Campgrounds in the northeastern Vermont region offer secluded spots for tent sites, lean-tos, and cabins within Groton State Forest. Most locations sit at elevations between 1,000-1,400 feet, creating moderate temperature swings between day and night even in summer months. Many camping areas around Peacham don't have reliable cell service, so visitors should plan accordingly with printed directions and offline maps.
What to do
Paddling on motor-free waters: At Ricker Pond State Park Campground, campers can experience serene waterways perfect for exploration. "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," shares Hannah H.
Rail trail biking: Access the Cross Vermont Trail directly from several campgrounds for gravel biking through diverse terrain. A visitor at Kettle Pond State Park Campground notes: "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."
Wildlife observation: The quiet ponds around Peacham offer excellent opportunities to see loons, beavers, and occasionally moose. "We were able to watch the Loons teaching its chicks to hunt for food," reports a camper who stayed at Kettle Pond for ten days.
What campers like
Remote lean-to camping: Kettle Pond State Park Campground offers unique hike-in or paddle-in lean-to sites. Bryan P. explains, "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."
Waterfront camping: Many sites at Stillwater State Park Campground offer direct water access. "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," shares Rita M.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite being full during peak season, most campgrounds maintain a peaceful environment. A Stillwater camper noted: "I was impressed by how quiet the campground was considering the number of people. The resident campground staff do a good job patrolling to keep things quiet."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Many campgrounds in the Groton State Forest system have basic facilities. At New Discovery State Park Campground, "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."
Primitive conditions: Some sites require additional preparation. A Kettle Pond camper points out, "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... bringing several large water vessels is important."
Variable site quality: Site conditions vary significantly across campgrounds and even within the same park. According to Laura M. at New Discovery, "Each site is so different and may or may not fit an RV. Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there."
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Kettle Pond State Park Campground offers designated group sites with multiple lean-tos. "The group sites all have 5-6 lean-tos, with each lean-to having privacy and its own fire ring with grill. In addition, each group site has a large, community fire pit, picnic tables, and out house."
Swimming access: Multiple beaches provide safe areas for children. At Pleasant Valley Campground, "There is a small swimming area that doubles as a canoe/kayak launch as well," making it convenient for families to enjoy water activities.
Nature programs: Rangers often offer educational activities. Rita M. reported, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most state parks don't provide full hookups for RVs. Moose River Campground near St. Johnsbury offers more services, with Nancy W. noting, "We stayed in a large pull thru (well over 125'), full hook-up site in the center section of the campground. The electric worked fine and the sewer was easily reached with my 20' sewer hose."
Site selection challenges: RV campers should research sites carefully before booking. As Tim R. observed at Pleasant Valley Campground, "Sites are spacious, but most are rather close to one another - especially the waterfront ones which are packed in there and offer room for no more than a car and trailer."
Local services: RV campers should stock up before arriving. A Moose River Campground visitor mentioned, "The campground is in a good location, just a few miles from downtown St. Johnsbury, just a mile or so from 'Dog Mountain,' and about 15 miles from Littleton, New Hampshire."
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