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.
$19 - $110 / night
"This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road. The lake is beautiful, clear and clean, and there is a beach with sand for swimming."
"The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing."
Kettle Pond State Park is located in Marshfield, VT only 30 minutes from our home"
"Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year. 3 night get away with son, and first time on Kettle pond."
"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."
"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."
$20 - $38 / night
"Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion. Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at."
"There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."
"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."
$19 - $28 / night
"Little River State Park is located just outside of Waterbury Vermont so it’s an ideal location for jumping off on other adventures!"
"We came here to hike the Dalley Loop Trail (which is a great trail full of history), but we wish we had camped here instead of the private campground 45 minutes away where we did stay."
$35 / night
"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."
$35 - $75 / night
"It is a private landowners land, and she has various camping options including a cabin, hives, or open locations for rv or tent camping. "
$50 / night
"They have a great little store and now they have Vermont Maple soft serve ice cream from my understanding. Kids love to play here and mini golf on site makes it even better."
"We truly enjoyed this park most sites are spacious and some good ones with privacy as well you have walking trails local stores, and a pond too !! We will be back 100%"
GuideRight along the road (so if anything happens you can get help) also has wifi signal. It’s right along a creek that’s clean and beautiful. Crisp air and calming flowing river noises all night made it so I slept like a baby!
GuideDrove all the way here just to pull in and see signs that say “no overnight camping”
ScoutPublic Lands with about 8 semi private sites, each with nice views west or easterly. It's a large meadow and with a breeze, it will keep bugs away. Lacking a breeze, it is tough but still beautiful
TravelerMy favorite campsite we stayed at on my 2 week trip (despite the bugs lol). Great swimming hole and very well kept. Very beautiful and loved my stay.
ScoutI highly recommend this place, clean bathrooms, river front camping sites.
ScoutAs noted by others, most of the sites have a fire ring and nothing more. A little more than half of the sites can be driven to and others require a very short walk (50 ft?). The toilets mentioned are at Texas falls area and are not a practical walk from most of the campsites.
There are no showers.
Aside from the loop trail at the falls there are also a couple of snowmobile trails that cross the area.
RangerStayed here for a week. Josh and Dori were super nice and helpful. Level grass field with water and 30amp hookup. Fire pit port o potty, creek across the street. Very pretty setting. Dark sky area. Cell att and Verizon we decent enough to work plus they had WiFi if needed.
ScoutMy family and I stayed in cabin 1 and had a direct view on top of the Pemi river. On site managers were very helpful. Will be back!
TravelerFree dispersed camping right off of the road. Includes picnic tables and a fire ring. It is located in the mountains of Vermont and right next to a beautiful river. The only con was the highway noise since it's pretty close to the road. But, it's free, and in the beautiful mountains of vermont so cant really complain.
Camping options near Marshfield, Vermont cluster around the Groton State Forest, with most sites at elevations between 900-1,300 feet. Winter temperatures can drop below -20°F, while summer days typically reach 70-80°F with cooler nights in the 50s. For remote campsites near Marshfield, Vermont, pack extra layers even in summer as overnight temperatures can drop rapidly.
Paddle the ponds: Kettle Pond offers non-motorized boating across its glacially-formed waters. "The remote sites are spaced nicely around the pond along a hiking trail that skirts the perimeter," notes one visitor to Kettle Pond State Park, who adds that some sites require planning for heavy items: "If bringing a full-sized cooler be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area."
Hiking nearby: Big Deer State Park connects to multiple trail systems. "The best part of this campground is its access to hiking trails in Groton State Forest - there is an access point right in the park with connections to New Discovery State Park, Big and Little Dear Mountains, the Nature Center and Boulder Beach," explains a camper at Big Deer State Park.
Cycling on rail trails: The Cross Vermont Trail runs through the region and connects multiple recreation areas. A camper at Stillwater describes: "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."
Remote camping options: Kettle Pond offers secluded sites only accessible by trail or water. "Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year... Site #9 had plenty of places to hang our hammocks, we chose the nearest location to the lean-to."
Quiet paddling experiences: Ricker Pond State Park offers motorboat-free water recreation. "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," writes one camper who recommends "sites 22 & 23" for "awesome water access, places to hang hammocks."
Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution makes this area ideal for night sky viewing. "Dog friendly and quiet campground with gorgeous views of the milky way galaxy," writes a camper about Big Deer State Park.
Water access varies by campground: Some sites offer direct water access while others require a walk. At Little River State Park, "Most sites up on hill looking over lake, not easily accessible from camp site... Left kayak down at beach."
Limited cell service: Many Marshfield area campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "It is a little far from the Groton store though if you run out of something," notes one camper at Ricker Pond State Park, adding, "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly."
Primitive conditions at some sites: Kettle Pond lacks running water. "The remote sites are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables. The remote sites are spaced nicely around the pond along a hiking trail."
Book water-accessible sites early: Waterfront sites at Stillwater State Park are popular with families. "Having our own personal shoreline was wonderful. I was camping with a group of 12-14 year old girls. They enjoyed sitting on the large rocks, watching the ducks and fish in water."
Check for ranger programs: Many parks offer kid-friendly activities. "On our second day, there was an interpretive program at the pavilion. The ranger led visitors in making bark boats out of materials found in the park. The project was a great idea, as the kids could test their boats right there in the lake."
Consider amenities for longer stays: For extended family trips, New Discovery State Park offers more facilities. "There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."
Limited hookup options: Most state parks near Marshfield have minimal or no hookups. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results... Luckily, we found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station."
Check site dimensions carefully: Each campground has varied site layouts. "Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you," reports an RVer at New Discovery State Park.
Consider private campgrounds for full hookups: Groton Forest Road Campground offers more RV amenities than state parks. "Great for Campers and tenters. Good fishing and plenty of hiking," notes one visitor, with electric and water hookups available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Marshfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Marshfield, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 227 campgrounds and RV parks near Marshfield, VT and 25 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Marshfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marshfield, VT is Ricker Pond State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marshfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Marshfield, VT.
What parks are near Marshfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Marshfield, VT that allow camping, notably Union Village Dam and White Mountain National Forest.
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