1 campground with availability next weekend
Dispersed camping options abound within Green Mountain National Forest near Waitsfield, Vermont, particularly along Forest Road 25, where tent campers can find several established sites along a small stream. Located approximately 30 minutes from town, these primitive tent campsites offer varying levels of privacy with no facilities. Route 100 Dispersed Camping provides additional options, though reviews indicate confusing signage about camping legality, with some areas marked as day-use only despite visible camping activity.
Most tent camping sites require self-sufficiency as they lack basic amenities. The Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road features dirt pads along a river with established fire rings but no services of any kind. Campers must pack out all trash and human waste as there are no toilet facilities at many locations. Cell service is minimal or non-existent, particularly at the riverside locations. According to reviews, some areas face potential closure due to misuse, with Forest Service signs warning about proper waste disposal. One camper noted, "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse."
Tent campers seeking more structured settings can find established sites at Camel's Hump State Park, which offers platform tent sites and designated primitive camping about 1.5 miles into the hiking trail. For those willing to paddle, Waterbury Reservoir Remote Sites provide secluded tent camping accessible only by boat, featuring composting toilets but requiring all supplies be carried in. These sites offer exceptional privacy compared to roadside options. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the remote reservoir sites provide a peaceful experience, though one camper advised, "Be sure to launch from Cotton Brook Road if your site is R11-27" to avoid an excessively long paddle with camping gear.
"Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road."
"Right off the road, a small handful of camp sites, some picnic tables, presumably some fire rings although with snow coverage I didn’t see any."
"All the sites were full when I visited (6 to 8 sites, approximately, but i didn't go down a couple little gravel paths to check each spot as you couldn't turn around easily) , so I didn't get to camp there"
"Beautiful sites on the River but with the wet summer, we just couldn’t dry out. Make sure to lock you valuables. Our Jackery, Solar panels & toilet were stolen."
"This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though."
"Great tent site, site 1 can have 3 platform and fire pit"
from $10 / night
"apparently this is the first state park in Vermont. Only 8 campsites so try to book early. Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean."
"There are less than 20 sites total, and all sites are near walk-in paths to excellent views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks or the Green Mountains. The facility is small, but adequate."
from $23 / night
"The bathroom is a composting toilet that you’ll share with fishing spiders the size of your hand, slam the lid before use!"
"Little river st park wide flat camp sites no hookups limited gen. Use hours 8am/10am and 4pm/6pm. Rough road coming5th to campground. Very quite. cell phone t mobile works fine."
"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. "
"Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings! There is no services of any sorts at this location. Mostly local traffic. Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river 💜"
"Camp spots were far enough away from one another, trees helped with privacy, and the tent site had a great area to setup the tent.
Facilities were accessible and clean.""Very primitive and quiet campground. Great staff and campsites. No shower but one of the best weeks I had camping in a while. Will definitely go back this year."
"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."
"Beautiful stream close by."
"I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow. The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded."
"Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a lots of space at mine."
ScoutFirst trip with our new RV and we were a little nervous about getting everything set up. Having full hookups made it way less complicated than we expected. Once we were settled, we just enjoyed the area and took a few day trips. Would definatly come back for another Adirondack trip.
ScoutWe came up for a quick Adirondack getaway and ended up spending most of our time outside. A little disc golf, some time by the pool, dinner at the site and plenty of walks with the dog. Pretty much everything we wanted out of the trip.
ScoutOne of the best parts for us was not having to pack up the RV every time we wanted to go somewhere. We stayed put and explored the Adirondacks from here. Lake Champlain, Ausable Chasm and a bunch of other spots were all easy to get to.
ScoutHaving the river and Adirondacks nearby made for a really nice change of scenery. We spent our days exploring and came back to the campground for dinner and a fire.
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.
GuideMost sites are secluded. There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!
ScoutWe were looking for somewhere to stay while checking out Ausable Chasm and this worked out really well. Easy drive over, then back to the camper in the afternoon. Made the whole trip alot easier.
ScoutWe only planned on staying a few nights but ended up adding another week. Once we got settled in, it was hard to leave.
