Ricker Pond State Park
VT · Groton
18 Ricker Pond Campground Rd, Groton, VT 05046
Ricker Pond State Park works best as a scenic doorway into bigger Groton riding, blending classic lake-country beauty with the pleasure of staying close to the trail network. In Groton, it feels less like checking off a trail and more like stepping into a ride with real atmosphere. What makes it memorable is the balance between beauty and utility. The arrival feels straightforward, the landscape quickly opens up, and the route delivers a satisfying sense of movement rather than a flat, one-note outing.
Riding guide
Highlights
A scenic Groton base for riders who want the forest nearby and the campground atmosphere a little more classic and low-key.
Riding
Riding from Ricker Pond is less about immediate on-site loops and more about how gracefully it connects you to the wider Groton system. State-park camping within the larger Groton State Forest system, with horseback riding access tied to the forest’s network of roads and multi-use trails. Depending on your route, the day can feel meditative, athletic, or a little of both. It rewards riders who enjoy moving through a landscape that changes as they go—wooded corridors, openings, elevation shifts, and those classic Vermont transitions between road, trail, and forest edge.
Trailer parking
Trailer access is more limited than at New Discovery, so riders should confirm current staging recommendations and whether their intended route is best approached from Ricker Pond or a nearby equestrian hub.
Horse regulations
Horseback riding is allowed in the broader Groton State Forest system, but riders should verify current routing, campground rules, and which trails are signed for multi-use.
Getting here
Ricker Pond takes a little more coordination than a dedicated horse camp, but the payoff is a beautiful base in one of Vermont’s most rider-friendly forest systems. Trailer access is more limited than at New Discovery, so riders should confirm current staging recommendations and whether their intended route is best approached from Ricker Pond or a nearby equestrian hub. For riders traveling with their own horses, a little pre-trip route planning goes a long way. This is one of those Vermont destinations where arriving prepared makes the whole day feel smoother—especially if you are hauling a larger rig or visiting in shoulder-season conditions.
Planning your visit
Best as part of a Groton-area trip rather than a stand-alone equestrian facility. Think of it as a scenic camp base with horse access nearby, not a fully dedicated horse camp. Trail maps and current conditions are worth checking before you leave home.
Where to stay
Ricker Pond works well for riders who value a beautiful campground setting and are comfortable handling a little more planning around where to stage and how to connect into the best riding routes.
Trails
No trails synced for this park yet.
Campgrounds
No campgrounds listed for this park.
Photos
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