Tent campsites near West Hartford, Vermont primarily cluster along the Appalachian Trail corridor and within sections of Green Mountain National Forest. At elevations ranging from 1,200-2,400 feet, these sites experience typical New England seasonal variations with summer highs averaging 75-85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 50-60°F. During peak hiking season (May-October), weekend occupancy at established shelters often reaches capacity by mid-afternoon.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter offers a natural swimming hole nearby for hikers looking to cool off. According to one camper at Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter, "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)."
Winter activities: Michigan Brook Road camping areas remain accessible during winter months with proper planning and equipment. A winter camper noted: "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."
Hiking to viewpoints: While most tent campsites near West Hartford lack dramatic views, Trapper John Backcountry Campground provides access to nearby scenic overlooks. As one hiker at Trapper John Backcountry Campground mentioned, "There was no view or other point of interest here, though a bit further up the trail there were good views at Holt's Ledge."
What campers like
Multi-level shelter designs: The double-decker shelter at Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter offers unique sleeping arrangements. A camper described, "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."
Streamside camping: Several dispersed camping options along Michigan Brook provide water access. One camper at Michigan Brook Road Camping reported, "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."
Bear protection facilities: Unlike many AT shelters in the region, Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter offers bear-resistant food storage. A hiker mentioned, "There was also a bear box here, which I hadn't seen at other shelters along the AT in Vermont (heading southbound)."
What you should know
Road conditions: Michigan Brook access roads can be challenging during certain seasons. A camper warned, "Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Seasonal water availability: Water sources at Moose Mountain shelter may be more reliable than at other locations. According to one camper at Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, "The shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner."
Communication limitations: Cell service is nonexistent at most backcountry sites but accessible from nearby roads. A Michigan Road camper noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Shelter selection: Choose Winturri Backcountry Shelter for its abundance of tent sites when camping with children. A visitor to Winturri Backcountry Shelter observed, "The shelter is on the larger side and could fit maybe 6-8 folks. There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter."
Bathroom facilities: Newer, well-maintained privies can be found at specific shelters. One camper reported, "The privvy was relatively new and in great shape" at Happy Hill Shelter.
Accessible camping options: For families with young children, consider the more accessible Michigan Brook sites instead of lengthy trail hikes. A camper shared, "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!"
Tips from RVers
Road access limitations: Most backcountry shelters prohibit vehicle access entirely, but Michigan Brook provides limited options for smaller RVs. According to one camper at Michigan Brook, "The area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road. It is frequently camped in so fire rings exist."
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping with an RV is inadvisable on forest roads. One Michigan Brook visitor cautioned, "This area is open for camping year-round but probably only accessible in Spring through early Fall because the dirt road is not plowed."
Proximity to amenities: Michigan Brook provides reasonable access to nearby towns while maintaining a wilderness feel. A camper noted, "I liked this camping area for it's accessibility to Killington, VT and it was of course free! We camped near the beginning of the road but would recommend driving down if you can because you can camp next to the river after you cross the bridge."
