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Best Tent Camping near West Rutland, VT

720 Reviews

Green Mountain National Forest offers several primitive tent camping options near West Rutland, Vermont. Michigan Brook Road Camping provides free tent sites with drive-in and walk-in access, while Last Light on Michigan Brook offers similar primitive tent accommodations. For backcountry tent camping, Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters provides hike-in access with tent platforms and a three-walled shelter. These areas are located within 15-20 miles of West Rutland in the surrounding mountains.

Most tent camping locations in this region require self-sufficiency, as amenities are minimal. Sites typically feature established fire rings on natural, sometimes uneven terrain. Michigan Brook sites are accessible via a dirt road that becomes challenging during wet conditions or winter months. A camper noted, "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot. There's 3 camping spots—one before the bridge and two after the bridge." Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all locations, with no trash service, drinking water, or maintained toilets available. The Patterson Brookside area offers similar primitive tent setups along a river with multiple walk-in sites.

Campers at these locations typically enjoy a genuine backcountry experience with natural surroundings and flowing water. Sites near Patterson Brook offer seclusion with river access, making them popular for tent campers seeking water proximity. The Little Rock Pond site, operated by Green Mountain Club, includes tent platforms and composting toilet facilities, with the pond providing swimming opportunities during warmer months. Walk-in tent locations tend to offer more privacy and distance from vehicle noise. According to one visitor, "This area is being heavily used and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact." Winter access is limited, with most forest service roads closed due to snow accumulation until spring thaw.

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Best Tent Sites Near West Rutland, Vermont (38)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near West Rutland, VT

55 Photos of 38 West Rutland Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near West Rutland, VT

720 Reviews of 38 West Rutland Campgrounds

  • Justin P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2022

    Velvet Rocks Shelter Backcountry Campground on the AT — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    Standard AT back country shelter on the limited site of tent camping

    Note this is a back country shelter along the Appalachian Trail, so it is 100% long hike in with no guaranteed water and a basic privvy.

    I tented along here for a night during a section hike of the AT from Lyme into Vermont.

    The shelter was the basic AT 3-sided wood structure and was generally in good shape.

    The water source here was dry during my trip which was expected during the drought (August 2022).

    The tent camping here was ok, with some slightly slanted spots around the main shelter area.

    There was no real view from the shelter.  There was also a basic privvy available.

    This was a decent shelter to stop at along the AT, but I would not consider it a weekend destination.

    There was no bear box onsite.

  • 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.

  • J
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Adults only, comfortable but lacking excursions

    Lazy Lions is a comfortable campground with an adults-only policy. Having spent time in plenty of campgrounds with screaming or unwinded children, I could see this as a positive draw for the RV'ing crowd. I think we were the only tent campers the night we stayed.

    Our tent site was level and on comfy plush grass, well maintained and either a beautiful addition of two (plastic) adirondack chairs at our fire pit with grill. This was especially welcome because we hadn't really planned on cooking but when we saw the great fire set up not only did we save time and energy by not having to take out (and put away!) our camping chairs, I was able to turn our chips and salsa into nachos using some amazing Vermont cheese we'd picked up earlier. My boyfriend has declared this was his favorite camping meal ever so thanks Lazy Lions for the unexpected awesomeness.

    Our check in was smoothe, there was plenty of room at this campground, perhaps due to the fact that there isn't too much to do other than set up and sleep. It did have a pool.

    On check in we found the front desk (owner?) to be less than warm, and at $7 to firewood a little pricey. We were warned to be careful with our food because of "critters" and when I asked what kind of critters the man responded, "all of them". Less than helpful. In hindsight we believe we found bear scat on our site.

    We slept well, bathroom facilities were clean and well stocked. Showers, which we did not use, we $0.25 for four minutes. There was a microwave and wash sink as well for dishes, we didn't use either.

    We met lovely people and had a fine night, there was just nothing particularly special about the place

  • 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!

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Lazy Lions Campground

    Nice quiet place

    Nice campground with plenty of shade, well maintained and decent restrooms. The showers are ok and cost a quarter for 4 minutes. Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring.

  • Miccal M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Patterson Brookside camp on West Hill Road

    This is a wonderful place to camp

    There are a handful of sites to camp at along the river here, each offering a slightly different experience.  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.  Some of the sites are drive in, some are walk in, but all are primitive. 

    There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area.  Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in.

    This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact, and that impact can be positive or negative. Choose Positive!

    This area is closed in the winter due to snow, by the GMNF

Guide to West Rutland

Green Mountain National Forest provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities around West Rutland, Vermont. The forest terrain includes elevations ranging from 700 to 3,000 feet with multiple river systems cutting through forested valleys. Winter closures affect most forest service roads from November through April, with primitive sites typically opening as snow melts and ground conditions firm up.

What to do

River exploration: At Patterson Brookside camp, visitors can access multiple swimming spots along the riverside. "Mountain road lingers along the river. There's quite a few sites along the road. Be sure to camp at spots with established fire rings!" notes a camper.

Day hikes: The Appalachian Trail passes through several camping areas within 20 miles of West Rutland. Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter offers "a swimming hole and consistent water just a bit further down the trail" according to a hiker.

Fishing access: Multiple forest service roads provide streamside camping with fishing opportunities. The brook systems contain native trout populations. Forest roads often parallel waterways, making access straightforward for anglers.

What campers like

Backcountry isolation: The Michigan Brook Road area attracts campers seeking seclusion. According to a visitor at Michigan Brook Road Camping, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"

Natural swimming: Several camping areas feature river and pond access for swimming during summer months. One camper at Stony Brook noted they "found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit."

Wildlife viewing: The forest shelters diverse wildlife populations. At Little Rock Pond Group Camp, a visitor observed, "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."

What you should know

Vehicle clearance requirements: Many forest roads require higher clearance vehicles, especially during spring thaw or after rain. A reviewer at Michigan Brook advises, "Beware that in Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted, I would not recommend driving down there with a car that is low to the ground."

No services: Most camping areas lack basic amenities. "There is no electricity, no cell coverage, not outhouses in this area. Be prepared to pack out everything you bring in," notes a Patterson Brookside camper.

Location identification: Finding specific sites can be challenging without clear markers. At Last Light on Michigan Brook, a camper suggests, "The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site!"

Environmental impact concerns: Some areas show signs of overuse. "This area is being heavily use and some spots are being shut down from abuse, please be aware that you have a lot of impact," warns a Patterson Brookside visitor.

Tips for camping with families

River-adjacent sites: For families seeking water access, look for established sites near streams. At Bingo, a camper notes there are a "Couple of spots along the forest access road. Beautiful stream close by."

Communication limitations: Cell service is unavailable at most forest sites. A Michigan Road visitor emphasizes, "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."

Supply planning: Nearest supply points are typically 10-20 miles away in surrounding towns. Consider the Michigan Brook area which offers proximity to "a gas station along with a United States Post Office as well as a general store which also serves as a restaurant. There you can find just about anything."

Tips from RVers

Road condition awareness: Dirt forest roads can deteriorate quickly with weather changes. Michigan Brook campers note, "In Spring the road gets muddy and quite rutted" and recommend against low-clearance vehicles.

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. A Michigan Brook visitor describes it as "big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road."

Spring access challenges: Many forest roads become impassable during spring thaw. A Michigan Brook camper warns that "the dirt road is not plowed" during winter months, limiting RV access until roads dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near West Rutland, VT is Michigan Brook Road Camping - Green Mtn Ntnl Forest with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near West Rutland, VT?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near West Rutland, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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