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Best Tent Camping near Wells, VT

737 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Green Mountain National Forest near Wells, Vermont offer a mix of dispersed and established options for campers. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides tent platforms and a three-wall cabin on a secluded pond, while Michigan Brook Road Camping offers more primitive tent sites along a forest service road. Stratton Pond Shelter, accessible via the Appalachian Trail, provides both shelter space and tent platforms for hikers in the backcountry.

Sites may be set on dirt, gravel, or forest duff with minimal grading, particularly at the more remote locations. Michigan Brook Road requires higher clearance vehicles during wet periods, with one visitor noting the road "gets muddy and quite rutted" in spring. Most tent campgrounds in the area allow fires and provide basic fire rings, though amenities vary widely. Little Rock Pond features a composting toilet and platforms, while sites along Michigan Brook generally lack facilities. Several camping areas charge no fees, especially the dispersed sites in the national forest, though Little Rock Pond requires a $5 per person fee collected by a caretaker.

Areas farther from Wells offer deeper seclusion but require more preparation for tent campers. Little Rock Pond stands out as a destination campground with swimming opportunities in what one visitor described as "surprisingly warm water for its altitude." The pond is also home to loons, enhancing the wilderness experience. Michigan Brook provides streamside camping with multiple tent spots near flowing water. Walk-in tent sites tend to offer more privacy than drive-up areas, particularly during peak season. A camper at Stratton Pond noted it features "2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter," making it suitable for both tent and shelter campers hiking the Long Trail or Appalachian Trail.

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Best Tent Sites Near Wells, Vermont (35)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Wells, VT

41 Photos of 35 Wells Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Wells, VT

737 Reviews of 35 Wells Campgrounds

  • 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. 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!!

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2022

    Gifford Woods State Park Campground

    Quiet and well maintained campground

    I tent camped here before doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and it was one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at before.

    The sites have some privacy and woods in between, though the tent sites vs. shelters and cabins were mostly closer to the access road. All sites were super clean and had a picnic table and fire ring. Most sites had a built in cooking fire structure (vs. a fire ring) they looked great for camp cooking, though my site (T01) seemed to be the only without it.

    The facilities were well-maintained, there were water spigots everywhere, and though I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, there were lots of activities right there (volleyball lawn, the AT running right through the campground, mountain bike trails).

    I didn’t stay in them, but the cabins and lean-tos looked great for group or family options.

    Kent Pond was also just across the road for water activities, and I saw at least one fly fisher out.

    Killington was also right nearby for restaurants and other needs.

    I will definitely be coming back to explore more!

  • Lauren S.
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Moosalamoo Campground

    Hidden Gem

    Tucked down a gravel road in the Green Mountain National Forest is this hidden treasure. Large sites, friendly campground host, the moosalamoo trailhead right next to campground. The trail connects to many others. You will pass several trailheads on your way up to the campground. Many of the sites are reservable, others are first come first serve. You will find a pay station as you enter the campsite. The camp host is at site 1. Surprisingly clean vault toilets. No showers. There are dumpsters on the way out for trash and recycling. I saw bear storage lockers but I did not use them as I had my bear keg with me. Behind the parking spur at the site there is gravel with picnic table and fire pit. Beyond that in the trees was a spot for the tent. I didn’t experience many bugs, no mosquitoes, what I saw the most of were caterpillars. But If you needed bug spray or forgot anything back in town a few miles Ripton grocery has you covered.

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2022

    Greendale Campground

    Greendale campground, Weston Vt.

    Greendale Campground is a small remote campground located along Greendale Brook in Weston, VT.

    There are 11 campsites available in a wooded setting. Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring with a grill, and a parking spur. Most sites can accommodate small campers as well as tents. There is also a vault toilet.

    The campground offers easy access to the Greendale Loop, a 4.0 mile hike through a mixed forest of northern hardwood and conifer trees with long stretches bordering scenic streams. This loop includes approximately 2 miles of walking along town maintained roads open to vehicular traffic.

    This site is not maintained for winter use. Deep snow often covers amenities at this site December – mid April. The nearest plowed parking area to the campground in the winter is approximately one mile away and access is via skis or snowshoes. My wife and I car camped in July and there were very few campers. Many sites are beside Greendale Brook. The water is clean, refreshing and soothing. Especially soothing while sitting by the campfire.

  • Tara S.
    Oct. 11, 2017

    Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

    Best Fall Camping Ever!

    We just returned from two nights at Grout Pond. We were lucky to have 70 degree days and 50 degree nights in October. We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road. We have camped at Grout Pond a few times in the summer, and while it’s always beautiful, it’s just too busy in July and August. Early October is just about perfect - no bugs, no people, and fantastic views all around.

    The campground is maintained by the National Forest Service, and for many years the sites were free. In 2018, the cost will be significantly higher than free - $16 per night with a limit of 14 consecutive days. There are about 18 sites in total. 7 near the road for car camping or RVs, 5 that are hike-in (the farthest is about a mile from the parking lot), and 6 waterfront sites that you can either hike or paddle to. We really love site #2 for the awesome views and proximity to the toilet, but #11 is bigger and probably the most private of all the sites.

