Tent camping opportunities around West Windsor, Vermont extend beyond the Appalachian Trail corridor into the Green Mountain National Forest and surrounding areas. The region features varied terrain between 800-2,500 feet elevation with northern hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter brings substantial snowfall that closes many access roads from November through April.
What to do
Fishing at nearby streams: Michigan Brook offers accessible fishing spots with several designated camping areas along the water. According to camper Trucker C., "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!"
Hiking to swimming holes: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter provides access to natural swimming opportunities. One camper noted, "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."
Rock jumping: Some area ponds offer recreational features for the adventurous. At Little Rock Pond Group Camp & Shelters, camper Meredith C. reports, "There's a huge jumping rock on the far side of the pond."
What campers like
Multi-level sleeping options: Certain backcountry shelters provide unique arrangements. At Happy Hill Backcountry Shelter, a reviewer notes, "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."
New facilities: Several sites feature recently upgraded amenities. At Stony Brook shelter, a camper observed, "The privvy looked brand new and was more spacious than most on the trail."
Budget-friendly options: Some managed sites offer affordable camping with basic amenities. According to a Little Rock Pond camper, "Operated by the Green Mountain Club caretaker who lives onsite, this campsite costs only $5 per person per night. 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)!!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping requires navigating unpaved roads. At Michigan Brook Road Camping, Thomas and James S. warn, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Water availability varies: Seasonal conditions affect water sources throughout the region. At Thistle Hill Backcountry Shelter, a camper reported, "There was a decent privvy (see photos) and water during my stay, though it was right after a smaller storm the previous evening."
Winter access limitations: Cold weather significantly restricts camping options. A Michigan Brook Road camper explained, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Communications considerations: Some areas lack connectivity entirely. At Michigan Brook Road, Keegz M. cautions, "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."
Shelter capacity planning: When tent camping with groups, look for sites with multiple accommodation options. At Moose Mountain Backcountry Shelter, a visitor found, "The shelter is a standard three-sided shelter. There were a host of large, flat tent sites around the shelter, and I tented in one of these."
Seasonal swimming opportunities: Some ponds provide water recreation during warmer months. One camper at Little Rock Pond mentioned, "The pond is surprisingly warm for its altitude and it's home to two Common Loons."
Tips from RVers
Access restrictions: Large vehicles face significant limitations on forest roads. Michigan Brook camping areas require careful vehicle selection according to Maggie F.: "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. The area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road."
Site selection: For RVs that can access dispersed areas, specific locations may be better suited. A Michigan Brook visitor suggested, "Drive in about a mile after the parking lot!! Can use car to get in! There's 3 camping spots."
Seasonal closures: Forest Service roads often close during winter months. One Michigan Brook visitor noted, "This area is open for camping year-round but probably only accessible in Spring through early Fall because the dirt road is not plowed."
