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Ricker Pond State Park Campground provides pet-friendly accommodations amid Vermont's Groton State Forest, about 45 miles east of Bolton Valley. The campground allows dogs at all sites including tent areas, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options. Leashed pets are permitted throughout the main camping areas and along the park's hiking trails. Lafayette Place Campground in nearby Franconia Notch State Park also welcomes pets, offering drive-in and walk-in access for both tent and RV campers. Most of these pet-friendly campgrounds feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grates, and access to drinking water. Many campers appreciate the lack of cell service at Ricker Pond, allowing for distraction-free time outdoors with their pets.
The Cross Vermont Trail runs directly through Ricker Pond State Park, providing an excellent pet exercise option with miles of rail trail perfect for dog walking. Water-loving dogs enjoy swimming access at designated areas, though pets must remain leashed while in the water. Several campgrounds in the region offer waterfront sites where pets can cool off during summer months. Lost River Valley Campground features 155 sites with full RV hookups plus pet-friendly cabin accommodations, particularly appealing to those traveling with multiple pets. Visitors often mention the considerate nature of fellow campers regarding pet rules and quiet hours. The surrounding Groton State Forest trail system provides extensive hiking opportunities where leashed dogs can join their owners on various terrain, from gentle pond loops to more challenging woodland paths.
"This campground is easy to access, though owing to that one can hear traffic on the nearby road. The lake is beautiful, clear and clean, and there is a beach with sand for swimming."
"The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing."
from $19 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Surprising that campground does not allow pets. The campground is close to main road and was noisy at night. Visitor center and Flume Trail are nearby."
"We camped here as a jumping-off point for the popular Lincoln-Lafayette-Little Haystack loop, which is walking distance from the campground."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Easy to get in, out, and around to the sites. Our campsite backed up to a babbling creek that was perfect to wake up to!"
"Nice campground located in the valley of mountains. Wooded sites but close to your neighbors."
from $62 - $209 / night
Check Availability"Plenty of walking for dogs with a natural pool for them to swim in and the large pool with pirate ship is perfect for little kids with the beach entry. easy location to get to with a travel trailer too"
"Both times were very different experiences, but overall very positive. Just because there are a few, I will mention the cons first."
from $49 - $129 / night
Check Availability"Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year. 3 night get away with son, and first time on Kettle pond."
"Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest."
"5 stars for the setting in the pines overlooking the lake with spacious sites (except those along side the lake). 3 stars for lack of cell service and no WiFi . I would definitely stay again."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"Check-in happens at Stillwater, purchase your firewood and drive the 2 min down to Big Deer. For Vermont, these sites felt close, but we could still get privacy."
"Very nice sites, most have good privacy and are rather large - many of them also have large boulders around them! Access to Boulder Beach is included, which is a short walk or drive down the road."
from $45 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away in a beautiful part of Vermont, the campground is right on Groton Lake with a swimming area and designated boat launch."
"We brought our dog as well. Busy, depending on the time of year, so may be a little loud at night. RV sites available. Large campsites with fire pits and picnic tables."
"Great place to unwind and if like us you are adventurous you can get on the trail system nearby and walk it, bike it and trail bike it as well."
from $30 - $43 / night
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ScoutThe grounds are well maintained with flowers planted everywhere. Staff is extra friendly. Bathrooms and showers could use updating but were spotless. Very pet friendly with dog park, agility equipment, dog pond and dog wash.
GuideWe just spent 5 days at this wonderful campground. They have paid attention to all of the finer details. Beautiful landscaping, well leveled sites, very clean and neat. The staff is wonderful. My only disappointment with the camp is that there are only a few sites with sewer hookup. However, the dumping station is conveniently located, so if you have a small tank, daily trips are not a problem. There is plenty to do in the area - Littleton is a beautiful little town. The old houses in are incredible. New Hampshire is not a dog friendly state, but a short Drive into Vermont gets you access to many fine restaurants where you can bring your dog. Be sure to visit Dog Mountain in Vermont- a truly touching memorial to departed pets.
