Ricker Pond State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Ricker Pond State Park opened in 1933 and is located on the western side of Ricker Pond. This park sits alongside the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, nature programs, mountain biking, and camping. There are on-site interpreters to help guests learn about the park's history. These interpreters also lead activities like nature crafts and games, amphibian explorations, campfire programs and night hikes.
Spring 51-74 F
Summer 70-79 F
Fall 30-55 F
Winter 24-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Ricker Pond State Park
Ricker Pond State Park has 26 campsites for tents and RVs. There are also 23 lean-to sites, five cabins and two cottages. Each campsite has its own picnic table and fire ring, and some sites have excellent views of Ricker Pond. The campground has three restrooms, two of which have coin-operated showers. There aren't any RV hookups, but there is a dumping station. Amenities include a shelter for campers, a boat launch with boat rentals, a swimming beach and access to hiking and biking trails.
What to Do at
Ricker Pond State Park
Set deep in the heart of the Groton State Forest, Ricker Pond State Park has an activity for nature lovers of all abilities and energy levels. Water enthusiasts will enjoy spending their days boating, fishing and swimming on Ricker Pond. Hikers and bikers will love the easy access to the Cross-Vermont rail trail and the other smaller trails that wind their way through the park.
Fishing
Visitors can enjoy fishing in Ricker Pond. Some species you may catch include pickerel, perch, bass and bullhead.
Nature Watching
One of the best nature-watching areas in Ricker Pond State Park is along Wells River. Though some people enjoy swimming, kayaking and fishing in the river, there are some quiet areas where one can enjoy tranquility. You may even spot a beaver building its home!
Stargazing
Ricker Pond State Park's remote location provides a natural shield from light pollution. If you look across Ricker Pond at night, you'll have an excellent view of the stars and planets.
Flora and Fauna
Ricker Pond State Park is home to a wide variety of interesting plants, including blood root flowers, maidenhair ferns, pink lady slippers, pitcher plants, trilliums, trout lilies, eastern hemlocks, sugar maples, paper birches and tamaracks. The park is replete with wildlife as well. Some species you may encounter on your visit include white-tailed deer, loons, beavers, hermit thrush and moose.
Hiking
There are plenty of trails of varying difficulty levels at Ricker Pond State Park. From this park, you will also have access to the 17 miles of trails in the Groton State Forest.
Boating
If you have your own boat, you can use the boat launch and spend the day on Ricker Pond. If you don't have a boat of your own, you can rent a canoe, kayak or row boat instead.
Biking
Ricker Pond State Park is part of the Cross-Vermont rail trail, which, when completed, will be a 75-mile biking trail from Burlington to Newbury. Its packed gravel bed and minimal incline make the trail family-friendly and accessible for those with disabilities.
How to Get to
Ricker Pond State Park
If you're coming into Ricker Pond State Park from the town of Groton, head west on U.S. 302 for two miles, then head northwest on VT 232 for two and a half miles.
Entering Ricker Pond State Park
Upon entering the park, you will be required to pay the day-use fee before parking. Operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. An adult must supervise children under the age of 14 at all times.
Ricker Pond State Park Entry Fee (adults) : $5.0
Ricker Pond State Park Entry Fee (children ages 4 - 13) : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Ricker Pond State Park
Camping season at Ricker Pond State Park starts on the Friday before Memorial Day and ends on the second Monday in October. You can stop by the park during the winter for activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling.
Ricker Pond State Park is home to many species of birds and mammals. Some animals you may see there include loons, white-tailed deer, moose, beavers and hermit thrush.
No, there aren't any designated RV camping spots in Ricker Pond State Park. RVs and tents are welcome at each campsite, but you should ask about the size of the site you'd prefer when you call to make your reservations.
Yes, reservations are necessary for camping at Ricker Pond State Park. A tent or RV site costs $20 per night for Vermont residents and $28 per night for non-residents. There is an extra fee of $2 per night for prime sites and a fee of $5 per person in groups larger than 4. If you choose a pet-friendly site, there is a $2 fee per pet per night.
Pets are allowed at Ricker Pond State Park, but you can't take them into the cabins and cottages or onto the swimming beach. Pets must always be on a leash, and you must clean up after them.