Best Campgrounds near Marshfield, VT
Marshfield, Vermont provides access to several state park campgrounds within the Groton State Forest, including New Discovery State Park, Kettle Pond State Park, and Stillwater State Park. These campgrounds accommodate a range of camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups, with some locations offering cabin rentals and lean-to shelters. The region includes both established campgrounds with amenities and more remote paddle-in sites, particularly around Kettle Pond where several remote lean-to sites can only be accessed by water.
Camping in the Marshfield area follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with most state parks operating from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Some campgrounds like Kettle Pond and Stillwater open slightly earlier, beginning operations in mid-May. Winter access is limited as roads are not maintained during snow season. Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with New Discovery and Ricker Pond offering showers and sanitary dump stations, while more primitive sites at Kettle Pond lack running water entirely. One camper noted, "Kettle Pond State Park is primitive. There is not ANY running water. The running water is accessed by going to New Discovery Campground, which is about 3 miles down the road."
The natural features of the area represent the primary draw for most visitors. Several campgrounds provide direct access to ponds and lakes for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. The Cross Vermont Trail connects multiple recreation areas, allowing campers to bike between different state parks and nearby towns. Wildlife viewing opportunities include loons, beavers, and various bird species. A visitor to Kettle Pond described the experience: "The jewel of Kettle Pond State Park is really Kettle Pond itself. It is a glacially-carved shallow pond. Wild life abounds here, including fish, beavers, and loons. One evening, during a sunset paddle, we got to float alongside a loon family." Campers seeking more amenities can find them at privately operated campgrounds like Groton Forest Road Campground, which offers electric hookups, water connections, and a camp store.
