Grout Pond Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests

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!!)

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!