Chittenden Brook Campground
99 Ranger Rd.
Chittenden Brook Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate for standard nonelectric sites during peak season is $15. An additional non-refundable reservation fee of $8 is charged when booking...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$15.00
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider(802) 767-4261djnulsen@fs.fed.us
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Vermont's northern hardwood forest, Chittenden Brook Campground offers an intimate escape from the modern world. This hidden gem features just 17 thoughtfully spaced sites, each equipped with picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and gravel tent pads that blend seamlessly into the forest floor. Perfect for tent campers and those with smaller RVs up to 18 feet, the campground provides a back-to-basics experience with parking for two vehicles per site and clean, barrier-free vault toilets. While you'll need to bring your own water, the trade-off is a genuinely peaceful retreat where the loudest sounds are likely to be the rustling leaves and the gentle babble of nearby Chittenden Brook.
Chittenden Brook Campground caters to a range of camping styles, including tent and small RV camping, with reservable and first-come, first-served sites available. A year-round cabin rental is also offered.
Historical SignificanceSince opening its sites to adventurers in the early 1960s, Chittenden Brook has served as a gateway to Vermont's wilderness heritage. The campground sits within reach of the legendary Long Trail, America's oldest long-distance hiking trail, and the dramatically named Mt. Horrid, whose imposing cliffs have captured imaginations for generations. As part of the Green Mountain National Forest, this area represents over half a century of conservation and outdoor recreation tradition in the heart of Vermont.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late spring through early fall, Chittenden Brook transforms into a camper's paradise, with comfortable temperatures and generous daylight hours perfect for exploration. The campground typically enjoys clear to partly cloudy skies with refreshingly dry mountain air. But it's autumn that truly steals the show here – when the surrounding hardwoods burst into a spectacular display of crimson, gold, and orange, creating a natural amphitheater of color that draws photographers and leaf-peepers from across New England.
ElevationCradled in a mountain valley where cool air settles and morning mist often dances through the trees, Chittenden Brook Campground offers that quintessential Vermont mountain experience. The surrounding peaks create a natural sanctuary, sheltering the campground while providing stunning backdrops for your outdoor adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryThe star of this woodland retreat is undoubtedly Chittenden Brook itself – a crystal-clear mountain stream that tumbles over moss-covered rocks on its journey to join the White River. The campground is enveloped by a mature northern hardwood forest where sugar maples, yellow birches, and beech trees create a living cathedral overhead. Keep your camera ready for wildlife encounters: white-tailed deer often graze in the early morning hours, moose occasionally lumber through the understory, and yes, black bears call these woods home too – a reminder that you're camping in true wilderness.
Geological RegionSituated within the ancient Green Mountain range, Chittenden Brook Campground showcases the region's distinctive northern hardwood ecosystem. The pristine brook that gives the campground its name has carved its way through centuries of geological history, creating a riparian corridor that eventually feeds into the White River system. This corner of the Green Mountain National Forest represents millions of years of geological evolution, from ancient sea floors to towering peaks, now clothed in one of North America's most beautiful temperate forests.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has two barrier-free vault toilets, catering to accessibility needs.
Sites SizeCampsites include a gravel tent pad and are suitable for small RVs up to 18 feet in length.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies across the campground. Some sites are secluded, especially near the brook (sites 12-16), while others are closer to one another or near the road (e.g., sites 2-5).
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites 12-16 for privacy and proximity to the brook. Sites 2-5 are recommended for group camping due to their closeness to each other.
Best CampsitesSites 12-16 are noted as more secluded and closer to the brook, while sites 2-5 are better for group camping.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
No specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The campground allows up to two cars per site. Information about guest limits is unspecified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has a loop layout with 17 sites. Sites closer to the brook are more secluded.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025. Reservations start June 24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySeveral sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, cancellations, or changes allowed for Scan and Pay payments. Late cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Chittenden Brook Campground offers a range of recreational activities, making use of its natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the Chittenden Brook trail system, which connects to the Long Trail and features northern hardwood forests, mountain streams, and a beaver pond. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, swimming, river tubing, fishing, and hunting.
Hiking
The Chittenden Brook trail system is highly praised for its well-maintained paths suitable for both short and long hikes. It passes through mature hardwood forests and connects to the Long Trail. 'The hike to Beaver Pond is highly recommended,' according to one user review.Fishing
Fishing is available in the pristine mountain stream, Chittenden Brook, which feeds into the White River. Specific fish species are not mentioned.Swimming
Swimming opportunities exist in the nearby streams and rivers. Specific facilities like designated swimming areas are not mentioned.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity, with trails available within the campground and nearby Green Mountain Trails in Pittsfield.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to wildlife such as white-tailed deer, moose, and black bears. 'Great for a serene nature experience,' one reviewer noted.Winter Activities
The Chittenden Brook Hut is open year-round, suggesting potential for winter activities, although specific activities like snowshoeing or skiing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like river tubing are available.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits.
- Quiet hours are Unspecified; reviews mention generally quiet conditions.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include the presence of black bears. The access road has steep and narrow sections that may pose challenges for certain vehicles.
Weather forecast
41
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services located in Rochester, VT, approximately 7 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - October 12, 2025.
Trash and recyclingA recycling and trash station is provided at the end of the campground loop.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Chittenden Brook, with nearby access to the White River for river tubing.
Common complaintsComplaints include the lack of potable water and the additional reservation fee of $8. One reviewer mentioned a reservation issue leading to arrival at a closed campground.
HostCamp host Mary receives positive feedback for being helpful and maintaining the site and bathrooms.
Campground Map
99 Ranger Rd.
Driving directionsFrom Rochester, travel south for 1.0 mile on Route 100 to the junction of Route 73. Follow Route 73 west for 5.1 miles. From Brandon, travel east on Route 73 for 11.2 miles.
The access road has narrow and steep sections that may be challenging for low-slung vehicles. The campground is semi-remote, requiring a drive through deep woods.Nearby places
Rochester (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Brandon (11.2 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Killington (distance unknown), Pittsfield (distance unknown)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in Rochester, VT, approximately 7 miles away
additional supplies in nearby towns such as Killington and Brandon.
Camper Reviews
4.6
40 reviews
Chittenden Brook Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Chittenden Brook Campground is highly rated for its tranquility, natural beauty, and well-maintained facilities. However, some campers note challenges with the lack of water and tight accessibility for trailers under 18 feet.
Review Summaries
Based on 40 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the serenity ('Absolutely quiet and beautiful'), the proximity to hiking trails ('Excellent hiking'), and the well-maintained facilities ('Vault toilets were clean and supplied with...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the lack of potable water, the additional reservation fee, and access road conditions ('Some sites listed as suitable for campers under 18 feet really should only have...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water, as there is no potable water on-site. Campers with larger trailers should carefully evaluate site suitability. Sites 12-16 by the brook are more secluded.
Based on 40 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall is a popular season, with users highlighting foliage and quieter environments. Summer brings more crowded conditions but is ideal for hiking and water activities.
Based on 40 reviewsCamper Quotes
'This is a real camping experience. It’s about 2 miles into the deep woods.' 'The campground itself is well-kept and reservations are very organized.' 'Vault toilets were clean and supplied with TP.'...
Based on 40 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 12-16 are noted for their seclusion near the brook. Sites 2-5 are closer to the road and suitable for group camping.
Based on 40 reviewsAccessibility Features
The barrier-free vault toilets and overall small, well-organized layout are appreciated by users.
Based on 40 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific comments about pets were mentioned.
Based on 40 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
Advertisement