Grout Pond Campground

2538 Depot Street
Manchester Center, VT 05255

Notice

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The Grout Pond Campground facility will be under construction during the 2026 season. The Pond Loop Trail leading to walk-in campsites 1 - 11 will be closed and under construction starting September 16th through late November. Campsites 1 - 11 and the lower parking area will be closed while the Pond Loop trail is under construction. The 15 minute unloading parking area, boat launch, and beach area will be open during construction, parking will be available along the upper campground loop for day use. The trail will be upgraded to accessible standards, which will greatly improve the visitor experience including access to the campsites and bathrooms. Please use caution at the site, as construction equipment will be using the Grout Pond access road and Pond Loop trail along the campsites to complete the improvements. The walk-in campsites 1-11 will be reopened for booking reservations on Recreation.gov in 2027. Thank you for your patience as we improve the site for future use.

Sep 16, 2026 – Dec 1, 2026

Overview

Grout Pond is a popular destination for camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing. Located in a beautiful mixed conifer and hardwood forest, the campground has 12 reservable sites and offers easy access to over 10 miles of mulituse trails.

The Green Mountain National Forest in partnership with the Vermont Huts Association has a cabin located at the Grout Pond Campground available for reservations. The Grout Pond Hut (pictured above) is open for year-round use and is located within the semi-remote campground on the Green Mountain National Forest. To make reservations and learn more please visit the Grout Pond Hut website: Grout Pond Hut

Recreation

Grout Pond offers a variety of recreation opportunities year-round. In the warmer months, fishing and non-motorized boating is popular on the pond. A 200-foot carry-in boat launch is accessible from an unloading pull-out just before the parking lot.

Please help prevent the spread of non-native invasive species, such as Eurasian watermilfoil, by cleaning and drying your boat between each use.

Hiking is another popular activity at Grout Pond. Over 10 miles of relatively flat trails are accessible from the campground. These trails connect with a more extensive system off National Forest lands around Somerset Reservoir to the south. Trails that are marked with blue diamond blazes are designed for cross-country skiing and can be very wet and muddy in the spring, summer, and even fall.

Facilities

The campground offers 12 overnight sites available for reservation. Nine of these sites are tent sites accessed by hiking in from the main parking area. Hike-in distances vary from a quarter to three-quarters of a mile. Three campsites are drive-in sites that accomodate small RVs. The campground also offers two drive-in sites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved.

All campsites are outfitted with fire rings and several have picnic tables. Hike-in sites have tent pads; please use the tent pads in order to minimize camping impacts. Vault toilets are located off the main parking area and near the old cabin building. Potable water is available from an old-fashioned hand pump in the day use area near the pond.

Natural Features

Grout Pond is 84 acres and 28 feet deep. The water can be chilly but refreshing on a hot summer day. The campground is located along the pond and is shaded by red maple, yellow birch and red spruce. Fall foliage viewing in the autumn months is excellent.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby attractions include hiking trails accessible from the site and paddling on the pond. The campground is also in close proximity to Appalachian/Long Trail trailheads off Kelly Stand Road and Stratton Mountain Resort and Village.

Camp site features

Across 16 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 16 sites
Pets allowed: all 16 sites
Longest RV: 14 ft
Largest party: 8 people

Directions

From 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 it over Route 7 and over a two-lane bridge. After the bridge turn right and travel east on the Kelley Stand Road (Stratton-Arlington Road) for about 10.32 mils. Turn right onto Forest Road 262 and follow in to the end. From Route 100 in West Wardsboro, travel west on the Kelley Stand Road (Stratton-Arlington Road) for about 6.0 miles. Turn left onto Forest Rooad 262 and follow it to the end.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

66 reviews

5 stars

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1 stars

Daniel L

Site:

Reviewed 13 days ago

Stopped here for 1 night as we traveled east. This is a beautiful remote campground.

Anne E

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Reviewed 22 days ago

There was a reservation sign at the site with our name which was very helpful. Site 15 was well laid out with the picnic table close enough to the firepit for warmth, and the tent site was a grassy patch underneath tree branches. It helped shield the tent when the storm came through at 3am. Sorry not to have seen Grout pond itself, but enjoyed the 10 mile drive back on the well packed dirt road. Already planning a return trip. Note-we brought our own water.

Lily l

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Reviewed a month ago

Wonderful would recommend .

jonathan p

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Reviewed 2 months ago

Terrific experience. Waterfront campsites with the views across the pond preserved (keep it that way). Would love to return for the fall foliage soon.

Christopher A

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Reviewed 2 months ago

The campsite was clean and the facilities were excellent. Sunrise at the pond was amazing!

M F

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Nice place but fair warning west and east trails are no longer usable/being phased out And bring sawdust for the toilets cause it's fly city

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve