The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Get the app

Camping near Groton, VT

257 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Groton State Forest encompasses several Vermont state parks with camping options, including Ricker Pond, Stillwater, Big Deer, New Discovery, and Kettle Pond State Park Campgrounds. These developed campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent and RV sites to cabins and lean-tos. The majority of campgrounds are situated on or near water bodies like Groton Lake and Ricker Pond, providing waterfront or water view sites. Many locations feature amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, and toilet facilities, with most state park campgrounds offering showers and some providing electric hookups for RVs.

    The camping season in the Groton area typically runs from mid-May through Columbus Day weekend, with precise opening dates varying by campground. Most state parks in the region require reservations, especially during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Road access to campgrounds is generally good, though some remote sites at Kettle Pond require walking from the parking area. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the region, particularly away from the water. Visitors should come prepared with necessary supplies as the nearest grocery stores are 25-30 minutes away. According to one camper, "When we first heard of the North East Kingdom of Vermont, we had no idea where people were talking about, but something idyllic and natural came to mind."

    Campers consistently praise the privacy and natural setting of sites throughout Groton State Forest. The region provides excellent access to hiking trails, swimming areas, and boating opportunities, with boat rentals available at some locations. Several visitors highlight the clear mountain lakes and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including loons that can be heard calling at night. Many tent sites and lean-tos offer good separation between camping spots, creating a sense of solitude even when campgrounds are full. As one visitor noted, "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest." For those seeking alternatives to state parks, private campgrounds like Pleasant Valley Campground and Groton Forest Road Campground provide additional mixed-use camping options with tent and RV sites.

    Best Campgrounds near Groton (257)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Ricker Pond State Park Campground

      4.6(14)4mi from GrotonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "When we first heard of the North East Kingdom of Vermont, we had no idea where people were talking about, but something idyllic and natural came to mind."

      "It’s located along with several other state parks in the Groton State Forest so there’s so much to do! Clear mountain lake? Check! Miles of stunning hiking trails? Check! Rail trails? Check!"

      from $19 - $110 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Kettle Pond State Park Campground

      4.7(9)8mi from GrotonRVs, Tents

      "Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest."

      "We enjoyed being that close to our boats and swimming for the kids."

      Check Availability

      3. Big Deer State Park Campground

      3.8(8)6mi from GrotonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them! Access to Boulder Beach is included, which is a short walk or drive down the road."

      "Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer. For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy."

      Check Availability

      4. New Discovery State Park Campground

      4.1(7)9mi from GrotonRVs, Tents

      "There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!"

      "Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion. Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at."

      from $20 - $38 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Stillwater State Park Campground

      4.6(5)6mi from GrotonRVs, Tents

      "Tucked away in a beautiful part of Vermont, the campground is right on Groton Lake with a swimming area and designated boat launch."

      "**Campground Review **    
      Stillwater State Park in Groton VT is a delightful retreat, nestled on the shores of Lake Groton. The campground has a mix of lean-tos and tent sites."

      Check Availability

      6. Pleasant Valley Campground

      4.3(4)5mi from Groton1 siteRVs, Tents

      "I come here more than Groton state parks nowadays because they are so expensive and always very booked. I can call the week before and get a spot here, which I love!"

      "5 stars for the setting in the pines overlooking the lake with spacious sites (except those along side the lake). 3 stars for lack of cell service and no WiFi . I would definitely stay again."

      from $30 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Lafayette Place Campground — Franconia Notch State Park

      4.2(36)26mi from Groton97 sitesRVs, Tents

      "We camped here as a jumping-off point for the popular Lincoln-Lafayette-Little Haystack loop, which is walking distance from the campground."

      "You can access at least 6 of the NH48 from this campground, numerous waterfalls, two AMC huts, and several ponds and lakes all within hiking distance."

      from $35 / night

      Check Availability

      8. Groton Forest Road Campground

      4.0(4)10mi from GrotonRVs, Tents

      "The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use. The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers."

      from $35 / night

      9. Lost River Valley Campground

      4.2(34)26mi from GrotonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."

