New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield sits along the northern edge of Groton State Forest at an elevation of around 1,200 feet. The forest consists of over 26,000 acres of mixed hardwood and coniferous trees, with several small ponds scattered throughout. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, while summer days typically range from 65-80°F with cooler evenings around 50-60°F.
What to do
Hiking at Osmore Pond: Take the trail that encircles the perimeter of Osmore Pond for a relatively easy walk with views of the water. "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," shares Laura M. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Rail trail biking: Access the extended rail trail network directly from the campground for miles of scenic riding. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it. Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," notes Rick S.
Winter camping opportunities: Unlike many Vermont campgrounds that close after fall, some facilities in the area remain open year-round. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," reports Heather B. from Hancock Campground.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room between sites. "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," notes Robin B. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Water access options: Multiple ponds provide swimming and paddling opportunities. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful! can't wait to go back!" enthuses Sambath T.
Bear-resistant storage: Food security is important when camping in bear country. "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. There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," advises Laura M. from Branbury State Park Campground.
What you should know
Facility maintenance concerns: Some visitors have noted inconsistent upkeep. "My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the facilities. The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," reports Robin B.
Water availability challenges: Getting water into RV tanks requires some improvisation. "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 and had no problem filling our tank with potable water," explains Laura M.
Site variability: Campsite conditions vary significantly across the area. "This state park has a little bit of everything. There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without. Some sites are in the middle of a grassy field while others are tucked in the trees. Site size various pretty vastly as you travel through the campground," observes Sarah C. from Groton Forest Road Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activities: Some parks offer programming specifically for children. "Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," reports J L. from Branbury State Park Campground.
Consider lean-to sites: These structures provide additional shelter and interest for kids. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in. They have food compost bins here, but the rangers keep forgetting to unlock the bin, so you just have to ask them," notes Laura M.
Beach access for swimming: Lakes and ponds offer refreshment on hot days. "Vacationing here from NJ. We were so impressed at the beautiful scenery especially across the street from the beach. The bathrooms were super nice, the campground itself was really clean too!" shares macie from Branbury State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site specifics before booking: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you. We saw fresh moose poop on a hike but sadly no moose or other wildlife," mentions Laura M.
Expect basic amenities: Most equestrian camping areas near Perkinsville, Vermont offer minimal hookups. "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only. There's also a book exchange library and adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground," adds Laura M.
Arrive early for prime spots: The best sites with adequate room for horse trailers fill quickly. "This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay. There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses," notes Miccal M. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
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