Kettle Pond State Park
Walk-In Wilderness Camping on an Undeveloped Glacial Kettle Pond in Vermont — Rustic Campground Within Groton State Forest, Walk-In and Canoe-In Tent Sites on the Shores of Glacial Kettle Pond, One of Seven State Parks Within the 26,000-Acre Groton State Forest, Paddling on an Undeveloped Glacial Pond With No Motorboats Allowed, Hiking Trails Connecting to the Groton State Forest Trail Network, Remote Wilderness Feel Just Minutes From the Groton Village, Loons and Beavers on the Pond Surface, Near Groton Caledonia County Northeast Kingdom Vermont
Kettle Pond State Park is a rustic state park within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest in Caledonia County, Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, managed by Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. One of seven state parks within Groton State Forest, Kettle Pond features walk-in and canoe-in tent camping sites on the shores of a pristine glacial kettle pond, paddling on an undeveloped pond where motorboats are prohibited — only canoes and kayaks allowed, hiking trails connecting to the broader Groton State Forest trail network including the Peacham Bog Trail, loon nesting habitat with common loons regularly seen and heard on the water, beaver activity visible along the pond margins, a genuine wilderness camping experience with lean-tos and tent platforms requiring a short walk from the parking area, and a remote peaceful atmosphere that feels miles from civilization despite being just minutes from Groton village.
The walk-in camping is what sets Kettle Pond apart — you carry your gear a short distance from the parking area to lean-tos and tent platforms scattered along the shore. This small barrier to entry keeps the campground uncrowded and peaceful even during peak season.
The glacial kettle pond formed when a block of ice left behind by the retreating glacier melted and left a depression — the resulting deep, cold, clear water supports loon nesting and creates mirror-like reflections at dawn and dusk.
Things to Do
- Walk-in camping — lean-tos, tent platforms
- Paddling — canoe/kayak only
- Loon watching — nesting habitat
- Hiking — Groton SF trail network
- Fishing — cold-water pond species
- Solitude — remote, uncrowded
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Groton State Forest, Caledonia County, VT |
| Part Of | 26,000-acre Groton State Forest |
| Camping | Walk-in lean-tos + tent platforms |
| Boating | Canoe/kayak only, no motors |
| Wildlife | Loons, beavers |
| Managed By | VT Dept. Forests, Parks & Recreation |
| Coordinates | 44.3333° N, 72.2667° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kettle Pond State Park walk-in only?
Yes — Kettle Pond State Park in Groton State Forest, Vermont features walk-in and canoe-in camping only. Campers carry gear a short distance from the parking area to lean-tos and tent platforms on the shores of a pristine glacial kettle pond. Part of the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, the pond is paddle-only (no motorboats) with loon nesting habitat. One of seven state parks within Groton State Forest.
Last updated: May 2026
Park Location
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