Ricker Pond State Park wilderness guide
State Park · VT

Ricker Pond State Park

Ricker Pond State Park in Vermont offers serene natural beauty with its tranquil pond and forested landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing.

State Park2752+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

275

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Ricker Pond State Park

Ricker Pond State Park in Vermont offers serene natural beauty with its tranquil pond and forested landscapes, ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and fishing.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Ricker Pond State Park is a scenic state park located in Groton, Vermont. Part of the larger Groton State Forest, it covers a serene and lush area predominantly characterized by Ricker Pond itself and surrounding woodlands. Its geography includes gently rolling terrain, mixed hardwood forests, and the scenic allure of the pond, making it a desirable location for nature lovers. The park's ecology supports a variety of wildlife, including bird species, white-tailed deer, and small mammals. Fishing opportunities abound in Ricker Pond, known for species like perch and native trout. Established in the mid-20th century, the park is a crucial part of the Vermont state park system, fostering outdoor recreation and conservation. Visitors can delight in hiking trails, the vibrant foliage in autumn, and camping sites that provide tranquility and a connection to nature. The park is also a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking on the pond's calm waters, offering a refreshing retreat into nature.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Ricker Pond State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Ricker Pond offers peaceful canoeing and kayaking opportunities.✦ The park is part of the extensive Groton State Forest, which hosts diverse wildlife.✦ Scenic hiking trails with views of Vermont's lush countryside.✦ Ideal fall foliage viewing, with stunning autumn colors.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Ricker Pond State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Ricker Pond State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day use fee required during the summer season.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Ricker Pond State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Ricker Pond Campground

Located along Ricker Pond's shore, offering both tent and RV sites with scenic views.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Ricker Pond State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Marshfield, Vermont
⌖ 5.32 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Marshfield, Vermont

Marshfield, Vermont is a quiet rural town rich in peaceful trails, paddling spots, and cross-country ski routes. It offers a relaxed outdoor experience amid forested hills and river valleys, ideal for travelers seeking nature and serenity off the main tourist paths.

Late Spring to Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing
Explore Town
Peacham, Vermont
⌖ 6.39 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Peacham, Vermont

Peacham, VT offers a peaceful retreat for adventurers with its hiking, biking, and skiing. Discover the area's picturesque trails, water activities, and charming landscapes ideal for outdoor lovers.

Fall
Explore Town
Plainfield, Vermont
⌖ 6.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Plainfield, Vermont

Plainfield, Vermont offers a quiet, rural escape with hiking, mountain biking, and paddling amid rolling hills and rich fall colors. Ideal in autumn and winter for serene outdoor exploration near Groton State Forest.

Fall and Winter
Explore Town
Groton, Vermont
⌖ 7.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Groton, Vermont

Groton, Vermont is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquil hiking, camping, and water activities. With its serene lakes and lush forests, it's an ideal spot for year-round adventures.

Fall
Explore Town
Danville, Vermont
⌖ 11.10 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Danville, Vermont

Danville, Vermont offers a quiet, rural escape with scenic hiking, paddling, and winter sports amid the Green Mountains. Its Sleepers River Recreation Area provides peaceful trails and waterways for low-impact outdoor fun all year.

Late Spring to Early Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Explore Town
Orange, Vermont
⌖ 11.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Orange, Vermont

Orange, Vermont offers quiet forests, gentle paddling on the Waits River, and peaceful trails for hiking and winter sports. It’s a perfect low-key destination for outdoor lovers wanting authentic Vermont nature without crowds.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Ricker Pond State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Vast Quiet: Half‑Day Kayaking on Moore Reservoir
ADVEXPEDITION
Littleton, New Hampshire
KayakADV Bookable

Vast Quiet: Half‑Day Kayaking on Moore Reservoir

A four‑hour, self‑guided kayak rental on Moore Reservoir that lets you land anywhere, swim in secluded coves, and soak in White Mountain views.

KayakPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump
ADVEXPEDITION
Burlington, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

A roughly two‑hour, four‑mile paddle from Waterbury that threads gentle currents, Vermont farmland vistas and steady birdlife—this guide explains what to expect and how to match the right craft to the river.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street
ADVEXPEDITION
Richmond, Virginia
Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents tubes daily from its Richmond store (and Stowe); this guide explains pickup, timing, and the self‑shuttle vs. operator shuttle options to plan a seamless float.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak
ADVEXPEDITION
Stowe, Vermont
Boat TourADV Bookable

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip