How much does camping cost at Grout Pond Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Grout Pond Recreation Area range from $16/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

What is the best time to visit Grout Pond Recreation Area?

Grout Pond Recreation Area is open null. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Grout Pond Recreation Area?

Grout Pond Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Grout Pond Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Grout Pond Recreation Area: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Grout Pond Recreation Area have?

Grout Pond Recreation Area has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Grout Pond Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Grout Pond Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Grout Pond Recreation Area?

Grout Pond Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Grout Pond Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Grout Pond Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Grout Pond Recreation Area

Q: Is Grout Pond Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Grout Pond Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come-first-served basis until May 24th and again from July 15th onward due to construction. Construction may also result in full closures.

4.00

12 reviews

Top 9% in VTFall

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,339 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,339 ft

Price

$16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Grout Pond Recreation Area

$16.00 - $16.00 / night

Campsite Fees

All campsites are $16 per night, paid at the self-service pay station located near the entrance.

Standard Site Fee$16.00

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USFS

Provider

1-802-362-2307null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Grout Pond Recreation Area

43.0455, -72.9546

Nearby places

Arlington: Approximately 10.2 miles

West Wardsboro: Approximately 6 miles

Nearby supplies

null

Driving directionsFrom Route 7 in Arlington, take the Arlington exit and turn west on Route 313 at the end of the exit ramp. Take the first right onto South Road and follow to the end. Turn right onto Kansas Road and follow over Rte 7 and over a two-lane bridge. After the bridge turn right and travel east on the Kelley Stand Road (aka: Stratton-Arlington Road) for about 10.2 miles. Turn right onto Grout Pond Road and follow to the end. Alternatively, from Route 100 in West Wardsboro, travel west on the Stratton-Arlington Road (aka: Kelley Stand Road) for about 6 miles and turn left onto Grout Pond Road.

"Road access is mainly via paved roads until Kelley Stand Road, which is unpaved and can be challenging, especially during wet or snowy seasons."

Weather at Grout Pond Recreation Area

Current alert: "First-come-first-served policies are active due to construction. Contact the Manchester Ranger Station for updates."

Best Time to Camp at Grout Pond Recreation Area

Fall delivers the best conditions. Mid-September through mid-October brings peak leaf color, with daytime highs in the mid-40s to low-60s°F and nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F. The sheltered microclimate keeps mornings calm and misty, ideal for paddling and fishing. Weekday visits are quieter. Spring trails turn muddy according to reviews, so waterproof boots help. Free camping is available during the off-season, though amenities may be limited.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 9% in VT

Fall delivers peak leaf color and is repeatedly called the best season by reviewers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Day-use areas open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

About Grout Pond Recreation Area

Grout Pond Recreation Area sits at 2,339 feet in Green Mountain National Forest, where 11 primitive campsites circle an 80-acre pond. The $16/night sites include vault toilets and picnic tables but little else. Some campsites perch on raised platforms by the water, while others climb inland onto a hill. Reviews note beautiful fall foliage and good kayaking, but also warn about muddy trails and occasional security concerns.

Camping at Grout Pond Recreation Area is available on a first-come, first-served basis and includes options for tent and primitive camping. The area features scenic spots both near the water and further inland.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Mid-September through mid-October brings peak leaf color, with daytime highs in the mid-40s to low-60s°F and nights dropping into the 20s–40s°F. The sheltered microclimate keeps mornings calm and misty, ideal for paddling and fishing. Weekday visits are quieter. Spring trails turn muddy according to reviews, so waterproof boots help. Free camping is available during the off-season, though amenities may be limited.

ElevationThe campground's gentle, accessible terrain makes it perfect for families and campers of all abilities. Set on level ground surrounding the pond, the area offers easy walking and comfortable camping without steep climbs, allowing visitors to focus on relaxation and recreation rather than challenging ascents.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a rare flat basin carved by glaciers, creating level terrain unusual for Vermont's typically mountainous landscape. The 80-acre pond sits sheltered by surrounding Green Mountains, which create a microclimate that cuts wind and supports diverse plant and animal life. The water is clear and the forest is dense. During fall, maples blaze gold and crimson around the shoreline. Mornings often bring mist across the calm water.

Geological RegionCradled within the ancient folds of the Green Mountain National Forest, Grout Pond occupies a unique pocket of level terrain carved by glaciers millennia ago. This 80-acre natural basin, filled with pure mountain water, represents a geological gift—a rare flatland oasis amidst Vermont's typically mountainous landscape. The surrounding Green Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop while sheltering the pond from harsh winds, creating a microclimate that supports diverse plant and animal life throughout this remarkable forest ecosystem.

