest options with facilities are several miles from the AT corridor, requiring driving to trailheads to access hiking opportunities.
Parking considerations: When visiting the region with an RV, plan for separate transportation to trailheads, as most parking areas near AT access points have limited space not suitable for larger vehicles or overnight parking.
