Grout Pond Recreation Area

- Grout Pond, Stratton, VT 05360, Stratton, VT 05360

For Vermonters seeking a genuinely immersive and quiet outdoor escape, Grout Pond Recreation Area is a revered destination within the Green Mountain National Forest. Unlike many typical drive-up campgrounds, Grout Pond offers a unique mix of accessibility and genuine primitive camping, making it a favorite for those who prefer to hike or paddle to their secluded sanctuary. Encompassing approximately 1,600 acres of protected forest land, the recreation area centers around the beautiful 84-acre Grout Pond.

This site caters directly to the adventurous spirit of the local user. The majority of campsites are deliberately set back from the main parking area, requiring a hike-in ranging from a quarter to three-quarters of a mile, ensuring a peaceful and less crowded experience. Surrounded by a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, the area is a year-round haven for non-motorized recreation, from peaceful paddling in the warmer months to extensive cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

Grout Pond is a place defined by its commitment to quiet, low-impact enjoyment. Non-motorized boating is strictly enforced, preserving the pond's tranquil atmosphere for fishing and paddling. For the local resident, it provides an authentic taste of the Green Mountain wilderness, easily reachable yet feeling worlds away from the daily grind. The clean, well-maintained sites and trails attest to the US Forest Service’s commitment to preserving this gem for generations of Vermonters.

Grout Pond Recreation Area is located deep within the Green Mountain National Forest, putting it in close proximity to the popular Stratton Mountain region of Southern Vermont. The official address is listed as Grout Pond, Stratton, VT 05360, USA.

Accessibility is one of Grout Pond’s defining features, as it offers a blend of car-accessible points and backcountry seclusion. The primary access is via the scenic Kelley Stand Road (Stratton-Arlington Road). From the west, drivers typically take Kelley Stand Road east from Arlington; from the east, it is reached by traveling west from Route 100 in West Wardsboro. Visitors then turn onto Forest Road 262, a well-maintained road that leads to the main day-use and parking area.

While the location feels remote—offering a much-needed break from cell service for most—it is still only about a 12-mile drive from Stratton Mountain Resort and village, and within reasonable distance of the Long Trail and Appalachian Trail trailheads off Kelly Stand Road. This central, yet isolated, position makes it an ideal launchpad for exploring the extensive trail networks of the National Forest, while offering a true wilderness experience right at the pond’s edge. Note that due to its mountain location, the access road may be subject to seasonal closures or reduced maintenance in deep winter.

Grout Pond Recreation Area is managed by the US Forest Service, meaning services are designed to support a primitive, low-impact camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency over luxury amenities.

• Campsites: The area offers approximately 14 overnight sites. These include nine walk-to/hike-in tent sites, three drive-in sites suitable for small RVs or car camping, and two first-come, first-served drive-in sites.
• Hike-In / Paddle-In Camping: Many of the tent sites are situated directly on the shoreline and are best accessed by hiking from the main parking area (up to 0.75 miles) or by paddling a lightweight boat across the pond, offering an exceptionally quiet experience.
• Shelter Accommodation: The Grout Pond Hut, a separate facility managed by the Vermont Huts Association, is available for reservation, providing a rustic, shared cabin experience with mattresses and a propane stove for heat.
• Water & Waste: Potable drinking water is available via an old-fashioned hand pump located in the day-use area. Vault toilets (outhouses) are located near the parking area and the old cabin building. Guests must pack out all trash to maintain the pristine forest environment.
• Campsite Furnishings: All campsites are equipped with a fire ring, and many include a picnic table. Hike-in tent sites are often equipped with wooden tent pads to minimize impact on the forest floor.
• Reservations: The majority of overnight sites (12) are reservable via the Recreation.gov system up to six months in advance, though a few are kept aside as first-come, first-served.

Note that no electrical hookups or modern shower facilities are available at the tent or drive-in campsites, encouraging a deeper connection with the natural environment.

Grout Pond’s greatest draw is its pristine natural setting and the range of low-impact, year-round recreational opportunities it supports.

• Non-Motorized Boating: The 84-acre pond is restricted to non-motorized watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, ensuring a quiet, peaceful experience for all users. A 200-foot carry-in boat launch is available.
• Extensive Multi-Use Trails: Over 10 miles of relatively flat, multipurpose trails are accessible directly from the campground. The Grout Pond Loop trail circles the pond, offering scenic 2.7-mile hike (or 4.6-mile loop depending on full circuit trails chosen) and connecting to a more extensive trail system that reaches south toward Somerset Reservoir.
• Fishing: The pond is a popular fishing spot, noted for a healthy population of smallmouth bass, offering a quiet day on the water for dedicated anglers.
• Winter Recreation: The trail network is specifically marked with blue diamond blazes for cross-country skiing, and the area is a favorite for snowshoeing, with the Catamount Trail accessible nearby for long-distance winter trekking.
• Fall Foliage Viewing: Situated in a beautiful mix of red maple, yellow birch, and red spruce, the area is nationally recognized for its excellent, stunning fall foliage display.
• Secluded Campsites: The hike-in and paddle-to sites, particularly the highly private site #11, are a major highlight for those seeking true solitude and a waterfront camping experience.

The rugged beauty and quiet policy make Grout Pond a truly distinctive and memorable destination within the Green Mountain National Forest.

Grout Pond Recreation Area is managed under the Manchester Ranger District of the Green Mountain National Forest.

Address: Grout Pond, Stratton, VT 05360, USA (The area is located off Kelly Stand Road)

Information Phone: (802) 362-2307 (Manchester Ranger District, US Forest Service)

Reservations for the majority of campsites can be made online through the Recreation.gov website. It is advisable to reserve well in advance, especially for summer and fall weekends. Check the official US Forest Service website for seasonal alerts, especially regarding winter access on Grout Pond Road.

Grout Pond Recreation Area is uniquely suited for Vermonters because it embodies the state's love for wilderness, quiet recreation, and conservation. It provides a crucial, low-cost opportunity for a true primitive camping experience that is increasingly rare in the region.

For residents who own a lightweight canoe or kayak, the ability to paddle or hike a short distance to a secluded, waterfront campsite is the ultimate weekend escape. This is not a crowded RV park; it’s a place where you can hear the loons call and feel fully immersed in the National Forest. The hike-in access acts as a natural filter, discouraging large crowds and ensuring a quieter, more respectful community of campers.

Furthermore, Grout Pond serves as a vital access point to the more than 10 miles of multi-use trails, making it a year-round resource for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing—activities that are fundamental to the Vermont outdoor lifestyle. It is a place to connect with the state's natural backbone, offering a beautiful, quiet, and authentic camping adventure that feels perfectly tailored to the Vermonter seeking peace and solitude in their own Green Mountains.

Grout Pond Recreation Area

Grout Pond, Stratton, VT 05360, Stratton, VT 05360, USA