Molly’s Falls Pond State Park
Vermont’s Remote Reservoir Wilderness — 411-Acre Fishing Pond, 9 Primitive Boat-In Campsites, Concrete Boat Ramp, Trout & Bass Angling, Shore Fishing Platforms & Undeveloped Shoreline in Cabot & Marshfield
Molly’s Falls Pond State Park is an undeveloped day-use and primitive camping park surrounding the 411-acre Molly’s Falls Pond (Marshfield Reservoir) in Cabot and Marshfield, Vermont. The park features a concrete boat ramp with trailer access, 9 remote primitive campsites (most accessible only by boat), 2 shore fishing platforms, 10 remote picnic sites, swimming along the shoreline, and excellent fishing for rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, and yellow perch.
Molly’s Falls Pond is one of Vermont’s premier primitive camping and fishing destinations. The 411-acre reservoir offers a genuine backcountry-on-water experience — most of the 9 campsites are accessible only by boat, giving paddlers the rare opportunity to camp on a remote, undeveloped shoreline far from roads and crowds. The concrete boat ramp at the Vermont Fish and Wildlife access area accommodates trailered boats, while two dedicated shore fishing platforms provide accessible angling without a boat. The pond is stocked and supports a diverse fishery including rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, and yellow perch.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Rainbow trout
- Brown trout
- Smallmouth bass
- Northern pike
- Chain pickerel
- Yellow perch
- 2 shore fishing platforms: Accessible angling without a boat
- Boat fishing: Trolling and casting across the 411-acre pond
- Vermont fishing license required
Boating & Paddling
- Concrete boat ramp: At the VT Fish and Wildlife access area (northern end)
- Trailer access: Full-size trailered boats welcome
- Canoe/kayak: Excellent paddling on 411 acres of open water
Primitive Camping
- 9 remote primitive campsites
- Most accessible only by boat (one site accessible by foot)
- First-come, first-served: Self-register at contact station
- No potable water at campsites
Swimming
- Swimming permitted: Along the shoreline
- ⚠️ NOT allowed at the boat launch area
- No lifeguards
Picnicking
- 10 remote picnic sites: Some with tables and fire rings
- Accessible by boat or foot
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Pond Size | 411 acres |
| Campsites | 9 primitive (most boat-in only) |
| Picnic Sites | 10 remote sites |
| Fishing Platforms | 2 shore platforms |
| Boat Ramp | Concrete — trailer access at northern end |
| Season | Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend |
| Reservations | First-come, first-served — self-register at contact station |
| Potable Water | NOT available — bring your own |
| Restrooms | Portable toilet near boat launch |
| Pets | Welcome — must be leashed at boat launch |
| Contact | Vermont State Parks Barre Regional Office: 802-476-0170 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Boat-in camping; warm water swimming; fishing for bass/pike/perch; paddling; long days; full access | Mosquitoes; thunderstorms; sites fill on holiday weekends; no shade at some campsites |
| Late Spring (May) | ⭐ Trout fishing excellent; opening weekend camping; uncrowded; spring birding | Cool water; variable weather; bugs emerging; bring layers |
| Early Fall (Sep) | Fall foliage beginning; uncrowded camping; warm water; cooling days; photography | Park closes Labor Day; shorter days; cooling nights — bring warm sleeping gear |
| Off-Season (Oct–Apr) | Park CLOSED | No access during off-season |
Visitor Tips
- Boat-in camping: Most of the 9 campsites are accessible only by boat — bring a canoe, kayak, or motorboat to reach them.
- Bring everything: There is no potable water at the campsites. Bring all water, food, and supplies you’ll need.
- Self-register: Camping is first-come, first-served — self-register at the contact station near the entrance.
- Shore fishing: If you don’t have a boat, the 2 shore fishing platforms provide excellent angling access.
- Trout fishing: The pond holds rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, and yellow perch — bring varied tackle.
- No swimming at launch: Swimming is NOT permitted at the boat launch area — use the shoreline instead.
- Portable toilet: The only restroom is a portable toilet near the boat launch — plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Molly’s Falls Pond State Park?
Yes — Molly’s Falls Pond State Park in Cabot and Marshfield, Vermont, offers 9 primitive campsites. Most sites are accessible only by boat (canoe, kayak, or motorboat), with one site accessible by foot. Camping is first-come, first-served — self-register at the contact station near the entrance. There is no potable water at the campsites, so bring all water and supplies. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. A portable toilet is available near the boat launch.
What fish are in Molly’s Falls Pond?
Molly’s Falls Pond (411 acres) in Vermont supports a diverse fishery including rainbow trout, brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, and yellow perch. The park features a concrete boat ramp with trailer access at the northern end and two shore fishing platforms for anglers without boats. A Vermont fishing license is required. The park is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, with the best trout fishing typically in late spring (May–June).
Last updated: May 2026