GuideVery nice, clean campsite. Staff are very friendly and helpful. Campsites are spread out, great dog walking areas , and very spacious dog parks, one for big dos and one for little ones.
ScoutWe enjoyed our stay here and our dog loved the dog park! We would highly recommend this campground.
GuideThe Chocorua KOA is a great campground with super friendly staff, a variety of sites and lots of activities and things to do for everyone in the family.
We stayed with two other families on pull-through full hook-up sites 43, 45, and 47. Although we were on the main road, we really enjoyed these sites. They were wooded and in a central location close to the playgrounds, pavilion, beach and nature trails. Site 45 was pretty narrow but the other two sites had a bit more space so we mostly used 43 and 47 to hang out. We especially loved that the pull-through road behind our sites was not a main access road so we had a nice long stretch of road that was just for us. We played games and the kids road bikes without having to worry about cars driving through.
There are also a lot of really nice tent sites along the water, cabins, teepees, lodges and great areas for groups to camp. They are fairly strict with quiet hours so it is a very quiet campground at night.
The facilities are nice and clean. The pavilion and fire pit area are a nice place to gather with games and a mining station to enjoy. There are two playgrounds for little and big kids. The bathrooms are quite dated but clean. The pool is freezing cold so the kids didn’t swim much. The beach area is small and not deep enough to swim but the kids enjoyed playing in the sand and water. There are a lot of options for boat rentals- paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and row boats. There is a beautiful board walk that leads through the marsh to a system of short nature trails. We really enjoyed walking the trails though some need a lot of work due to fallen trees and overgrowth. There were also a lot of free activities for the kids like crafts, wagon rides and games with a full schedule of events. You really never have to leave this campground!
This is also an incredibly dog-friendly campground with a fun dog park, a special swimming pond just for dogs and doggie day care available. This is one of the most pet loving campgrounds we’ve ever camped in and our pup loved it!!
We had a great trip and will definitely be back!
TravelerWe stayed in a cabin with our pup. This place was very clean and loaded with amenities: pool, dog park, events, open fields, deer, store, etc. This was glamping with a fire pit 😃 There were plenty of sites for all size RV’s with hook-ups. A town with lots to do and see is nearby including hiking trails.
GuideThis campground is drive in and never touch the car again. Two huge sites that can be rented in tandem as a group site. Each site has a prep table, picnic table, fire pit, 5 gallons of fresh water, a raised platform for tents, and a porta potty. Very spacious sites. Easily two camoer vans and two tents on each site. Site is at the bottom of Kitchel and Herbs trails, atop the exit/entrance trails into the village of East Burke. Showers are a short walk away at Mike's Tiki Bar, in the Kingdom parking lot. The sites can be reserved, and usually are up to a year in advance. So call ahead! Sites are pet friendly and there's lots of space for big dogs to run around. Sites are super private from the outside world. This place is truly a hidden gem that can make your trip.
TravelerIt was an easy campground to navigate. We were so fortunate, we stayed at another campground and check out was at noon. We were sitting on the side of the foothills entrance ( check in time was 2:00), the owner allowed us to enter early. I would like to thank him very much for that. The new owners are working diligently on updating the facilities and working very hard doing it. While we were there they were working on one of the roads that got a bit washed out, and also working on updating the dog park. Campground is very clean. Only draw back was it is very close to Route 16 and some places in campground were a bit noisy. We were so happy to have visited this site!
LegendThis is a small family-owned and operated campground just a few miles outside of St. Johnsbury, Vermont. The campground abuts the Moose River which makes for a pretty backdrop and wonderful place to dip your toes in the water. The shallow river is a clear flowing rocky river.
The campground is a mix of seasonal and transient campers with sites large enough to fit big rigs. There is also a rental camper and cabin available. There were tent sites but the owner mentioned they may fade those out. We stayed in a large pull thru (well over 125’), full hook-up site in the center section of the campground. (Site 27 @ $47/night). The electric worked fine and the sewer was easily reached with my 20’ sewer hose. The pad was gravel (as were the roads) and the patio was nice grass. Cable television is available and produced 32 stations. Our Verizon hotspot and phone worked well.
