🌤 Weather at Big Deer State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–66 °F | 48–80 °F | 23–70 °F | 3–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Plainfield, 7 mi away, elevation 800 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Vermont’s Groton State Forest Campground — 22 Tent/RV Sites, 5 Lean-To Shelters, Big Deer Mountain Trail, 17+ Miles of Forest Hiking, Boulder Beach Access & Nature Center Near Groton
Big Deer State Park is a quiet campground within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest in Groton, Vermont. The park features 22–23 tent/RV campsites, 5 lean-to shelters, flush toilets with hot/cold running water, coin-operated hot showers, the Big Deer Mountain Trail, and gateway access to 17+ miles of hiking trails throughout Groton State Forest.
Big Deer serves as an ideal base camp for exploring one of Vermont’s largest and most scenic state forests. The Groton State Forest Recreation Area encompasses multiple state parks, including nearby Boulder Beach State Park (swimming and boating), Stillwater State Park, and the Groton Nature Center. From Big Deer, campers can hike to Owl’s Head — crowned by a historic CCC-built fire tower offering panoramic sunset views — or explore Peacham Bog, a rare and pristine sphagnum bog. The campground itself is smaller and quieter than neighboring Stillwater, making it popular with families and visitors seeking a more peaceful woodland experience.
Things to Do
Camping
- 22–23 tent/RV campsites: No hookups
- 5 lean-to shelters: Three-sided wooden shelters
- Flush toilets with hot/cold running water
- Coin-operated hot showers
- Firewood available for purchase
- Dump station: At nearby Stillwater State Park
- Check-in: At Stillwater State Park office
Hiking
- Big Deer Mountain Trail: From the campground
- Little Deer Mountain: Nearby hike with views
- Owl’s Head: CCC fire tower with panoramic sunset views
- Peacham Bog Loop: Rare sphagnum bog boardwalk
- 17+ miles of trails: Throughout Groton State Forest
Nearby Parks & Attractions
- Boulder Beach State Park: Swimming, boating, fishing
- Stillwater State Park: Lake access, campground, dump station
- Groton Nature Center: Nature programs and interpretive exhibits (walking distance)
- 20+ miles of gravel roads: For mountain biking and horseback riding
Campsite Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tent/RV Sites | 22–23 sites (no hookups) |
| Lean-Tos | 5 shelters |
| Max RV Length | Check with park — no hookups available |
| Restrooms | Flush toilets, hot/cold running water |
| Showers | Coin-operated hot showers |
| Firewood | Available for purchase |
| Pets | Welcome — must be leashed |
| Season | Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend |
| Check-In | At Stillwater State Park |
| Address | 1467 Boulder Beach Rd, Groton, VT 05046 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Full camping; swimming at Boulder Beach; all trails open; Nature Center programs; warm; long days | Popular weekends; book ahead; mosquitoes; thunderstorms |
| Fall (Sep) | ⭐ Fall foliage; Owl’s Head fire tower views; uncrowded; cool hiking; photography | Park closes Labor Day; shorter season; cooling nights |
| Late Spring (May) | Opening weekend; spring wildflowers; birding; green-up; quiet campground | Cool nights; muddy trails; variable weather; bugs |
| Off-Season (Oct–Apr) | Park CLOSED for camping | Forest trails may be accessible for hiking/XC skiing |
Visitor Tips
- Check in at Stillwater: All Big Deer campers must check in at the nearby Stillwater State Park office.
- Quieter than Stillwater: Big Deer is smaller and more peaceful than the larger Stillwater campground — ideal for families.
- Owl’s Head sunset: The CCC fire tower on Owl’s Head is the signature hike — plan for sunset views.
- Boulder Beach: Swimming at nearby Boulder Beach State Park is included with your Groton State Forest visit.
- Nature Center: The Groton Nature Center is within walking distance — great for kids and rainy days.
- No hookups: There are no RV hookups at Big Deer — the dump station is at Stillwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Big Deer SP — 265 acres on Great Averill Pond in the remote Northeast Kingdom. The park’s boreal forest, lake, and wetlands support moose, loons, and black bears. The Northeast Kingdom is one of the least populated and most pristine regions in the Eastern US.
Nearby Attractions
Averill — adjacent. Canadian border — 5 miles north. Island Pond — 20 miles south.
Does Big Deer State Park have showers?
Yes — Big Deer State Park in Groton, Vermont, has coin-operated hot showers and flush restrooms with hot and cold running water. The campground features 22–23 tent/RV sites (no hookups) and 5 lean-to shelters within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest. Firewood is available for purchase. All campers must check in at the nearby Stillwater State Park office. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
What trails are near Big Deer State Park?
Big Deer State Park provides access to 17+ miles of hiking trails throughout Groton State Forest. Popular trails include the Big Deer Mountain Trail (from the campground), Little Deer Mountain, Owl’s Head (featuring a historic CCC fire tower with panoramic sunset views), and the Peacham Bog Loop (a rare sphagnum bog boardwalk). The forest also has 20+ miles of gravel roads for mountain biking and horseback riding. Nearby Boulder Beach State Park offers swimming and boating.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Stillwater State Park (a short drive away) or Boulder Beach State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Vermont state parks online at vtstateparks-visit.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Big Deer State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash shorter than 10 ft required (or pet safely confined) at all times
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are not permitted on beaches; limited exceptions let pets use the far side of the beach away from swim areas at Branbury, Lake Shaftsbury and Silver Lake
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are permitted in designated pet-friendly cabins only (full list on the Vermont State Parks cabins page); cottages do not allow pets
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets allowed in picnic areas at Allis, Camp Plymouth, Elmore, Kill Kare, Knight Point, Lake Shaftsbury, Mt. Philo, Osmore Pond and Owl's Head; at Camp Plymouth pets may swim only at the cartop boat launch; current rabies vaccination expected
Are dogs allowed at Big Deer State Park?
Pets are allowed at all Vermont State Parks campgrounds and on trails unless otherwise posted, but are not permitted on beaches or in most picnic areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via vtstateparks.com. More: Vermont state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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