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Best Tent Camping near West Pawlet, VT

754 Reviews

Green Mountain National Forest offers numerous primitive tent camping options within 30 miles of West Pawlet, Vermont. Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides hike-in tent sites with tent platforms and composting toilets, while Michigan Brook Road Camping offers free walk-in tent sites along forest service roads. Patterson Brookside camp features riverside tent campsites with established fire rings but no facilities. These backcountry tent camping areas provide access to the Appalachian Trail and Long Trail systems, with several shelters that accommodate tent campers.

Most tent campsites in this region have minimal amenities, requiring campers to pack in water and supplies. Fire rings are common at established sites, but vault toilets are rare except at designated shelters. Michigan Brook sites feature uneven, natural surfaces that may require careful tent placement. According to reviews, spring conditions often create muddy, rutted access roads requiring higher clearance vehicles. Winter camping is limited as most forest roads remain unplowed. Patterson Brookside camp closes entirely during winter months due to snow. Cell service is virtually nonexistent at these primitive tent camping locations, with the nearest services often miles away in small towns.

Tent campers frequently mention the privacy and natural settings as primary draws. One visitor noted that Michigan Brook offers three distinct camping spots, with the site before the bridge providing the best riverside location. At Little Rock Pond, a camper reported that the $5 per person fee provides access to tent platforms, a swimming pond, and nearby water sources. Stratton Pond Shelter offers two tent platforms and access to one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail. Backcountry tent camping areas along the Appalachian Trail feature varying terrain, with some sites offering level spots for multiple tents while others have more challenging, sloped surfaces. Wildlife sightings are common, with proper food storage essential as bears and raccoons frequent the area.

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Best Tent Sites Near West Pawlet, Vermont (33)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near West Pawlet, VT

40 Photos of 33 West Pawlet Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near West Pawlet, VT

754 Reviews of 33 West Pawlet 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.

  • Dawn S.
    May. 30, 2020

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Clean

    My pup and I spent two nights here and were very happy. While this campground is bare-bones (no pool) it is perfect for anyone who wants to just chill and do nothing or hit the mountains / local area and do some hiking. The entire campground was very clean, as were the bathrooms. At check-in they will give you maps of hiking routes. Firewood is for sale onsite as are a few necessities. They also had bear boxes, picnic tables and fire rings at each site. We will go back.

  • 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!!

  • Sara Q.
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Savoy Mountain State Forest Campground

    Small, loud, muddy

    Unfortunately, I was not a big fan of this small campground. Right from the start, upon checkin, I bought two $5 ea. bundles of wood after being assured they were "kiln dried".  The wood wouldn't catch no matter what I tried -- not even with the help of some fire starter.  The tent site itself was very small and barely fit my truck and tent.  It was made smaller still because of the mud and holes on the perimeter of the site. At night, there was a lot of traffic noise nearby and despite a posted quiet time, other campers were slamming car doors over and over and talking at the top of their lungs, making it difficult to sleep. The surrounding state forest was pretty and the trails were in decent shape.

  • Christina W.
    May. 28, 2019

    Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation

    I go every year!

    Me and my friends get a group site at least once a year. It's an amazing place with really great staff that care about the safety of everyone and keeping the areas clean. We always have an amazing time here. The views are great and we have never had any issues. 

    First time I went it was intimidating because I had never camped in an all tent camping site with no running water or public restroom areas. However, as soon as I got acclimated, I loved it. There are outhouses stationed at different areas all around, and bear boxes for every group. There are bears around so use the boxes seriously. 

    There are a number of rivers and little waterfalls that are always nice to visit. I plan to go there again very soon!

  • 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.

  • Heidi R.
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Sperry Road Campground — Mount Greylock State Reservation

    Awesome backpacking with amenities!

    The hike in was a fairly easy 1.3 to the csmpground. The sites were huge and spread out. Although we could kind of see our neighbors if we tried, we were far enough away that we weren't looking at them all weekend. SO PEACEFUL! Uou will hear the bard owls call at night and not much else. Sites 11, 8, and 9 are pretty set back and private.

