Ricker Pond State Park
Groton State Forest’s Lakeside Camp — 49 Sites, Rental Cabins, Rail Trail Access & Vermont’s Northern Kingdom Gateway
Ricker Pond State Park is a camping-focused park within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest in Groton, Vermont — one of the largest contiguous public landholdings in the state. The park wraps around Ricker Pond, a quiet, forest-rimmed lake offering swimming, non-motorized boating, and shoreline fishing in a setting that feels more like northern Maine than southern Vermont.
With 26 tent/RV sites, 23 lean-to sites, 5 rental cabins, and 2 rental cottages, Ricker Pond provides an unusually wide range of overnight options for a Vermont state park. Its location within Groton State Forest — which contains over 17 miles of hiking trails and 20+ miles of multi-use trails — and its direct access to the Montpelier–Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail) make it an ideal base camp for exploring Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom gateway region.
Things to Do
Swimming & Beach
A small sandy beach with a designated swimming area on Ricker Pond. The water is clean and clear but unheated — refreshingly cold in early season, comfortable by mid-summer. No lifeguards on duty.
Boating
- Boat launch for campers: Non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks) are popular on Ricker Pond
- Boat rentals available on-site
- Quiet, peaceful paddling on a forest-rimmed pond
Hiking & Biking
Ricker Pond provides direct access to the Groton State Forest trail network:
- 17+ miles of hiking trails within the state forest
- 20+ miles of multi-use trails for mountain biking and horseback riding
- Montpelier–Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail) — accessible directly from the park for extended cycling and hiking
Nature & Interpretive Programs
- Groton Nature Center: Nearby within the state forest — offers interpretive programs, guided hikes, and educational displays
- Wildlife: Moose, loons, beaver, black bear, and diverse songbirds inhabit the surrounding forest
Camping & Lodging
| Type | Sites | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Tent/RV Sites | 26 | Fire rings; picnic tables; no hookups; max RV length varies |
| Lean-to Sites | 23 | Three-sided Adirondack shelters; fire rings; picnic tables |
| Rental Cabins | 5 | Furnished; 1 pet-friendly (Knox Mountain cabin) |
| Rental Cottages | 2 | Premium lakeside lodging; full amenities |
Facilities: Restrooms with flush toilets and coin-operated hot showers. RV dump station (no hookups). Firewood for sale. Drinking water spigots. Picnic pavilion. Season: Memorial Day weekend through early October.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Swimming; paddling; full trail access; nature programs; longest days; loon calls | Busy weekends; reserve lean-tos/cabins well ahead; mosquitoes near water |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ Vermont foliage at its best; cool hiking; moose rutting season; quiet camping | Cold nights; park closes early October; shorter days |
| Spring (May–Jun) | Wildflowers; spring birding; loons returning; quiet trails | Water cold; mud season; facilities opening Memorial Day |
| Winter | Park closed for camping season | Groton State Forest trails may be accessible for XC skiing |
Visitor Tips
- No cell service: Cell reception is very limited or unavailable at Ricker Pond. This is a genuine digital detox — plan accordingly and download offline maps before arriving.
- Lean-to experience: The 23 lean-to sites are a classic Vermont camping experience — three-sided Adirondack shelters that keep you dry while connecting you to the forest. They’re popular and book quickly.
- Pet-friendly cabin: Only the Knox Mountain cabin allows pets among the rental options. All other cabins and cottages are pet-free. Pets are allowed at campsites and lean-tos but not on the beach.
- Cross Vermont Trail: The Montpelier–Wells Rail Trail passes directly through the area — bring bikes for a flat, scenic ride through the Green Mountain countryside.
- Groton State Forest: Ricker Pond is just one of seven state parks within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest. Combine your visit with Stillwater, New Discovery, or Kettle Pond state parks for a multi-day forest exploration.
- No hookups: The campground has no electrical or water hookups — bring a fully charged setup for RV camping. A dump station is available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent cabins at Ricker Pond State Park?
Yes — Ricker Pond offers 5 rental cabins and 2 rental cottages. The cabins are furnished and available seasonally (Memorial Day through early October). One cabin — the Knox Mountain cabin — is pet-friendly. Reservations are made through the Vermont State Parks website (vtstateparks.com). These are popular accommodations, so booking well in advance is recommended, especially for summer weekends and peak foliage season.
What is Groton State Forest?
Groton State Forest is a 26,000-acre public forest in northeastern Vermont — one of the largest contiguous public landholdings in the state. It contains seven state parks (including Ricker Pond), over 17 miles of hiking trails, 20+ miles of multi-use trails, and dozens of ponds and lakes. Ricker Pond State Park serves as one of the primary camping bases within the forest, offering direct trail access and proximity to the Groton Nature Center.
Last updated: April 2026
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