Camping near Plainfield, Vermont is concentrated around several state parks and private campgrounds within the Groton State Forest region. The area includes a mix of established campgrounds with RV hookups, tent sites, cabins, and more rustic options. Onion River Campground, located directly in Plainfield, provides full-hookup RV sites and tent camping from May through October. Nearby, Kettle Pond State Park in Marshfield offers a more secluded experience with remote sites accessible by boat or on foot. The Groton State Forest complex, approximately 15 miles east of Plainfield, contains multiple interconnected camping areas including Ricker Pond, Stillwater, Big Deer, and New Discovery State Parks, all offering varying levels of amenities and access to lakes and trails.
Most campgrounds in the Plainfield area operate seasonally from mid-May through mid-October, with peak season running Memorial Day through Labor Day. Winter camping is generally unavailable as facilities close and many access roads are not maintained. Cell service is spotty throughout the region, with visitors to Art and Health Chill Camping noting the need to use the property's common building for Wi-Fi access. Reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends and during fall foliage season when campgrounds frequently reach capacity. Fire restrictions vary by location and seasonal conditions, with all state parks providing fire rings and selling firewood to prevent the spread of invasive insects.
The camping experiences vary significantly between state and private facilities. State parks like Kettle Pond offer more natural settings with fewer amenities. According to one camper, "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." Private campgrounds like Groton Forest Road Campground provide more amenities including electric hookups, showers, and on-site stores. Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, though leash requirements are strictly enforced in state parks. Water activities are a major draw, with Stillwater State Park providing direct access to Groton Lake with "a swimming area and designated boat launch" plus "access to the Montpelier & Wells River Rail Trail."
$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."
"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."
"Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$20 / night
"I’d say this was one of Vermont’s best kept secrets, except I don’t think it’s exactly a secret. Even in October, the Park seemed full with visitors and Stowe was hopping!"
"They don't have all the usual amenities its more of a primitive set up. has great clean sites with multiple ways to access mount mansfields trail system which is the highest mountain in the state of Vermont"
ScoutI just needed an overnight spot. Found this place. The first site I came to I took. There was a stream in the back, firewood split and stacked. Few bugs. I did not get phone service. However, there was plenty of traffic going up and down the road should I have found myself in a bind. I would go back for sure.
LegendWe camp here a lot. We recently scored the Cherry lean-to, and I think it has the best view in the park! Bugs were bad this spring, but the sunsets made up for it. We hiked the Stevenson Brook Trail (amazing), swam in the 55-degree water (exhilarating), and cooked lots of yummy food (campfire nachos!).
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.
Camping spots near Plainfield, Vermont range in elevation from 800 to 1,500 feet, offering varied terrain across the region's dense northern forest ecosystem. Cell service throughout the camping areas is inconsistent at best, with strongest signals typically found along lake shorelines or higher elevations. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit, explaining why most campgrounds close from mid-October through mid-May.
Swimming and paddling on motor-free waters: At Ricker Pond State Park, visitors enjoy a pristine pond experience. "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," notes Hannah H.
Hiking through historical ruins: The trails around Little River State Park offer unexpected historical exploration. "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," shares Rita M. The ruins are remnants of an abandoned hill farming community from the 1800s.
Gravel biking on rail trails: Access the Cross Vermont Trail directly from several campgrounds for cycling. "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," explains a camper at Kettle Pond.
Loon watching: Kettle Pond State Park provides wildlife viewing opportunities from its remote sites. "One evening, during a sunset paddle, we got to float alongside a loon family, which was VERY cool," shares a visitor. Night time loon calls add to the wilderness experience.
Secluded tent camping: Campers appreciate the private sites at several parks. "The tent only loop is so private and perfect for kids biking and swimming," mentions Rita M. about New Discovery State Park, where sites are "secluded in the woods" with "direct access to the camper kayak/canoe launch on Kettle Pond."
Clear night skies: The limited light pollution creates optimal stargazing conditions. "Dog friendly and quiet campground with goregous views of the milky way galaxy," reports Kelli M. about Big Deer State Park. The clearest skies typically occur during late summer and early fall months.
Remote sites require planning: At Kettle Pond State Park, remoteness is appealing but requires preparation. "You must park in the lot and walk to all these sites. The farthest, most remote site, is about a mile from the parking lot," explains Bryan P. These remote sites provide greater privacy but limit what you can bring.
No running water at some locations: Not all campgrounds offer plumbing. "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 is about 3 miles down the road," notes a camper. Bring large water containers or filtration systems.
Winter camping limitations: While most state parks close for camping during winter, Stillwater State Park operates until early October. "I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing. There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," advises Michele S. about nearby Ricker Pond.
Choose group camping sites: For family gatherings, specific sites work best. "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," notes a visitor about Kettle Pond.
Look for ranger programs: Educational activities enhance family camping experiences. "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," describes Rita M.
Pack beach toys: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches worth preparing for. "The lake water was beautiful and clear. There was enough sand at the camper beach for sand castles and other beach games," shares a visitor to Big Deer State Park. The beaches are typically uncrowded on weekdays.
Limited hookup options: RV campers should note limited full-service options near Plainfield. "Water and electric hookups available. Sites are pretty close together along the rim of a large field," explains Rachel C. about Onion River Campground, suggesting it "does the trick" but isn't particularly scenic.
Bridge constraints: Some campgrounds have access limitations. "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," warns Cyn D. about road conditions to certain sites.
Consider smaller rigs: The nature of Vermont camping favors compact setups. "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," notes Sarah C. about Groton Forest Road Campground. Rigs under 30 feet generally have more site options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Plainfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Plainfield, VT offers a wide range of camping options, with 221 campgrounds and RV parks near Plainfield, VT and 25 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Plainfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plainfield, VT is Ricker Pond State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plainfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 free dispersed camping spots near Plainfield, VT.
What parks are near Plainfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Plainfield, VT that allow camping, notably Union Village Dam and Green Mountain National Forest.
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