      "On our walk our daughter found a lost “moose” who got away from the camp store. Once returned she was able to pick a prize. They also had a tinker bell walk and other activities."

      from $62 - $209 / night

      Check Availability

      10. River Meadow Campground RV Park

      5.0(3)12mi from GrotonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      from $45 - $58 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 257 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Groton Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near Groton, VT

    638 Photos of 257 Groton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

    Recent Reviews near Groton, VT

    1115 Reviews of 257 Groton Campgrounds

    • Dayton B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 19, 2026

      Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

      Had a great time camping here this weekend! There are quite a few small sites spread throughout the area, with a decent amount of space between them, especially for New England. Some of the sites are easily accessible, while others require navigating some more technical terrain, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking for a little off-roading. Not every site is fully surrounded by woods, so privacy definitely varies depending on which one you choose. Luckily, the spot we stayed at was pretty secluded and gave us the privacy we were looking for. The fire pit was in good shape, and the area was relatively clean. Overall, a great spot with a nice variety of sites depending on your vehicle and how much privacy you’re looking for. Would definitely camp here again!

    • Matt T.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 17, 2026

      Bingo

      Epic dispersed camp sites

      There was a few sites 5-6 we didn’t get to the eastern loop. But the sites we saw were very secluded. All had fire pits ours had a picnic table. And was right next to the creek. Would highly recommend if you want to get away from city lights. All sites are not maintained. We had a small off road camper it was easy In and out some sites could be hard with larger pull behinds. Some sites might need 4wd to get in and out we had lots of mud after a lot of rain.

    • Matt T.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 17, 2026

      New Discovery State Park Campground

      Great state park

      Most sites are secluded. There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!

    • Matt T.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 17, 2026

      The Millbrook Campground

      Awesome sites

      We had the upper sites all drive in or small camper. And or Tent. Amazing rolling brook beautiful sites we had site 32. The lower ones are rv. The owner gave us free wood as it was end of season. We were there Oct 10 I’m not sure but think they close the 13

    • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 16, 2026

      Koa Kampground Broken Branch

      Amenities and more!

      This is a great campground for families! Conveniently situated for skiing, climbing, hiking and leaf peeping. Amenities include; swimming pool, dog park, horseshoes, arcade, disc golf, basketball and more! They also have a propane fill station. As KOA’s go, you will pay for these amenities, but you get a lot of bang for your buck.

    • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 16, 2026

      Hancock Campground

      Fall Camping

      This is our go to spot for late Fall and Winter camping. Just a few hard core cold weather lovers. Close to the slopes and snow shoe/snow mobile trails. Bathrooms are closed during this time. The porta potties are clean.

    • Dee H.
      Oct. 16, 2026

      Smugglers Notch RV Village

      Excellent

      Campground was clean and quiet. We arrived late but information was taped to the window at the office. Will was very helpful also and checked to make sure we arrived.

    • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 15, 2026

      Jigger Johnson Campground

      Location Location Location

      This is our favorite campground on the Kanc. Lots of great hiking and scenic views. Close to Conway as well. Leaf peeping season will find you stuck in traffic. Recommend going afterwards. JJ closes for the season on October 12th.

    • tThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 13, 2026

      Gifford Woods State Park Campground

      Gifford woods campground

      Nice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.

    Guide to Groton

    Groton State Forest covers over 26,000 acres in Vermont's northeast region, with several ponds and lakes scattered throughout its boundaries. The area's elevation ranges from 900 to 2,300 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for different camping experiences. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from late May through mid-October, with the best weather typically occurring from June through September.

