Chittenden Brook Campground, Chittenden, VT

Introduction / Overview

For Vermonters seeking an authentic, unplugged wilderness experience, Chittenden Brook Campground is a cherished local treasure within the Green Mountain National Forest. Situated in a beautiful northern hardwoods forest near the town of Chittenden, this facility offers a small, tranquil, and semi-remote camping escape. It is designed for those who appreciate primitive camping—meaning no modern conveniences like running water or electricity—and the quiet solitude that comes with it. This is not a bustling RV park; it is a dedicated nature retreat, perfect for tent campers and small RVs (up to 18 feet maximum) looking to immerse themselves in the deep woods of the Green Mountains. The campground features 17 overnight sites, each thoughtfully equipped with basic amenities to ensure a comfortable but rustic stay, including a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. It sits right alongside Chittenden Brook, a pristine mountain stream that provides a constantly soothing natural soundtrack to your stay and feeds into the White River. Chittenden Brook Campground embodies the spirit of Vermont outdoor recreation, serving as a primary basecamp for exceptional hiking, mountain biking, and simple relaxation. Its reputation for being quiet, peaceful, and beautifully maintained, especially during the stunning autumn season, makes it a favored spot for locals who truly want to disconnect and enjoy the state's natural beauty.

Location and Accessibility

Chittenden Brook Campground is located deep within the Green Mountain National Forest, providing a genuine sense of escape. The official mailing address is listed as Chittenden, VT 05737, USA. The campground is situated approximately seven miles from the town of Rochester, VT, and is centrally located between the Rochester and Middlebury Ranger Districts of the National Forest. Access to the campground requires traveling a few miles on a Forest Road (Forest Road 45), which is a well-maintained dirt road that can have a semi-steep incline at times. While most vehicles, including those pulling small RVs, should be fine, visitors should be prepared for a rustic, off-the-beaten-path approach. The secluded nature of the location is a significant part of its appeal, contributing to the quiet and peaceful atmosphere often highlighted by campers. Importantly for those seeking to truly unplug, cell phone service becomes spotty to non-existent a few miles before entering the site. Local users are strongly advised to download any necessary maps or GPS directions for offline use prior to their arrival. The surrounding area offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, with the towns of Killington, Rochester, and Brandon being nearby attractions for supplies or day trips. However, the campground itself is wonderfully isolated, offering direct on-site access to the extensive trail network, including a connector to the legendary Long Trail.

Services Offered

Campsites for Tent and Small RV Camping: The campground features 17 overnight sites, best suited for tents but can accommodate RVs and trailers up to a maximum length of 18 feet.
Basic Site Amenities: Each individual campsite is equipped with a gravel tent pad, a picnic table, a fire ring with a cooking grill, and a parking spur with space for up to two cars.
Reservable and First-Come, First-Served Sites: Sites can be reserved in advance through the U.S. Forest Service reservation system, or a few are offered as first-come, first-served options, particularly outside of peak season.
Vault Toilets: The campground provides two barrier-free, shared vault toilets (privies) for campers' use.
Waste Management: A dedicated recycling and trash station (bear-proof dumpster) is available at the end of the campground loop for proper disposal of waste.
Year-Round Cabin Rental: Located within the campground area, the Chittenden Brook Hut is a cabin available for year-round reservations in partnership with the Vermont Huts Association, offering a unique lodging alternative, though vehicular access is restricted in winter months.
Permitted Activities: The campground allows pets (dogs must be leashed or under voice command), campfires in the designated rings, and has quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
No Potable Water: Campers must be prepared to bring all their own drinking and washing water, as no running or potable water is provided on site. Water can be filtered/treated from Chittenden Brook.

Features / Highlights

Direct Long Trail Access: The Chittenden Brook trail system starts right at the campground, leading through a mature northern hardwood forest, past a pristine mountain stream, and eventually connects to the Long Trail, making it an ideal base for serious hikers.
Semi-Primitive and Tranquil Setting: The camp is celebrated for its quiet, peaceful, and beautiful surroundings, offering true solitude and a chance to be completely unplugged with no cell service.
Riverside Camping: Many sites are located near Chittenden Brook, allowing campers to enjoy the relaxing, constant sound of running water throughout their stay and providing an opportunity for swimming or cooling off in the pristine mountain stream.
Spacious, Shaded Sites: The campsites are generally well-spaced and shaded by the northern hardwoods, providing privacy and a secluded feeling from neighboring campers, enhancing the wilderness experience.
Recreational Hub: The area provides plentiful opportunities for outdoor adventure, including extensive hiking, mountain biking on nearby Green Mountain Trails, river tubing on the White River, fishing, and nature viewing (including white-tailed deer, moose, and black bear).
Seasonal Beauty: The campground is particularly renowned for its beauty during the autumn season when the surrounding hardwoods are ablaze with Vermont's spectacular fall foliage.
Well-Maintained Facility: Despite the primitive nature (no running water or electricity), the facility is consistently praised in reviews for being clean and well-maintained, including the vault toilets and the individual campsites.

Contact Information

For general inquiries about Chittenden Brook Campground, or to speak with the managing authority (the Rochester Ranger District of the Green Mountain National Forest):

Address: Chittenden, VT 05737, USA (The campground is accessed via Forest Road 45, off VT Route 73.)

Phone (Forest Service Information Line): (802) 767-4261

Mobile Phone: +1 802-767-4261 (This number routes to the same office; please note, there is no cell service at the actual campground.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Chittenden Brook Campground is perfectly suited for Vermont residents looking for a true, no-frills wilderness experience without having to travel far from home. As a U.S. Forest Service site nestled in the heart of our own Green Mountain National Forest, it offers an easily accessible yet deeply remote retreat that respects the state's rugged natural heritage. For locals, this campground provides an invaluable opportunity to literally walk out of their tent and onto a major hiking artery, the Chittenden Brook Trail system, which connects directly to the famed Long Trail. This makes it an ideal, go-to weekend escape for hikers, backpackers, and mountain bikers. The primitive nature of the camp—the lack of cell service, running water, and electricity—is a feature, not a drawback, for Vermonters accustomed to and seeking a complete digital detox. The commitment to a quiet and semi-remote atmosphere ensures a higher quality of solitude than can be found at more developed sites. Furthermore, supporting a National Forest campground like Chittenden Brook means supporting the conservation and maintenance of our most precious public lands. Its seasonal beauty, particularly during the crisp air and vibrant colors of a Vermont autumn, and its reputation for being a very clean, peaceful, and well-organized primitive site make it an essential and highly recommended destination for any local seeking to reconnect with the wild heart of the Green Mountains.