Best Tent Camping near Groton, VT

Note: This is a back country shelter site that is hike-in only on the Appalachian Trail. There can be seasonal water sources but water is not guaranteed.

I had a great night here tent camping while doing a week-long section hike of the AT.

The shelter is a standard three-sided shelter. There were a host of large, flat tent sites around the shelter, and I tented in one of these.

The shelter did stand out with a bench overlooking a clearing in the brush with a view (see photos) which was a great place to enjoy my freeze dried dinner.

The privvy was also new and very spacious.

All-in this was a great place to stop along the Appalachian Trail but I wouldn't consider it worthy of a destination hike.

Note this is a back country campsite that is 100% hike in, with no guaranteed water. I tent camped here in August while doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail. 

The shelter had a ground floor and a loft but each floor could maybe fit 4-5 people comfortably, but I decided to tent camp. There were a bunch of level tent camp sites around the shelter. The loft was nice since folks could decide to sleep up there while others were down below, either cooking, arriving, or departing. 

The privvy was relatively new and in great shape. 

There wasn't any water at the source while I was staying here and it looks like a seasonal source. 

There were no views here except for the beautiful surrounding forest.

This was a great place to stop along the Appalachian Trail but I would not consider it a destination shelter.

I tent camped here before doing a section hike of the Appalachian Trail and it was one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at before.

The sites have some privacy and woods in between, though the tent sites vs. shelters and cabins were mostly closer to the access road. All sites were super clean and had a picnic table and fire ring. Most sites had a built in cooking fire structure (vs. a fire ring) they looked great for camp cooking, though my site (T01) seemed to be the only without it.

The facilities were well-maintained, there were water spigots everywhere, and though I didn’t get a chance to enjoy, there were lots of activities right there (volleyball lawn, the AT running right through the campground, mountain bike trails).

I didn’t stay in them, but the cabins and lean-tos looked great for group or family options.

Kent Pond was also just across the road for water activities, and I saw at least one fly fisher out.

Killington was also right nearby for restaurants and other needs.

I will definitely be coming back to explore more!

I tent camped here while doing some fishing in the area.

Baker Rocks had a host of different camping options onsite including tent platforms, yurts, and cabins. I booked one of the tent platforms.

The site had a large tent platform they could fit multiple tents, a brand new picnic table, a fire ring (with a free bundle of firewood), two chairs by the fire ring, and even a few strings of solar lights around the camp area.

The tent sites are within the wooded area around the property and felt very secluded. There was a bit of road noise overnight.

The facilities here were great. There is a full bathhouse with individual rooms for showers and sink/toilets, with running water.

Around the campground there was a little beach along the Baker river. I only caught a few minnows when fishing but that may have been more to do with the angler. Along another bend of the river were two chairs for taking in the scenery.

Check-in was super easy with the camp hosts who were very flexible with timing and wanted to make sure I had a great stay. The property and individual sites are deliberately designed with guests in mind.

I would definitely stay here again if I’m in the area and might try some of the glamping options as well.

Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest. Besides the group camping area, which can get busy, the pond has six lean-tos (across the pond from the group sites) and one tent site. They've got fire pits, crappers and a fair amount of privacy. The first two lean-tos are a few hundred feet apart. But the rest are fairly private, spread out along a trail that rings the pond. You must park in the lot and walk to all these sites. The farthest, most remote site, is about a mile from the parking lot. Here's a map: https://vtstateparks.com/assets/pdf/groton-remote.pdf

Quiet little park on Ricker Pond. I have been camping at this park for 50 years. 3 generations of our family get together when we can. The pond is great for swimming, kayaking, fishing and exploring. Plenty of things to do in the Groton State Forest as well. Plenty of prime lean-to and tent sites on the wate. Site #8 is our favorite but it is very popular

I tent camped here during a section hike of the AT. The shelter was a one-story standard AT shelter with a fire ring and a bench for seating.

I got to the shelter late in the day so my view on the tent camping might be biased, but it seemed to have smaller spots for tent camping that were somewhat sloped.

There was a decent privvy (see photos) and water during my stay, though it was right after a smaller storm the previous evening.

There aren't any views from this shelter, but it was a peaceful place to stop in the woods!

This campground was fantastic! Tucked away in a beautiful part of Vermont, the campground is right on Groton Lake with a swimming area and designated boat launch. There's also an access path to the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail. 

The campsites are really nice with tent sites and leanto options. The overall facility was really well kept. What stood out the most at this campground was the staff! I was having car issues and the staff was extremely helpful in helping me fix the problem! They kept checking in and asking if I needed anything, helped me research solutions, and even on their own time tried to tinker with my car to figure it out. It was above and beyond expectations! I really enjoyed my stay here and will make a point to come back.

My wife and I spent 10 days at this remote tent site. Our site was on the far western end of Kettle Pond and the only tent site in the remote camping area. A trail that goes around the pond is easily accessed from site 10. We were able to watch the Loons teaching it's chicks to hunt for food. A bit of work to get to this site but every bit worth the trade off for peace n quiet!

Note: This is a back country shelter on the Appalachian trail that doesn't have consistent water.

I stopped here on a section hike of the Appalachian trail. The shelter is on the larger side and could fit maybe 6-8 folks. There were lots of tent camping spots as you worked up the hill perpendicular to the shelter.

Water was running when I was there in mid-August from a spring close to the shelter.

There was a decent privvy onsite.

The shelter was fairly standard but this stop had a great amount of tent camping around in spaces with decent privacy.

Great tent site, site 1 can have 3 platform and fire pit

Great tent camping area with good privacy at sites. Would be tough for any but the tiniest RV. No water. Well maintained, and nice access to trails right from the campground.

Camped here twice in 2023. Once tent camping in July and the other was in our TT on Columbus day weekend. While the sites may be a bit close, they have everything to will need for a pleasant stay.

If you like yurts, cabins, or tent camping they have it all. The general store is stocked with your general food items and other camping needs items. Great for groups if you are getting/sharing a cabin. Bathhouse is large and nearby.

Large, new Adirondack shelters and tent sites. Get the shelter....only $4 more per day ahd huge! All the facilities are phenomenally well maintained.Clean bathrooms and awesome showers! Love this place!

Awesome owners with a small campground! Swimming pond and pool. Small Playground. Pull through, back in, tent sites.. we go here every memorial day for their 1 set of awning to awning sites with our camping buddies!

Step walk in and out though most of the tent plat forms have amazing views. I have stayed here twice and had great experiences. A outhouse is located at this tent site as well as pump-able water, bear boxes and a shelter. Great place to stay on the Pemi Loop. It is a carry in carry out campsite.