The Groton State Forest area near Barre, Vermont sits at elevations between 900-2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the season. Most campgrounds near Barre remain open from mid-May through mid-October, with peak leaf-peeping crowds in late September. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, making most yurt camping options seasonal unless specifically winterized.
What to do
Trail exploration: Ricker Pond State Park offers direct access to the Cross Vermont Trail for biking or hiking. A camper notes, "The pond is serene and a great place to swim, paddle, explore, and fish. If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing." Trails connect to abandoned historic sites and homesteads.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings provide the best opportunities to spot loons on Lake Groton. "We stayed here in early August 2016 with friends and kids. The tent only loop is so private and perfect for kids biking and swimming," a visitor explains about Ricker Pond State Park Campground.
Winter activities: While most campgrounds close after leaf season, Smugglers Notch State Park Campground offers winter camping opportunities. "Stayed at a lean-to site here in March of 2019. Free of charge during off season, you just have to call a couple weeks ahead to reserve and make sure you park in the allotted area," says one winter camper.
Heritage programs: Many Vermont state parks offer ranger-led activities for both adults and children. One visitor to Quechee State Park mentioned, "Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee.)"
What campers like
Cell-free disconnection: Several campgrounds intentionally offer a technology break. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," warns a camper about Little River State Park Campground. This disconnection encourages full immersion in nature.
Paddling options: Non-motorized ponds provide peaceful water experiences. "The pond is really nice for kayaking or swimming, and has some loons," explains a visitor to Ricker Pond, while at Little River, a camper notes "Canoeing or kayaking on the lake is great and there are paddle only sites available."
Yurt camping near Barre, Vermont: For those seeking more comfort, Moose Hillock Camping Resort offers yurt accommodations with modern amenities. A visitor highlights, "The campground is giant which causes it to be very busy. Little to no activities for kiddos. The pool is the main attraction and really great but gets very very busy."
Lean-to camping: Vermont state parks feature traditional lean-to shelters, a regional camping style. "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years. My favorite lean to site is directly on the water, private, and fills up fast," shares a regular visitor, emphasizing the need for advance reservations.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: State park sites fill quickly, especially waterfront options. "This is a pretty small State Park, so it fills up quickly. The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one!" advises a Ricker Pond visitor. Book 6-9 months ahead for prime summer weekends.
Shower facilities: Most state parks have quarter-operated showers. "The bathrooms are immaculate with coin (quarters)operated showers," notes a visitor to Quechee State Park Campground. Bring plenty of quarters as rural locations may not have change machines.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations create unpredictable conditions. "We stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing," explains a fall camper at Ricker Pond, when temperatures can range from 30-70°F in a single day.
Road noise: Some campgrounds have sites affected by nearby traffic. At Quechee State Park, a camper notes, "Camping was fairly quiet, except for the noise from the road, which is very close to the park." Request interior sites when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming options: Not all water access points are equal for families with small children. "The reservoir was a great place to relax after a day of hiking!" notes a visitor to Little River State Park, though others mention shallow options at Stillwater: "The lake water was beautiful and clear. There was enough sand at the camper beach for sand castles and other beach games."
Site selection strategy: For families, site location matters significantly. At Stillwater State Park Campground, a camper advises, "We ended paying more for the lean to because it was more secluded and quiet, the rest of the park was busy. Our spot was right on the brook which was peaceful and beautiful."
Yurt options for families: When traditional tent camping proves challenging, yurt camping near Barre offers compromise. At Moose Hillock, a reviewer cautions about terrain: "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude."
Activity planning: Consider age-appropriate options when selecting campgrounds. "This campground was clean, nice sites, private, amenities galore, friendly staff and AMAZING pool! Will definitely be back annually," shares a visitor about family-oriented facilities at Moose Hillock.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most state parks near Barre offer primitive camping without electrical connections. At Big Deer State Park Campground, a visitor notes, "The campground has a mix of standard tent/rv(no hook ups) sites and lean-to shelters." Bring solar panels or fully charged batteries.
Leveling challenges: Vermont's mountainous terrain creates uneven camping pads. "The sites in the field are generally un-level, and we had to really work to level our trailer," reports a visitor to Singing Wood Farm, a sentiment echoed at several area campgrounds.
Site size considerations: Larger RVs may have limited options. "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them!" explains a camper at Big Deer State Park, though accessibility varies by campground.
Dump station availability: Plan waste management accordingly. "There is a spacious dump site if needed," confirms a Quechee State Park visitor, though not all campgrounds offer this amenity.
