Stratton Pond Recreation Area

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations accepted. A caretaker is present during summer months to collect a $5 per person per night fee.

About

Stratton Pond Recreation Area offers backcountry camping at the most heavily used location on the Appalachian Trail in Vermont. Situated in the Green Mountain National Forest, the area surrounds the largest body of water on the Long Trail and provides overnight accommodations for hikers on both the Appalachian Trail and the coincident Long Trail. The recreation area features two maintained shelters: the Stratton Pond Shelter at the southeast corner of the pond (built in 1999 and dedicated to Bob Humes) and the newer Stratton View Shelter on the northwest side. Both shelters are maintained by the Green Mountain Club and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Designated tent sites are also available around the pond. Due to heavy use and the need to protect the pond's ecosystem and shoreline, camping is restricted to designated sites only. During summer months, a Green Mountain Club caretaker is on-site to collect fees, maintain facilities, monitor environmental impacts, and assist visitors. The area is accessible via the Stratton Pond Trail, which ascends gradually through mixed hardwood and softwood forest. Water can be filtered from the pond or nearby streams, and composting toilets are available. The site serves as a popular base for exploring the surrounding wilderness, including nearby Stratton Mountain.

Directions

From Route 7 in Arlington, take the Arlington exit and turn west on Route 313. Take the first right onto South Rd. and follow to the end. Turn right onto Kansas Road and follow over Route 7 and over a one-lane bridge. After the bridge, turn right and travel east on the Stratton-Arlington Road (also known as Kelley Stand Road) for about 8.7 miles. The parking area will be on the north (left) side of the road.

Nearby Campgrounds