    Amenities include:

    1. The rangers deliver wood to your site
    2. The bear lockers are roomy and clean and could double as storage to keep items out of the rain (highly recommend reviewing being "bear aware" as we had a sighting in our neighboring site and not all other campers are bear smart and left food/trash out even though rangers gave reminders).
    3. The composting toilets were so spacious and clean you could sleep on the floor in an emergency!
    4. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table.

    There are plenty of options for hiking including two nearby falls, a section of the AT, and of course the summit. The summit lodge offers breakfast & lunch. Although abut pricey, the large fire place, friendly hiker conversations, and a warm cup of coffee brightened our rainy day. They also do dinner by reservation. The summit is accessible by hiking or car. They have educational and entertainment programs scheduled throughout the weekend.

Guide to West Pawlet

Primitive campsites dot the landscape surrounding West Pawlet, Vermont, with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,200 feet across the region. Most tent camping options in Green Mountain National Forest require preparation for variable weather conditions, particularly in spring when snowmelt can create challenging ground conditions. Cell service remains limited throughout the national forest areas, particularly at lower elevations between mountain ridges.

What to do

Water activities at Stratton Pond: Stratton Pond Shelter offers access to one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail. A recent visitor noted, "The lake looks great and is one of the largest bodies of water on the Long Trail," making it ideal for swimming during summer months.

Winter hiking: For cold-weather adventurers, Stratton Pond Shelter provides year-round access via a challenging snow trek. According to a February 2024 visitor: "Spent the weekend here on the last weekend of Feb. 2024. Cold, Snow, Wind, full moon in the middle of the woods with only the people I hiked in with. It was great! The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter."

Island exploration: For those willing to travel slightly farther, Glen Island Group on Lake George offers unique water-based camping experiences. One camper reported, "We rented kayaks and actually reserved a spot on our own private island. It was little, slightly wooded, and private."

What campers like

Natural water features: Campers frequently mention the rivers and ponds as highlights. At Michigan Brook, a visitor 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!!"

Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the free dispersed camping options. One visitor to Michigan Brook Road Camping noted it was "great for accessibility to Killington, VT and it was of course free!"

Wildlife viewing: The pond at Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides unique wildlife encounters. A camper observed: "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."

What you should know

Seasonal road conditions: Spring brings particularly challenging access. 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!!!"

Limited emergency communication: Most tent camping areas near West Pawlet have no cellular service. A Michigan Brook Road camper specifically cautioned: "THIS LOCATION DOES NOT PROVIDE CELL PHONE SERVICE OR WIFI CONNECTION."

Varying site quality: Tent platforms and established sites can differ significantly. At Michigan Brook, a reviewer assessed: "All in all great stop-over spot but not really a destination."

Tips for camping with families

Shelter alternatives: The cabin-style shelters provide backup options for tent camping with children. At Little Rock Pond, a visitor described: "There's a big 3-wall cabin with room for at least 12, several tent platforms, and there's even a composting privy (#2 only)!!"

Swimming opportunities: During warmer months, several locations offer safe swimming for children. One camper praised Little Rock Pond: "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude."

Seasonal preparation: Families should pack according to elevation-specific weather patterns. When visiting Lake George Islands, one camper recommended: "Check the weather before your stay- you may be able to swap for a site on the opposite side of the island if you get an idea of where the winds will be coming from. Don't under estimate this tip."

Tips from RVers

Road clearance requirements: RV access to dispersed camping areas requires careful vehicle selection. For Michigan Brook Road, a winter camper warned: "I attempted to bring my car and was stuck overnight but was able to dig myself out the next morning."

Supply planning: RVers must prepare for complete self-sufficiency. A Lake George Islands camper advised: "TAKE EVERYTHING you need including extra ice. Once there, settle in & relax, you aren't going anywhere."

Family-friendly commercial alternatives: For RVers seeking more amenities near West Pawlet, Stony Creek Family Campground offers electric hookups and facilities. A visitor simply stated: "It's a nice family ran campground. We love it here and plan to come back!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near West Pawlet, VT?

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

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near West Pawlet, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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