Scenic Views"Exceptional views of the pond and surrounding forest, especially during peak foliage."

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations such as cabins are mentioned in the official sources.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days within any 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 guests per site.

Groups

Group camping options are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 11 sites split between waterfront platforms with grills and inland spots on higher ground. Spacing and privacy vary. The Camp Trail loops around the campground but doesn't lead to individual sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are unavailable due to first-come-first-served policies.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served basis until May 24th and again from July 15th onward due to construction. Construction may also result in full closures.

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeThe campground includes a variety of sites with some located by the water and others further inland. Samantha Gravity mentions 11 camping locations by the water with features like raised platforms and grills.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across campsites. Some are scenic spots further inland raised onto a hill, while others are closer to the water, as described by Samantha Gravity.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesSome sites require a 3/4-mile hike to access, offering isolated scenic spots. User reviews recommend avoiding sites too close to others for privacy.

Best CampsitesReviewers prefer the waterside sites with raised or covered platforms. Some scenic spots sit farther inland on a hill, accessed by a 3/4-mile hike from the water. If you camp near the pond, expect to carry your gear in.

Amenities available

Near the parking area there is a 200-foot carry-in boat launch, a hand pump for drinking water (available Mid May — October,) a vault toilet, and a day-use picnic area with grills. Water Potable water is not available at this site.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Grout Pond Recreation Area offers various recreational activities both on land and water, centered around the 80-acre Grout Pond. Activities include hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. User reviews emphasize the beauty and tranquility of the area, with Ben Schaeffer calling kayaking 'lovely' and describing the scenery as 'particularly beautiful.'

Hiking

The campground provides over 10 miles of multipurpose, non-motorized trails marked with blue diamond blazes. Trails vary in difficulty and include options such as Camp Loop (0.9 miles, easy), East Trail (3.2 miles, easy to moderate, but not recommended for summer due to wet conditions), and West Trail (2.8 miles, moderate). Samantha Gravity warns visitors about the Camp Trail, noting that it does NOT lead to campsites as expected.

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include sketchy campers (per user reviews), wildlife such as bears, and wet/muddy trails during certain seasons.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire Policynull

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency Services"Contact Manchester Ranger Station for emergencies at 1-802-362-2307. Detailed emergency services specifics are missing.

Water FeaturesThe campground is centered around the 80-acre Grout Pond, a destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Camp Host"No ranger or host is actively present; contact Manchester Ranger Station for support."

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

12 reviews

Satisfactory

Grout Pond Recreation Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Grout Pond Recreation Area are mixed, with many appreciating the natural beauty and serenity while others raise concerns about limited amenities and security. Melissa Kallen praises the free camping available during the off-season and the scenic views during foliage, while Patrick Fallon warns about 'sketchy campers' and potential theft.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

- Beautiful and serene location - Scenic views, especially during foliage season - Kayaking and fishing praised as enjoyable activities - Availability of free camping during the off-season - Variety...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

- Limited amenities for the $16 fee; no showers or flush toilets - Concerns about security due to 'sketchy campers,' as noted by Patrick Fallon - Some sites blocked off during snowy conditions,...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Samantha Gravity provides detailed insights into campsite features, mentioning 11 sites by the water with amenities such as raised platforms and grills. Site 11 requires a 3/4-mile hike and offers...

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Carry gear if camping near the pond, as noted by Melissa Kallen - Be cautious of neighbors and secure belongings, per Patrick Fallon's review - Avoid the Camp Trail if looking for campsites, as it...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews highlight the scenic beauty during peak foliage in autumn, with Melissa Kallen recommending visits during this season. Winter access may be limited due to snow; Solar Gumby notes...

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Absolutely beautiful area. Perfectly wild." - Elizabeth Martin - "Nice spot but beware of sketchy campers." - Patrick Fallon - "Kayaking on Grout Pond is LOVELY. It's a particularly beautiful...

Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.

Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Melissa Kallen mentions camping with her dog, suggesting that pets are permitted. Official sources state that dogs must be on a leash at all times.

Based on 12 reviews

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Go if

Paddlers who bring their own kayak or canoe get the most from this place. The 200-foot carry-in launch puts you on calm water fast, and October mornings with mist over the pond are hard to beat. Site 11 requires a 3/4-mile hike but distances you from the crowd.

Skip if

No potable water on-site, vault toilets only, and multiple reviewers flag sketchy neighbors and recommend securing gear. Comfort campers and anyone uneasy about an unstaffed, no-reservation site will find the $16 fee a tough sell.

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