    If you’re paddling in, you can unload all your stuff in the day-use area, and then park your car in the lot. It’s an easy 5-minute paddle to most of the sites. There are lots of well-marked trails. The only water is in the day-use area, so I recommend bringing a filter so you can drink right from the lake. All tents must be set up on tenting platforms, so you’ll need a smallish tent. Sites 10 and 11 have two platforms.  

    After camping here in July and October, I would never camp here in the summer again - come in the fall - you won’t be disappointed!

  • Cynthia K.
    Jun. 26, 2023

    Clarksburg State Park Campground

    Choose your site carefully

    We took the family up here for a long weekend. The weather wuickly made this an overnight stay instead, as the rain was relentless. Our site (#6) was on a slope, and there was the telltale sign of stormwater runoff tracks running through the middle. We pitched our tents to the left and the right, which worked out well because the next day we had a stream running through our site. The hiking trails were extremely wet and muddy (even before the rain) so we didn't get too explore very much.

    They have great firewood here - kiiln dried cedar for $7 a bundle! And the restrooms were fairly clean. The boat launch area looked great, but we didn't get our kayaks in due to the weather.

    Before we packed up, we took advantage of a break in the rain to get photos of as many sites as we could. Hopefully they'll come in handy for future campers.  These were all taken after several hours of heavy rain, so the photos should give you a good idea of what sites have drainage issues.

  • Jessica C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Chittenden Brook Campground

    Great site

    This was a great site that feels secluded but isn’t. There’s quite a bit of space between each site so you can’t really see your neighbors which is excellent. The vault toilets were surprisingly clean besides the expected smell/flies. No running water or electricity. No cell service a few miles leading up the site, so download your maps in advance. There’s a 2.5 mile dirt road with a steady incline into the camp, which my subie had no issue with, but not sure how well an RV would fair.

    Didn’t see any bear, but take bear food precautions regardless. Each site has a fire pit, tent platform, and picnic table. The sites were well cared for. There were two dumpsters, one for recycling and one for trash, at the end of the loop. They are bear proof and almost me proof! The constant sound of running water from the brook was truly relaxing. I didn’t have issues with bugs (beginning of August) but I also didn’t stay in the camp during the majority of the day.

    All in all, a great campsite and I’ll definitely be back.

Guide to Wells

Tent camping near Wells, Vermont offers primitive sites within Green Mountain National Forest along with backcountry shelters along major hiking trails. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 3,000 feet with typical summer temperatures between 65-80°F during days and 45-55°F overnight. Many sites require significant preparation due to minimal facilities and often muddy access roads during spring.

What to do

Swimming opportunities: At Last Light on Michigan Brook, campers can cool off in natural waterways. One visitor noted, "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Hiking connections: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter provides access to both swimming and hiking. A hiker mentioned, "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."

Snowshoeing access: Winter campers can reach some sites with proper equipment. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, a winter visitor advised, "If you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."

What campers like

Solitude and privacy: Many campers appreciate the remote nature of Michigan Brook sites. A camper recommended, "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots. 1 before the bridge and 2 after the bridge! The one before the bridge that's right next to the river is the best one!!"

Wildlife viewing: The Green Mountain National Forest provides opportunities to observe native species. At Stratton Pond Shelter, a visitor experienced, "Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great!"

Accessible backcountry: Some areas provide relatively easy access to remote locations. A Michigan Brook Road Camping reviewer shared, "I found most of the spots to be on the road before the GPS marker. Few nice ones near the creek. I stayed at one on top of a hill, lots of space at mine."

What you should know

Road conditions: Many forest service roads require careful navigation. A visitor to Michigan Brook Road Camping warned, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"

Service availability: Cell reception is extremely limited at most sites. A camper at Michigan Brook Road Camping cautioned, "PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION."

Limited facilities: Prepare for minimal or no amenities. One Michigan Brook visitor described it as "Very back woods camping!" while another noted the importance of proper waste disposal: "CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH!!"

Tips for camping with families

Shelter options: Some locations offer both shelter and tent platforms for flexibility. At Stratton Pond Shelter, a visitor described, "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail."

Proximity to supplies: For families needing access to provisions, certain locations offer nearby resources. A Michigan Brook Road camper noted, "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."

Consider access difficulty: Some areas may challenge younger children. At Long Island Group — Lake George Islands, a visitor shared, "We had a great spot on Long Island! Beautiful view, chill atmosphere, easy boat parking on the slip."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most tent sites near Wells have significant limitations for RVs. A Michigan Brook camper noted it is "big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road."

Seasonal access: Road conditions severely restrict RV access during certain seasons. A winter camper at Michigan Brook Road reported, "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning."

Alternative camping: For RVers seeking more amenities, consider Glen Island Group as a day trip destination where a visitor shared, "Great fishing, lots of fun to be had on the water and quiet peaceful evening by the campfire."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wells, 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 Wells, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Wells, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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