Tent camping near Weston, Vermont offers backcountry experiences in the Green Mountain National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet above sea level. Seasonal temperatures vary significantly, with summer highs averaging 75°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Many sites require vehicle navigation on unpaved roads with variable conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Winter exploration: Michigan Brook Road camping areas remain accessible to dedicated winter campers with proper preparation. According to Keegz M., "I stayed at this campsite located at the end of upper Michigan road. It is winter and there is a lot of snow... if you would like to continue down the service road during winter months I would highly recommend snowshoes or a snowmobile."
Swimming: Stony Brook Backcountry Shelter offers natural water features for cooling off during summer hikes. Justin P. mentions, "There was plenty of water at Stony Brook / Mink Brook... I found a decent swimming hole (could just barely submerge myself) to clean off a bit."
Killington access: The dispersed camping areas provide convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions. Maggie F. notes about Michigan Brook, "I liked this camping area for its 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."
What campers like
Riverside campsites: The Michigan Brook area features multiple waterfront camping options. TRUCKER C. explains, "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!!"
Last available sites: Last light on Michigan Brook provides secluded spots for those willing to venture to the end of access roads. Thomas and James S. advise, "Love this site! The very last spot on the right hand side. If you've reached the closed gate you've missed the site! Keep it clean!"
Hiking convergence: Stratton Pond Shelter sits at a significant trail junction. Miccal M. highlights, "Great location at the intersection of AT, LT and Stratton Mountain trail... The shelter is a 3.75mi hike from the nearest parking lot in winter. There are 2 tent platforms, 2 outhouses and at least 16 bunk spaces in the shelter."
What you should know
Road conditions: Michigan Brook Road requires vehicles with adequate clearance in most seasons. Thomas and James S. caution, "Road goes in pretty far. Some parts are muddy and very rough. Higher clearance would be advised!!!"
Limited connectivity: Most backcountry camping areas lack cellular service. Keegz M. warns about Michigan Road camping, "PLEASE NOTE: 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."
Water reliability: Water sources near tent sites fluctuate seasonally. Justin P. reports about Thistle Hill, "There was a decent privvy and water during my stay, though it was right after a smaller storm the previous evening."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose carefully when camping with children as terrain varies significantly. At Winturri Backcountry Shelter, Justin P. notes, "There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter... The shelter was fairly standard but this stop had a great amount of tent camping around in spaces with decent privacy."
Seasonal timing: Visit during non-peak periods for more site availability and fewer crowds. Marcus mentions about Michigan Road, "Nice little spots to hangout all day. Lots to see, and explore."
Supply planning: Services near camping areas remain limited, requiring advance preparation. Maggie F. advises, "All in all great stop-over spot but not really a destination."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Standard RVs can access limited areas in the region. At Michigan Brook, Maggie F. notes, "The area is big enough to bring an RV if you can get it down the dirt road."
Seasonal access: Roads to tent camping sites near Weston, Vermont become impassable during winter and spring thaw. Maggie F. explains, "This area is open for camping year-round but probably only accessible in Spring through early Fall because the dirt road is not plowed. 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."
Waste management: No dump stations exist at primitive camping areas, requiring self-contained waste handling. TRUCKER C. emphasizes, "CLEAN UP YOUR TRASH!! Very back woods camping!"