Kettle Pond State Park
Vermont’s Remote Lean-To Wilderness — 26 Group Lean-Tos, 7 Remote Paddle-In Sites, 109-Acre Undeveloped Pond, Nesting Loons & Composting Toilets in Groton State Forest
Kettle Pond State Park is a primitive, remote camping park on the 109-acre Kettle Pond within the 27,000-acre Groton State Forest in Groton, Vermont. The park features 26 lean-tos arranged in five group clusters, 7 remote lean-tos and 1 remote tent site accessible only by hiking or paddling, non-motorized boating, swimming at the campers’ beach, rainbow trout and smallmouth bass fishing, composting toilets, nesting common loons, and a trail around the undeveloped pond.
Kettle Pond is one of Vermont’s most secluded and primitive camping experiences. Unlike the busier parks in Groton State Forest, Kettle Pond caters to groups and solitude-seekers with its 26 lean-tos organized into five separate group clusters, plus 7 remote lean-tos and a tent site that can only be reached by hiking or paddling. The 109-acre pond is completely undeveloped — no motorboats, no docks, no buildings on the shoreline — creating a true wilderness paddling and fishing experience. The pond supports nesting common loons during summer months, making it one of the best loon-watching destinations in the state. There is no potable water on-site — campers must bring their own or collect it from nearby New Discovery State Park. Check-in is handled at New Discovery SP.
Things to Do
Camping
- 26 lean-tos: Arranged in 5 group clusters
- 7 remote lean-tos + 1 remote tent site: Hike-in or paddle-in only
- ⚠️ No potable water: Bring your own or collect from New Discovery SP
- Pack-in, pack-out policy
- Check-in at New Discovery State Park
- Season: Third weekend in May through second Monday in October
Paddling
- Non-motorized boating only: Canoes, kayaks
- 109-acre undeveloped pond
- Remote campsites accessible by paddle
Fishing
- Rainbow trout, perch, smallmouth bass
- Shore and boat fishing
- Vermont fishing license required
Wildlife Watching
- Nesting common loons: Summer months — maintain distance
- Woodland birds, beaver, moose possible
Swimming
- Campers’ beach: Sandy area for registered campers
- Pets NOT allowed on beach (pets welcome elsewhere on leash)
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lean-Tos | 26 group lean-tos (5 clusters) + 7 remote lean-tos |
| Remote Sites | 7 lean-tos + 1 tent site (hike/paddle-in only) |
| Potable Water | NONE on-site — bring your own |
| Restrooms | Composting toilets, double pit toilets |
| Pond Size | 109 acres — undeveloped |
| Motors | Non-motorized only |
| Pets | Welcome on leash (not on beach) |
| Check-in | At New Discovery State Park |
| Firewood | Purchase at New Discovery SP |
| Season | 3rd weekend May – 2nd Monday October |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Loon nesting; warm swimming; paddling; fishing; long days | Popular groups; mosquitoes; bring water |
| Early Fall (Sep) | Fall foliage; loons preparing to migrate; uncrowded; cool nights | Nights cold; bring layers; services winding down |
| Late Spring (May–Jun) | Opening; spring warblers; trout fishing; loons returning; solitude | Bugs; cold water; some snow remaining |
Visitor Tips
- Bring water: There is NO potable water at Kettle Pond — bring all water or plan to collect from New Discovery SP.
- Check-in at New Discovery: All check-ins and firewood purchases are at New Discovery State Park.
- Loon etiquette: Common loons nest on Kettle Pond — maintain 200+ foot distance from nesting sites and keep noise down.
- Paddle-in sites: The 7 remote lean-tos are the most secluded campsites in Groton State Forest — bring a canoe or kayak.
- Pack-in, pack-out: No trash receptacles — carry out everything you bring in.
- Group camping: The 5 group clusters are excellent for scouts, family reunions, and outdoor education groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there water at Kettle Pond State Park?
No — Kettle Pond State Park in Groton State Forest, Vermont, has no potable water on-site. Campers must bring their own water or collect it from nearby New Discovery State Park. The park features 26 lean-tos in group clusters plus 7 remote paddle-in or hike-in lean-tos on the 109-acre undeveloped Kettle Pond. Composting toilets and double pit toilets are available. Check-in and firewood purchases are handled at New Discovery SP.
Are there loons at Kettle Pond?
Yes — common loons nest on Kettle Pond during summer months. The 109-acre undeveloped pond in Groton State Forest provides ideal nesting habitat because it is non-motorized and has minimal shoreline development. Visitors should maintain at least 200 feet distance from nesting loons and keep noise levels low. Kettle Pond State Park offers 26 group lean-tos, 7 remote paddle-in lean-tos, swimming at the campers’ beach, and fishing for rainbow trout, perch, and smallmouth bass.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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