Big Deer State Park - United States
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RV Rentals Big Deer State Park
Big Deer State Park, VT, United States
How to get to Big Deer State Park
Big Deer State Park is reached by Vermont Route 232, which runs north from US 302 near Groton and south from US 2 near Marshfield through the Groton State Forest. From Montpelier the drive is roughly 25 miles, about 40 minutes, and from Burlington it is around 65 miles, or about 1 hour 30 minutes via I-89 and US 2. RV drivers should expect a winding two-lane forest road with rolling grades, narrow shoulders, and limited turnaround spots, so larger rigs should plan a steady pace and avoid the unpaved camp loops with low-hanging branches. The nearest commercial airport for fly-and-rent travelers is Burlington International Airport (BTV).
Best time to visit Big Deer State Park
Late June through August offers the warmest weather, full campground services, and reliably open swim areas at nearby Boulder Beach. Early September into early October is prime for fall foliage in the Groton State Forest, with cooler nights and lighter crowds, ideal for RV travelers chasing color. Late May and early June are good shoulder windows for hiking once mud season ends, though black flies are common. The park is closed in winter, when Route 232 is the only year-round access and side roads are unplowed.
Park closed for the season; Route 232 open but campground gated
Park closed for the season
Park closed; mud season on forest roads
Park closed; campground typically not yet open
Campground opens in late May; black flies active
Full season; mosquitoes peak
Peak season; reserve sites well in advance
Peak season; warm days and cool nights
Early foliage starts late month
Foliage peaks early to mid month; campground closes around Indigenous Peoples' Day
Park closed for the season
Park closed for the season; snow common
Things to do at Big Deer State Park
- Hike Big Deer Mountain ModerateRV parking available
The Big Deer Mountain Trail is the park's signature hike, climbing through hardwood forest to a rocky outlook with views over Peacham Pond and the Groton highlands. The trailhead is reachable from the New Discovery and Big Deer campground areas off Route 232. Expect moderate effort over rolling terrain with a short rocky section near the summit.
- Owl's Head Mountain Auto Road and Trail EasyRV parking available
Owl's Head is one of the highest points in the Groton State Forest and the most accessible summit in the area. A short auto road climbs most of the way, followed by a brief stone-step trail to a CCC-era stone observation shelter with sweeping views. Trailhead parking accommodates day-use vehicles, though oversized RVs should park lower and walk up.
- Swim and paddle at Boulder Beach EasyRV parking available
Boulder Beach State Park, just minutes south on Route 232, is the day-use swim and picnic hub of the Groton State Forest, with a sandy shoreline on Lake Groton. Visitors can rent kayaks and canoes seasonally and access flatwater paddling on the lake. The day-use lot has space suitable for RV parking.
- Paddle Kettle Pond EasyRV parking available
Kettle Pond is a quiet, motorless pond with a shoreline trail and a hand-carry boat launch popular with kayakers and canoeists. The 3-mile loop trail circles the water through mixed forest with views of surrounding ridges. Parking is at the Kettle Pond day-use area off Route 232.
- Peacham Bog Natural Area Moderate
Peacham Bog is a state-designated natural area featuring one of Vermont's largest raised peat bogs, reached by a forested trail from the New Discovery campground area. The route passes through wetlands and old logging terrain before opening to the bog's boardwalk section. The hike is longer and can be wet, so plan for a half-day outing.
- Cycle the Groton State Forest roads ModerateRV parking available
Route 232 and the connecting park roads link Big Deer to neighboring campgrounds and ponds, making the forest a popular destination for road and gravel cycling. Traffic is light on weekdays and grades are rolling rather than mountainous. Cyclists can stage from the Big Deer day-use lot.
- Fishing on Lake Groton and Ricker Pond EasyRV parking available
Lake Groton and Ricker Pond support populations of bass, perch, and stocked trout, and are accessible from public boat launches within the state forest. A valid Vermont fishing license is required. Both launches have parking that can fit a tow vehicle, though large RVs should park at the day-use lots.
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