Grout Pond Campground, near Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests in Vermont, is a picturesque location perfect for those who love the great outdoors. With its rustic charm and beautiful waterfront sites, it’s a fantastic choice for tent and RV camping, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.

This campground is known for its spacious sites, many of which are private and well-dispersed, allowing for a more intimate camping experience. Visitors often rave about the stunning views of the pond, especially in the fall when the foliage is at its peak. One camper noted, “We were the only campers along the waterfront,” highlighting the tranquility you can find here.

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground allows campfires, making it easy to enjoy evenings under the stars. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek to some sites, as the walk can be muddy, especially after rain. A camper advised, “Bring extra socks and rain boots because it gets muddy,” which is good advice for anyone planning to explore the area.

For those looking to venture out, there are plenty of hiking trails nearby, and the frozen pond offers a unique winter camping experience. Whether you're paddling across the water to your campsite or hiking the trails, Grout Pond Campground provides a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor adventures.

## Overview

 Grout Pond is a popular destination for camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. Located in a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, the campground has 12 reservable sites and offers easy access to over 10 miles of mulituse trails. The Green Mountain National Forest in partnership with the Vermont Huts Association has a cabin located at the Grout Pond Campground available for reservations. The Grout Pond Hut (pictured above) is open for year-round use and is located within the semi-remote campground on the Green Mountain National Forest. To make reservations and learn more please visit the Grout Pond Hut website: [Grout Pond Hut][1] 
## Recreation

 Grout Pond offers a variety of recreation opportunities year-round. In the warmer months, fishing and non-motorized boating is popular on the pond. A 200-foot carry-in boat launch is accessible from an unloading pull-out just before the parking lot. Please help prevent the spread of non-native invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, by cleaning and drying your boat between each use. Hiking is another popular activity at Grout Pond. Over 10 miles of relatively flat trails are accessible from the campground. These trails connect with a more extensive system off National Forest lands around Somerset Reservoir to the south. Trails that are marked with blue diamond blazes are designed for cross-country skiing and can be very wet and muddy in the spring, summer, and even fall. 
## Natural Features

 Grout Pond is 84 acres and 28 feet deep. The water can be chilly but refreshing on a hot summer day. The campground is located along the pond and is shaded by red maple, yellow birch and red spruce. Fall foliage viewing in the autumn months is excellent. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Nearby attractions include hiking trails accessible from the site and paddling on the pond. The campground is also in close proximity to Appalachian/Long Trail trailheads off Kelly Stand Road and Stratton Mountain Resort and Village. 

[1]: https://vermonthuts.org/huts/grout-pond-hut/

Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Sunderland, VT is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Sunderland is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Sunderland, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Sunderland

The Best Camping Near Sunderland, Vermont

We just returned from two nights at Grout Pond. We were lucky to have 70 degree days and 50 degree nights in October. We were the only campers along the waterfront, but there were a few car campers in the sites near the road. We have camped at Grout Pond a few times in the summer, and while it’s always beautiful, it’s just too busy in July and August. Early October is just about perfect - no bugs, no people, and fantastic views all around.

The campground is maintained by the National Forest Service, and for many years the sites were free. In 2018, the cost will be significantly higher than free - $16 per night with a limit of 14 consecutive days. There are about 18 sites in total. 7 near the road for car camping or RVs, 5 that are hike-in (the farthest is about a mile from the parking lot), and 6 waterfront sites that you can either hike or paddle to. We really love site #2 for the awesome views and proximity to the toilet, but #11 is bigger and probably the most private of all the sites.

If you’re paddling in, you can unload all your stuff in the day-use area, and then park your car in the lot. It’s an easy 5-minute paddle to most of the sites. There are lots of well-marked trails. The only water is in the day-use area, so I recommend bringing a filter so you can drink right from the lake. All tents must be set up on tenting platforms, so you’ll need a smallish tent. Sites 10 and 11 have two platforms.  

After camping here in July and October, I would never camp here in the summer again - come in the fall - you won’t be disappointed!

Best Fall Camping Ever!

Most wonderful place! Has an awesome spot to go paddle boarding or kayaking! In fact you can load up your water vessel and go across the lake to your campsite! We had 30mph winds and luckily the platforms had tie downs!! Lots of trails here at this campsite!

Platforms save lives! 

I have yet to stay here, but I have explored and walked the camp and ate lunch at the beach.  

  

What I saw was nice, it is a rustic campground with NFS rangers checking in once in a while.  The sites are well dispersed and private.

  

I'm excited to camp here next season.

secluded spot on a great little pond

Okay so. My friend and I were desperately looking for a place to spend the weekend, and with Covid making it a little more difficult to rely on walking in and finding a campsite, we made a blind reservation for site 8 on Grout pond. Here's what we wish we knew before hand: 

  

Although BEAUTIFUL, the first campsites are a bit of a haul. Getting to the campground alone was crazy- dirt roads and very deep potholes that you can just barely avoid. Our site was a half a mile away from the lot, and while this wasn't a problem, we would have packed completely different if we had known we would have to be hauling all our stuff that far in. the alternative is to boat in which wasn't an option for us but seems like the least strenuous way to go! 

  

The path is VERY muddy. I cannot imagine traversing it in the rain without full on boots. totally trashed my sneakers(no biggie) but just a good thing to keep in mind! Although boasting food lockers (To keep the bears away) There were none at any sites. this increased the amount of trips to the car to ensure everyones safety against (And for) those pesky (And adorable) black bears. Again, no biggie, just good to know. 

  

The bathroom(Yes, one bathroom) was horrendous. it went days without any attempt of cleaning or restocking. There were two days where we just had to bring in our own TP. Highly suggest bringing your own TP just in case and also making sure you don't skip leg day(Squats for days, you don't want to be touching that toilet seat in this climate!) 

  

BRING BUG SPRAY. We were there in late May and the bugs ate us alive. It was miserable. Smoke seemed to work the best, so we just kept a smoke fire going while we were at the campsite and bathed in OFF when we weren't. 

  

Despite these things, the campground was breathtakingly beautiful, peaceful and private! we loved our site so much, it was HUGE! My dog had an absolute blast swimming and playing catch at the site. We didn't need to leave because it was exactly where we wanted to be, could have looked at those views all day.

  

(Check out Sticky Fingers cafe about thirty minutes away for the best baked goods, coffee and friendly faces!!)

Get ready to walk!

Great spot for a little winter camping. About halfway down the entrance road there is a pull off on the right hand side that is technically before the campground itself. This is where I camped. Could be very muddy in spring but my Prius handled it while covered in snow like a champ. The trails are great for hiking, and the pond and the reservoir are beautiful when frozen over. Will have to come back in the summer one day!

Winter camping hideaway 

I visited Grout Pond Recreation area on 11/6/22 and found that it was closed to campers. The sites around the pond are being enlarged. The sites are framed in and filled with compacted sand. The sites near the water are beautiful. These will be welcomed improvement when the park reopens. The website for grout has more details



Grout Pond

If you plan on staying past campsites 1-3 bring extra socks and rain boots because it gets muddy. The walk is pretty long to other campsites and getting through all the mud only added to the pain of bringing things back and forth. Otherwise it is a beautiful location and in the end was worth the hike. Will definitely be visiting again :) also if in town stop by saloon for a great lunch. 

Photos of Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

Real photos from real campers