Big Deer State Park
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
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
Park Location
Top Tours & Activities Near Stowe
from $359
from $359
from $20