Best Campgrounds near Plainfield, VT
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."