    What to do

    Paddling on motor-free ponds: Ricker Pond State Park offers excellent paddling opportunities on a quiet lake. "A quiet camp ground on Ricker Pond, a motor free pond, is a wonderful way to spend the weekend. The pond is serene and a great place to swim, paddle, explore, and fish," notes Hannah H., who recommends sites 22 and 23 for direct water access.

    Biking on rail trails: From Kettle Pond State Park, access the Cross Vermont Trail for excellent biking. "We took a half day bike trip on it one day to go to the town of Marshfield to visit Rainbow Sweets, home of some of the best French pastries in Vermont. We biked through marshland, seeing Great Blue Herons and other wildlife," shares Rita M.

    Wilderness hiking: The Franconia Notch State Park area, about an hour drive from Groton, offers challenging mountain trails. "I came with friends in June 2017 to hike Mount Cannon. Feels good to say I did it, but the hike is definitely not for novices. It's exhausting for a pro," warns Rachel P., indicating this is best for experienced hikers.

    What campers like

    Remote pond sites: For secluded camping, Kettle Pond's remote sites are favorites. "I like to stay in the remote spots that are only accessible by boat or hiking trails for a little more privacy, but they're all gorgeous. The pond itself is fantastic for water activities and the loop around the pond is a great walk or moderate hike - takes about 2.5 hours," explains Ruby L.

    Waterfront lean-tos: New Discovery State Park offers unique shelter options. "We stayed at the Eagle leanto and is perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. Close enough to the bathrooms too. There were squirrels that would spend lots of time throughout the day sending loose the green pine cones and then come down and chew them up," Rick S. shares about the wildlife-watching opportunities.

    Multi-park access: When staying at Ricker Pond State Park, your camping fee includes entry to other nearby parks. "It's located along with several other state parks in the Groton State Forest so there's so much to do! Clear mountain lake? Check! Miles of stunning hiking trails? Check! Rail trails? Check! Horseback riding trails? Check! Oh yeah, and camping here gets you into all the nearby state parks for free! Bonus exploration!" mentions Danielle S.

    What you should know

    Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal throughout the area. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," Michele S. warns about Ricker Pond. Similarly, at Pleasant Valley Campground, campers note "lack of cell service and no WiFi" but some see this as a feature rather than drawback.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What amenities are available at Ricker Pond State Park in Groton?

    Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers a range of amenities for campers. The park features basic facilities including fire pits, picnic tables, and restrooms. The park is situated on a beautiful pond with boat access and is less busy than some neighboring state parks. Located within the larger Groton State Forest, Ricker Pond provides access to numerous recreational opportunities including swimming, boating, and fishing. The park connects to extensive trail systems for hiking, horseback riding, and rail trails. Note that cell service is limited, allowing for a true disconnect from daily life. The campground is somewhat remote from stores, so it's advisable to bring all necessary supplies.

    Are there hiking trails near Groton State Forest camping areas?

    Yes, Groton State Forest offers excellent hiking opportunities accessible from its various camping areas. Big Deer State Park Campground provides direct access to numerous hiking trails throughout Groton State Forest, with many sites featuring large boulders and good privacy. Kettle Pond State Park Campground offers hiking around the classic northern pond with trails connecting to the broader forest network. Many campgrounds in the area also connect to the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail. The forest features trails of varying difficulty levels, from easy lake loops to more challenging mountain ascents, making it suitable for hikers of all abilities.

    What campsites are available at Groton State Park?

    Groton State Park offers a variety of camping options across multiple campgrounds. Stillwater State Park Campground features tent sites and lean-tos right on Groton Lake with a swimming area and boat launch. New Discovery State Park Campground offers well-separated, private sites in a beautiful forest setting. Other campgrounds in the Groton State Forest system include Silver Lake, Kettle Pond, Big Deer, and Ricker Pond. Most campgrounds provide fire pits, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails and water activities. The campgrounds vary in size and privacy levels, with some offering waterfront sites, while others are nestled in the woods.

    Keep Exploring

    5. View all Vermont cities for camping