New Discovery State Park

🌲 OVERVIEW

Tucked deep within the heart of Vermont’s largest contiguous stretch of protected wilderness, New Discovery State Park is a peaceful, wooded escape for those looking to reconnect with nature and leave the fast pace of daily life behind. Located along VT-232 in Marshfield, this serene campground sits within Groton State Forest, offering direct access to more than 26,000 acres of forest, lakes, trails, and wildlife.

Whether you’re hiking to a summit, kayaking at dawn, or simply relaxing beneath a canopy of old-growth trees, New Discovery lives up to its name — offering new quiet, new adventure, and new moments of wonder around every turn.

🏕️ THE CAMPGROUND

New Discovery State Park offers a traditional, back-to-nature camping experience, with well-spaced sites tucked into the woods and access to a wide network of trails, ponds, and scenic outlooks. It's ideal for tent campers, small RVs, and those who love rustic charm.

Campground amenities include:

• 38 tent/RV campsites (no hookups)
• 15 lean-to shelters for rustic, weather-protected stays
• Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers
• Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
• Dump station for RVs
• Horse camping area with tie-ups and trailer parking
• Access to the Montpelier-Wells River Rail Trail and forest trails
• Pet-friendly policies — leashed pets welcome throughout the park

Surrounded by forest and filled with birdsong, New Discovery offers a camping experience that’s quiet, simple, and deeply connected to the land.

🏞️ HIKING, PADDLING & FOREST EXPLORATION

As part of Groton State Forest, New Discovery is a gateway to some of the most varied and scenic outdoor recreation in Vermont. Miles of trails weave through hardwood forest, past glacial lakes and rocky ridgelines, offering both easy day hikes and longer treks.

Things to do nearby include:

• Hike Owls Head Mountain for panoramic views over Kettle Pond
• Swim or paddle at nearby Kettle Pond or Lake Groton
• Bike or hike the Montpelier-Wells River Rail Trail
• Spot moose, loons, and deer in the forest and on the water
• Cross-country ski or snowshoe in the winter months (for off-season day use)
• Attend seasonal interpretive programs hosted by park staff

Whether you're looking for quiet reflection or backwoods adventure, this is a place where the natural world sets the pace.

🔥 CAMPFIRE COOKING & SELF-SUFFICIENT STAYS

Each campsite comes equipped with a fire ring and picnic table, making it easy to enjoy classic outdoor meals beneath the trees. While there is no on-site store, nearby towns like Marshfield, Groton, and Plainfield offer:

• Grocery stores and general supplies
• Local markets and farm stands
• Bakeries, cafés, and Vermont-made treats

Visitors are encouraged to come prepared, especially when camping in lean-tos or hiking further afield. Cooking over the fire, sharing meals under the stars, and enjoying coffee with the sunrise — these are the simple joys that define the experience here.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FOR FAMILIES, SOLO CAMPERS & NATURE LOVERS

New Discovery offers something for everyone — especially those who cherish unplugged time outdoors and the peace of the forest.

Ideal for:

• Family getaways and first-time campers
• Solo hikers and nature photographers
• Horseback riders using the equestrian loop
• Couples seeking a quiet, low-tech escape
• Groups reserving lean-tos for adventure weekends

With its mix of accessibility and wilderness, it’s a perfect place to introduce kids to camping or for seasoned campers to reconnect with the basics.

📍 PARK ADDRESS

New Discovery State Park
4239 VT-232
Marshfield, VT 05658

Located in Groton State Forest, just off Route 302 and VT-232, and easily accessible from Montpelier, Barre, or St. Johnsbury.

🕒 HOURS OF OPERATION

Seasonal Operation:
Open Late May – Mid-October (weather dependent)
Day Use: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Campsites: Accessible 24/7 for registered guests
Reservations recommended, especially for lean-tos and summer weekends.

🌲 WHY NEW DISCOVERY?

Because in every rustle of the leaves and ripple on the pond, there's something to discover — and something to remember.

At New Discovery State Park, the trails are quiet, the forest is deep, and the nights are filled with stars and stories. It’s not just about camping — it’s about rediscovering simplicity, rekindling connection, and making room for something real.