Groton Forest Rd Campground

- 2654 VT-232, Marshfield, VT 05658

Introduction / Overview

For Vermonters seeking an accessible and serene outdoor retreat, Groton Forest Road Campground in Marshfield offers a welcoming haven. Nestled on nine acres in the scenic Green Mountains of Northeastern Vermont, this private campground provides a tranquil base camp for exploring the vast natural splendor of the region. Unlike some of the larger, more bustling state park facilities nearby, Groton Forest Road Campground is often noted for its quiet setting, offering a relaxing, grass-covered environment for both short-term getaways and longer summer stays.

The campground caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, offering a mix of spacious sites, including partial hookups for electrical and water needs. Its proximity to the over 26,000 acres of Groton State Forest—one of Vermont's largest state forests—makes it an ideal choice for hikers, bikers, anglers, and anyone eager to reconnect with the wilderness.

While the management style has elicited mixed feedback from guests—with hosts being described as both 'nice people' and, in one instance, 'a dictator' regarding certain rules—the underlying consensus points to a well-kept location and a staff that has been genuinely helpful, going so far as to assist guests with essential RV needs like dumping tanks. This is a place that promises classic summer camping with the convenience of essential amenities, all while being a stone's throw from some of Vermont’s most celebrated natural and cultural attractions.

Location and Accessibility

Groton Forest Road Campground is strategically located at 2654 VT-232, Marshfield, VT 05658, USA. This placement is key, as Route 232 is the main artery that runs directly through the core of the Groton State Forest area, positioning the campground perfectly for exploration. The setting is notably private, surrounded by the dense woodland and mountainous views typical of the Green Mountains.

For local users, the campground offers excellent access to a wealth of nearby attractions. It is situated just a short, scenic drive from the numerous state parks within Groton State Forest, including New Discovery, Stillwater, and Ricker Pond, allowing easy entry to miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, such as the Montpelier-Wells River Rail Trail (part of the Cross Vermont Trail). The area is known for its beautiful lakes and ponds, like Lake Groton, which provide abundant opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Beyond the forest, the campground provides convenient access to popular central Vermont destinations. It is approximately a 25-minute drive from Barre and within easy striking distance of the state capital, Montpelier, which features the historic State House. Cultural stops like the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour in Waterbury, Morse Farms Maple Sugarworks, and the renowned Cabot Farms co-op are all accessible for day trips, making the campground a practical and beautiful home base.

Services Offered

Groton Forest Road Campground provides a range of services designed to enhance a comfortable and fun-filled summer camping experience, catering to both rugged and amenity-seeking campers.

• Campsite Options: The campground features approximately 32 total sites, including spacious spots for tents and RVs up to 40 feet in length. Site types include those with electric and water hookups (15/30 amp) and nine designated pull-through sites.
• Essential Facilities: Amenities include a sanitary dump station (free for campers), restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water, and showers (often coin-operated in the Groton area parks, though the private campground’s specific fee structure may vary).
• Campground Store and Supplies: The facility includes a store that stocks essential supplies, including ice, firewood, and propane, and offers services like laundry facilities.
• Recreational Amenities: On-site fun includes a swimming pool, a playground, and a pavilion often used for social events like live music or special activities (such as the early Halloween trick-or-treat mentioned by a guest).
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi service is available, and though cellular reception can be spotty in the general area, the service at the private campground is noted as an available amenity.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally permitted, making it easy to bring your four-legged family members along for your Vermont adventure.

Features / Highlights

The campground’s most distinguishing characteristics are rooted in its location and the atmosphere it cultivates, providing a specific type of Vermont camping experience.

• Immediate Access to Groton State Forest: Its location directly on Route 232 provides campers with unmatched convenience for exploring the 26,000+ acres of the Groton State Forest, including hiking the popular Owl's Head Trail, fishing, and swimming at nearby lakes like Lake Groton and Ricker Pond.
• Quiet and Relaxing Setting: Campers frequently praise the overall quiet atmosphere, especially at night, which is crucial for a restorative outdoor experience in the Green Mountains.
• Private Campground Perks: As a privately owned establishment, it offers amenities like a swimming pool and specific site hookups (electric/water) that can be less common in the surrounding State Park campgrounds, which often focus on rustic camping.
• Supportive Hosts: Despite mixed reviews on enforcement, the owners/hosts are often described as helpful, gracious, and accommodating, with a proven willingness to assist guests with unexpected needs, such as lending a water tote for dumping tanks.
• Family-Oriented Activities: The campground makes an effort to host fun, family-friendly events, such as holiday trick-or-treating, creating a strong sense of community and fun for kids.
• Spacious and Grassy Sites: The grounds are well-maintained, offering spacious, grassy campsites that contribute to a comfortable and appealing setting with mountain views.

Contact Information

To make reservations or inquire about availability for your next camping trip in the Marshfield area, please use the following contact information:

Address: 2654 VT-232, Marshfield, VT 05658, USA

Phone: (802) 426-4122

Mobile Phone: +1 802-426-4122

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Vermonters, Groton Forest Road Campground offers a uniquely convenient and well-equipped option for experiencing the magnificent Groton State Forest area. Unlike committing to a multi-night, remote state park trip, this private campground provides the 'best of both worlds': immediate access to the forest's extensive trail network and recreational lakes, coupled with the security of amenities like electric/water hookups, a pool, and on-site laundry. It serves as an ideal, low-effort destination for a quick, restorative weekend or a simple family vacation.

The proximity to central Vermont’s cultural and historical gems—Montpelier, Cabot, and Waterbury—makes it a practical choice for locals who want a base for day-tripping while still sleeping under the stars. By offering a clean, quiet, and amenity-rich environment on scenic Route 232, Groton Forest Road Campground is perfectly positioned for Vermont residents looking for a reliable, convenient, and beautiful way to explore the heart of their own state's outdoor heritage without straying too far from essential comforts.

Groton Forest Rd Campground

2654 VT-232, Marshfield, VT 05658, USA