Is Ricker Pond State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Ricker Pond State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ricker Pond State Park before I book?

Yes! Ricker Pond State Park has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ricker Pond State Park?

Ricker Pond State Park is open Open Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ricker Pond State Park?

Yes, Ricker Pond State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Ricker Pond State Park?

Fire policies at Ricker Pond State Park: Fires allowed in provided fire rings; firewood is available for purchase on-site. Visitors are expected to follow park fire rules and recycling procedures.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Ricker Pond State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ricker Pond State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ricker Pond State Park?

Ricker Pond State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ricker Pond State Park?

Popular activities at Ricker Pond State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ricker Pond State Park

4.87

38 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,148 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Various State Parks (ReserveAmerica)Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,148 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Various State Parks (ReserveAmerica)Official Website

Get Directions

Ricker Pond State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Updated prices in effect starting July 1, 2025. For a complete list of park fees, please visit our fees page. RV/Tent Site: VT Residents $20,...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Ricker Pond State Park

44.2458, -72.2538

Weather at Ricker Pond State Park

Best Time to Camp at Ricker Pond State Park

The campground opens its gates from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, perfectly timed to capture Vermont's glorious summer season. Warm days invite you to dive into refreshing pond waters, paddle across glassy morning surfaces, and enjoy long evenings around the campfire. Summer brings ideal conditions for all water activities, with comfortable temperatures that make this forest sanctuary a perfect seasonal escape from the everyday.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Columbus Day; early fall likely scenic with foliage and milder weather.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend

About Ricker Pond State Park

Firewood:Do not bring firewood into Vermont state parks from outside the state, unless it is packaged, labeled, and heat-treated. The label must show it is certified by the USDA or another state’s agriculture department. To learn more, view ourCamping Policies and Rules. Vermont State Parks offer many ways to camp. You can choose from: All sites are surrounded by Vermont's beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, and fields.

Mix of tent areas, lean-tos, tent/trailer sites and a small cabin; campground is described as rustic with no utility hookups.

Historical Significance

Development work at the park was done by Civilian Conservation Corps crews in the 1930s; the area includes CCC-built features and is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground opens its gates from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, perfectly timed to capture Vermont's glorious summer season. Warm days invite you to dive into refreshing pond waters, paddle across glassy morning surfaces, and enjoy long evenings around the campfire. Summer brings ideal conditions for all water activities, with comfortable temperatures that make this forest sanctuary a perfect seasonal escape from the everyday.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite nestles among towering trees on rocky, forested hillsides that embrace the sparkling waters of Ricker Pond. The 95-acre pond features inviting sandy shores that beckon swimmers and sunbathers, while the surrounding 27,000 acres of Groton State Forest create an immersive backcountry experience. Ancient trees filter dappled sunlight onto your site, and the gentle sound of water lapping the shore provides a soothing soundtrack to your wilderness getaway.

Geological RegionWithin Groton State Forest; sits on the shore of 95-acre Ricker Pond

Scenic ViewsSome campsites are close to the water or offer pond views; Section A contains the western waterfront loop and lean-tos.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReserveAmerica / UseDirect (UseDirect-based reservation system)

Best CampsitesSection A (western waterfront loop with lean-tos and boat launch) is favored for water access; Section B is a tent area near the beach and picnic pavilion; Section C contains eastern tent/trailer sites and a small cabin.

Need help booking Ricker Pond State Park?

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ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Restrooms with flush toilets and hot/cold running water, coin-operated showers, potable drinking-water spigots, picnic tables and fire rings at sites, RV sanitary dump station (no hookups), swimming beach, picnic pavilion, canoe/kayak rentals, and firewood available for purchase.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreation on and around 95-acre Ricker Pond and within Groton State Forest, including swimming at a sandy beach, paddling/boating, fishing, hiking and mountain biking on nearby forest trails; nature and interpretive programs available at the Groton Nature Center.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo major hazards listed. Visitors report that some sites can experience localized flooding during heavy rain events (visitor report). No specific wildlife hazards or cell coverage details provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.9

38 reviews

Top-Rated

Ricker Pond State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitor feedback is strongly positive: campers highlight clean facilities, friendly and helpful staff, peaceful wooded sites, and excellent pond recreation. The park is popular and often fills up quickly during peak season.

Review Summaries

Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and coin-operated showers; well-spaced, quiet wooded campsites; helpful staff; swimming beach, boat launch and canoe/kayak rentals; close access to Groton State Forest trails and...

Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring recyclables to the entrance shack and plan to buy firewood on-site. Expect rustic/no-hookup camping and arrive early in peak season; reviewers note a spot by the woodshed bench where cell...

Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Very nice camp sites, pretty lake.” — “Tent campsites are quiet and private. Great place to kayak or enjoy the small beach.”

Based on 38 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Tent campers and families who want honest Vermont woods camping: swim off a sandy beach, rent a canoe, hike Groton State Forest trails, and sleep in well-spaced wooded sites. Section A's waterfront loop is the prize, so book early on ReserveAmerica.

Skip if

RV campers needing electric, water, or sewer hookups will find none here. Cell service is nearly nonexistent across most of the park, and small, high-demand sites mean if you haven't reserved weeks ahead in July or August, you're probably out of luck.

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