GuideCar camped on Sunday of Columbus Day weekend in October. This was their closing weekend and lots of spaces were available. Stayed in tent circle loop and it was almost empty. Great access to lake shore and bike path. Walked back toward marina and town in the evening and ran in the morning the other direction going out to Rock Point. Didn’t use the shower facilities. The bathroom near our loop only had sinks and toilets and was fine.
Dispersed camping opportunities in the Green Mountain National Forest surrounding Waitsfield, Vermont extend beyond the popular Forest Road 25. The region sits at elevations ranging from 700 to over 4,000 feet, creating diverse microclimates for campers. Several lesser-known riverside and woodland sites accommodate tent camping throughout the May-October season, when nighttime temperatures can drop to the 40s even in summer.
Hiking and swimming: At Camel's Hump State Park, access a designated primitive camping area about 1.5 miles into the trail. "This is a short and sweet hike to one of the higher points in Vermont. It is a beautiful scenic (somewhat strenuous) hike to the summit. The views are pretty epic though," reports Kate K.
Fishing and boating: The Indian Brook Reservoir offers tent platforms accessible by foot or boat. "The Reservoir lends itself to peaceful boating, nature watching and great fishing," according to M.A.D. P. Note that sites require a 15-minute hike from parking: "If you have a kayak, you can transport your stuff over," advises Erin B.
Snowshoeing and winter camping: Michigan Brook Road provides winter access for hardy campers. "The main road to the parking lot is plowed and sanded. However if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile," writes Keegz M. Winter campers should note there's no cell service at the campsite, but service is available at the end of upper Michigan Brook road.
Privacy and nature sounds: Tent campers appreciate the seclusion at Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road, where "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road... Peaceful! Gorgeous rock river," according to Thomas and James S. Sites feature established fire rings but no services.
Night sky viewing: Mount Philo State Park offers exceptional stargazing. "Totally beautiful, private spots, pit toilets and a night sky to die for!" raves Molly G. The park has only 8 campsites, creating a more intimate camping experience.
Swimming holes: The Route 100 area includes natural water features. "This site has 3-5 campsites right off of route 100. This is right next to Mad River with a area to walk down into a swimming hole. Great place," writes Margaret E. These sites are technically day-use areas, so check current regulations.
Cell service limitations: Most dispersed camping areas lack reliable communications. At Michigan Brook Road camping, a reviewer notes: "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION. However, 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."
Waste management: Green Mountain National Forest FR25 posts warnings about proper sanitation. "There was a NFS sign along FR-25 posted asking people to clean up after themselves (litter and human waste) as there'd been complaints to the extent that they were considering closing the sites if people didn't do better," reports Helen P. All dispersed camping requires packing out waste.
Seasonal road conditions: Access varies by season. "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!" warns Thomas and James S. about Michigan Brook Road. Winter access requires different planning than summer visits.
Platform tents: For families new to tent camping near Waitsfield, Vermont, consider Underhill State Park which offers lean-tos. "This is the best of car camping - you get the feel of really being out in the woods, with your car a short distance away. They provide wheelbarrows for easy moving of your stuff," explains Ali T.
Gear transport: Families should pack efficiently for hike-in sites. At Indian Brook Reservoir, one parent advises: "I mistakenly assumed they had drive up campsites. They do not. It was a 15 minute hike to the site, so pack light."
Stream access: Look for sites with safe water features. At Patterson Brookside camp, campers can enjoy the riverside setting where dirt sites line the water. Remember these sites lack facilities: "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in."
Size restrictions: RVers have limited options for dispersed camping. Green Mountain National Forest camping areas like Michigan Brook and FR25 can accommodate small trailers or campervans, but not large rigs. "I found most of the spots to be on the road before the GPS marker. Few nice ones near the creek," reports one camper at Michigan Brook Road.
Established alternatives: For larger RVs, Mount Philo State Park offers a structured option. "Nice trails that lead to scenic views of Lake Champlain. Bathrooms and showers were clean. Showers were quarter operated, 50 cents for 5 minutes. Firewood sold on site," notes Beau B., though the "steep and winding" road isn't suitable for large RVs.
Generator restrictions: Most dispersed camping areas prohibit generators. At Route 100, the proximity to other campers and day users requires quiet camping. Consider solar options for power needs at primitive sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waitsfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waitsfield, VT is Route 100 Dispersed Camping with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Waitsfield, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 47 tent camping locations near Waitsfield, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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