Big Deer State Park Campground

This is basically a Stillwater overflow campground. It's small, so I thought it would be quiet and peaceful. We booked at the last minute, and it was Father's Day weekend, so we didn't have many options. 

These sites are very close together with no privacy. We booked the Moose lean-to, which faced the campsite next to us, about 15 feet away. Our neighbors were nice, so it wasn't a huge deal, but it got kind of awkward, like we were sitting and watching them go about their business. 

For reference, we've stayed in a lot of Vermont State Park lean-tos, and most face the woods, even if the neighbors are close. The water faucet closest to our site was out of order, and the bathrooms were dingy, old, and not very clean. 

In case you are planning a trip to Groton State Forest, here are our top picks in order:

1. Waterfront lean-tos at Ricker Pond State Park

2. Waterfront lean-tos at Stillwater State Park

3. Most sites at New Discover State Park (sites are pretty private)

4. Big Deer (we won't stay here again)

We absolutely love this part of Vermont, though. I hope you get to visit!

This is one of many state parks all clustered around a few bodies of water in Vermont. The campground has a mix of standard tent/rv(no hook ups) sites and lean-to shelters. Sites are relatively close to one another but have a decent amount of vegetation between them to create a little more separation. That being said, we could hear our neighbors reading Harry Potter at bedtime to their kiddo. 

Lean-tos are large enough to accommodate 2 moderately sized free-standing tents(2-4 person, depending on the style). All sites have standard fire rings and large picnic tables. The bath house is centrally located to all sites and was adequate as it relates to cleanliness and accommodations. Despite their being a ton of signage regarding mask wearing in the bathrooms, there were very few heading the request. 

I was disappointed to see trash and cigarette butts left in our fire pit from the last campers. Additionally, our lean-to did not appear to have been swept out and tidied in between parties. 

I would also say that the staff who checked us in were not super attentive or helpful. One thing to note: check in for this park happens up the road at Stillwater State Park. I would probably stay somewhere else before staying here again. But if the surrounding parks are full(common this summer), this location allowed us to still explore the area and enjoy some time outdoors.