Stillwater State Park
Lake Groton’s Lakefront Campground — 78 Sites, Sandy Beach, Boat Rentals & Trail Hub in Vermont’s Groton State Forest
Stillwater State Park is the largest campground in the Groton State Forest system, located on the shore of Lake Groton in Groton, Vermont. With 59 tent/RV sites, 19 lean-to sites, a sandy swimming beach, boat dock, boat rentals, and direct trail access to over 17 miles of hiking throughout the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest, Stillwater is the most popular and best-equipped base camp in this expansive Vermont forest.
Lake Groton’s clear, cold water reflects the surrounding hardwood and boreal forest — a quintessential Vermont lake experience. The park’s central location within Groton State Forest makes it the ideal starting point for exploring the network of seven state parks that share this remarkable forest. From the campground, visitors can paddle across Lake Groton, hike to panoramic summits, swim at the sandy beach, or simply enjoy the quiet rhythm of a lakeside evening in one of New England’s most extensive public forestlands.
Things to Do
Swimming
A sandy swimming beach with designated swimming area on Lake Groton. No lifeguards. Note: Pets are not permitted at the swimming area or on the beach.
Boating & Paddling
- Boat dock and launch: Direct access to Lake Groton for motorboats, kayaks, and canoes
- Boat rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats available on-site
- Lake Groton: A scenic, manageable-sized lake perfect for a half-day paddle
Hiking
Stillwater provides access to the Groton State Forest trail network — over 17 miles of hiking:
- Owl’s Head Mountain: The most popular summit hike — panoramic views of the forest and surrounding lakes
- Peacham Bog Trail: Boardwalk through a unique boreal bog ecosystem
- Big Deer Mountain: Moderate climb through mixed forest
- Kettle Pond Loop: Circumnavigation of a quiet, forest-rimmed pond
Nature Programs
- Groton Nature Center: Nearby within the state forest — interpretive programs, guided hikes, and nature education
- Picnic pavilion and play area at the campground
Camping
| Type | Sites | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Tent/RV Sites | 59 | Fire rings; picnic tables; no hookups |
| Lean-to Sites | 19 | Three-sided Adirondack shelters; fire rings |
Facilities: Restrooms with flush toilets, hot/cold running water, token-operated hot showers. Dump station (no hookups). Firewood for sale. Season: Late May through mid-September.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Swimming; boat rentals; nature programs; full trail access; warmest water; family camping | Busy weekends; book lean-tos early; no pets on beach |
| Fall (Sep) | ⭐ Vermont foliage at peak; cool hiking; Owl’s Head views spectacular; quiet camping | Park closes mid-Sep; cold nights; shorter days |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Wildflowers; spring birding; trout stocking; quiet trails | Cold water; facilities opening late May; mud season |
| Winter | Park closed | Groton State Forest trails may be accessible for XC skiing |
Visitor Tips
- Largest Groton campground: Stillwater is the most popular campground in Groton State Forest — its 78 sites (59 tent/RV + 19 lean-tos) fill fast during summer. Reserve well in advance for July and August weekends.
- Seven parks: Groton State Forest contains seven state parks — Stillwater, New Discovery, Ricker Pond, Kettle Pond, Boulder Beach, Big Deer, and the Nature Center. Your entry fee covers access to all of them.
- Boat rentals: Canoes, kayaks, and rowboats are available for rent on-site — perfect for an afternoon paddle on Lake Groton without bringing your own watercraft.
- No hookups: Like most Vermont state parks, Stillwater has no electrical or water hookups. A dump station is available. Come self-sufficient for RV camping.
- No pets on beach: Pets are not permitted at the swimming area or on the beach but are allowed on leash elsewhere in the park.
- Owl’s Head: The Owl’s Head Mountain trail is the must-do hike from Stillwater — the summit panorama of Groton State Forest is among the best viewpoints in central Vermont.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many campsites does Stillwater State Park have?
Stillwater State Park has 78 campsites total — 59 tent/RV sites and 19 lean-to sites (three-sided Adirondack shelters). There are no electrical or water hookups. Facilities include restrooms with flush toilets, hot and cold running water, token-operated hot showers, and a dump station. Stillwater is the largest campground in the seven-park Groton State Forest system. The park operates from late May through mid-September, and reservations are recommended for summer weekends.
What is Groton State Forest?
Groton State Forest is a 26,000-acre public forestland in central Vermont — one of the largest contiguous public landholdings in the state. It contains seven state parks (Stillwater, New Discovery, Ricker Pond, Kettle Pond, Boulder Beach, Big Deer, and the Groton Nature Center) and over 17 miles of hiking trails. The forest features lakes, ponds, boreal bog ecosystems, and summit viewpoints. A single entry fee covers access to all seven parks within the forest.
Last updated: April 2026
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