Camping sites near Perkinsville, Vermont range from basic tent-only clearings to full-service campgrounds within the Groton State Forest area. This region sits at elevations between 900 and 1,500 feet, creating cooler summer nights that typically drop into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds, with some offering reliable connections near water bodies while others remain completely off-grid.
What to do
Paddling remote sites: At Kettle Pond State Park, campers access secluded sites by water. "We rented canoes and paddles across Kettle Pond to one of the shelter sites in early September and it was incredible. Each site has access to a fire pit, lean-to, and outhouse but no immediate running water," explains one Kettle Pond State Park Campground visitor.
Rail trail exploration: The Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail) connects multiple campgrounds. "The rail trail is an easy dirt road access to these campgrounds," notes a reviewer of Big Deer State Park Campground. Another camper at Ricker Pond mentioned, "The park itself is quiet and heavily wooded with most sites being right on the water. You could explore the woods all day, cool off in the lake before dinner, and drift off to sleep listening to the calls of the loons."
Winter camping opportunities: Some areas remain accessible year-round. A visitor to Kettle Pond shared, "I scouted this area a couple of years ago and stayed in one of the lean-tos, this is a great area in the winter when no-one else is around." The trails remain accessible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when conditions permit.
What campers like
Remote site privacy: Many campers appreciate the secluded options at Ricker Pond State Park Campground. "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years. My favorite lean to site is directly on the water, private, and fills up fast. My favorite cabin site, is set back from the water, is private, and also fills fast for the season," explains a regular visitor.
Motor-free paddling: Several ponds prohibit motorized boats. "The lake is really nice for kayaking or swimming, and has some loons, but when we were there it carried lots of noise from other sites," notes one visitor to Little River State Park Campground. Another camper added, "There are many beautiful backcountry campsites right on the water only accessible via the water. Great local overnight spot with flat tenting, privies, and picnic tables."
Historical sites: Abandoned homesteads dot the landscape. A camper at Little River mentioned, "The hiking trails are really good--the actually pretty steep. There are lots of old foundations hidden on the trails that are fun to discover." These remnants of early settlements provide interesting side excursions for history enthusiasts.
What you should know
Limited running water: Many remote sites lack water access. As one Stillwater State Park Campground visitor advises, "Bring a way to filter water, or large containers for getting water at New Discovery." This preparation is essential for remote sites.
Narrow access roads: Several campgrounds have challenging entry points. A reviewer of Onion River Campground noted, "You need to go over a bridge in order to get to the campground which is ridiculously narrow and there are terrible potholes. Our 42 foot fifth wheel barely made it in."
Varying bathroom facilities: Amenities range widely between campgrounds. A New Discovery camper reported, "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend." However, other state parks maintain higher standards with regular cleaning schedules.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for swimming: Some waterfront sites offer better access than others. At New Discovery State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "If your site is closer to the boat launch you're gonna be in the muck and weeds." Researching specific site locations before booking improves the experience.
Book early for lean-tos: These popular structures fill quickly. "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," shared a Kettle Pond visitor, while another noted these sites book months in advance.
Pack for wildlife encounters: Multiple species inhabit the area. A camper at Kettle Pond wrote, "The squirrels would spend lots of time throughout the day sending loose the green pine cones and then come down and chew them up. Pretty entertaining except for when they drop them on your tarps." Bear-proof food storage remains essential throughout the region.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Few campgrounds offer full services. The most complete options are at Lazy Lions Campground, where a visitor noted, "Our site was level and along with a picnic table, they also provide two Adirondack chairs (plastic) and a fire ring." However, this adults-only campground may not suit families.
Varied site conditions: Terrain differs greatly between campgrounds. "The sites are all grass, but even with a little rain overnight, we had no problem getting out," shared an Onion River visitor, while a Big Deer camper mentioned, "Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them!"
Seasonal considerations: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. Most state parks open around late May and close after Columbus Day weekend, while private campgrounds like Lazy Lions operate from "May 15 - Oct 15." Check current operating dates when planning.
