Ricker Pond State Park, established in the 1930’s, is located on the western shores of Ricker Pond and adjacent to the Montpelier-Wells Rail Trail (Cross Vermont Trail).

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 through the accessible network of waterways.

The rocky, tree covered hillsides were originally cloaked with white pine, spruce, hemlock, beech, maple and birch. These 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/seasonal homes and a variety of outdoor recreation activities.

Groton State Forest, with over 26,000 acres, is the second largest landholding administered by the Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation. It contains over 17 miles of hiking trails and over 20 miles of gravel roads and multi-use trails suitable for mountain biking and horseback riding.

Facilities / Amenities
The campground has 26 tent/RV sites, 23 lean-tos, 5 cabins and 2 cottages available to rent. Two of the three campground restrooms include coin-operated hot showers. A sanitary dump station is available, but there are no hookups. There is also a swimming beach, boat launch, boat rentals, and shelter for campers, as well as access to miles of hiking and biking trails.

Both the original cottage and the Perry Merrill Cottage are located on the waterfront. Both cottages sleep 4 people and both come with canoes on site. All of the 5 cabins are on wooded sites, and 2 have water views.

Park Interpreter
This park has a park interpreter offering fun, hands-on activities. Interpreters are park staff solely dedicated to helping you learn more about the natural and cultural history of the park. Some popular activities include night hikes, nature crafts and games, campfire programs and amphibian explorations.