As early as 1704 Native Americans and the French were using routes through Groton to reach Canada and Massachusetts. Colonists settled this area of Vermont slightly earlier than the rest of the state due to the accessibility the network of waterways provided.
The rocky, tree covered hillsides were originally covered by white pine, spruce, hemlock, beech, maple and birch. They were logged by local farmers for lumber, fuel and potash. The logging industry was large scale for almost 100 years while the railroad was operating. Today, logging is still a vital industry in the area, but has lost some of its dominance in favor of modern society's leisure time movement: private cottages and seasonal homes, park development and a variety of outdoor recreation activities.
Groton State Forest, with over 26,000 acres, is the second largest landholding operated by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation.
The campground is located on the shores of Kettle Pond, an undeveloped pond. There are 26 lean-to's arranged into five separate groups designed to accommodate a variety of different groups and organizations such as scouts, churches, clubs or other social institutions. There are two composting toilets and two double pit toilets. There is no potable water at this site, but you can get water at nearby New Discovery State Park. There is a campers' beach and miles of hiking and multiple use trails in Groton State Forest. Six remote campsites/lean-to's on the pond are also available.