There are lots of activities at this park. It seems like every week there was a community bonfire where lots of palettes were set ablaze. During our stay, there was a potluck dinner in which the owners supplied roast beef and hosted us in a large covered pavilion. One evening they drove around the campground offering free ice cream sandwiches or drum sticks. Some mornings they supplied free bagels or donuts and always had free coffee. And, there were people always on the porch playing cards. Amenities include river access, a decent size dog park, large covered pavilion, bathhouse and laundry. When you arrive, you are given a swag bag with printed information about the surrounding area and businesses. This is a really nice touch because the reusable bag can be used in the grocery store as plastic bags have been banned in Vermont.
If you can score a riverfront site those are nice to sit outside and enjoy a fire. The pull thru sites are very close on one side as each RV pulls in the opposite direction; however, the sites are so long that if you pull up far enough you are not looking at your neighbor. Your patio opens to a neighbor but the sites are far enough away that it’s not a bother and you don’t feel like you are on top of them. Probably the nicest site in the park is #23 which is a back-in site with your patio facing the river.
The campground is in a good location, just a few miles from downtown St. Johnsbury, just a mile or so from “Dog Mountain,” and about 15 miles from Littleton, New Hampshire. There is a town forest just a few miles away that has some nice hiking trails. The campground is pretty small so we were happy to find places to hike with our dog.
Camping options near Bolton Valley, Vermont occupy elevations between 800-1,500 feet across the Groton State Forest region. Located approximately 30 miles east of Burlington, this area experiences dramatic temperature variations between seasons, with summer evenings often dropping 20-30 degrees from daytime highs. Winter camping isn't available at most parks in this region, with seasonal operations typically running Memorial Day through mid-October.
Paddling on quiet ponds: At Kettle Pond State Park Campground, visitors enjoy motorboat-free waters perfect for canoes and kayaks. "The pond itself is fantastic for water activities and the loop around the pond is a great walk or moderate hike - takes about 2.5 hours," notes Ruby L. Families particularly enjoy the clear, rock-bottom swimming areas.
Hiking trail networks: The extensive Franconia Notch State Park trail system offers numerous day-hiking options. "If you're looking for easy to strenuous hikes that can be accessed from one place, this is the spot! You can access at least 6 of the NH48 from this campground, numerous waterfalls, two AMC huts, and several ponds and lakes all within hiking distance," shares Chelsea M.
Rope swings and swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer unique water features beyond standard beaches. "If you paddle or swim to the other side of the camp ground, there is a huge rock with a rope swing," explains Hannah H. about Ricker Pond. During summer months, water temperatures reach the mid-70s, making swimming comfortable from late June through early September.
Distinctive sites with privacy: Ricker Pond State Park Campground offers various camping options including waterfront sites and wooded areas. "Staying at Ricker Pond was awesome. It was late in the season and mid week so it was pretty quiet around the park. Also super close to some great hikes like owls head," shares Rachel N. Sites 22 and 23 are particularly popular for their water access.
Disconnecting completely: Limited connectivity is considered a feature, not a drawback, by many visitors. "This is a pretty small State Park, so it fills up quickly. The sites on the pond are beautiful if you can get one! The campground has a small beach, boat launch and it's right on the Cross Vermont Trail. I stayed in October and it was really quiet and relaxing. There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," writes Michele S.
Rail trail access: Many pet-friendly campgrounds connect directly to the Cross Vermont Trail. At Big Deer State Park Campground, "the best part of this campground is its access to hiking trails in Groton State Forest - there is an access point right in the park with connections to New Discovery State Park, Big and Little Dear Mountains, the Nature Center and Boulder Beach," according to Tim R.
Advanced booking essential: Many of these smaller Vermont state parks fill up months in advance, especially for holiday weekends and peak foliage season. "I've been visiting Ricker Pond for nearly 20 years (except for the years that I don't book enough in advance and aren't able to secure a spot for my desired length of stay)," explains Neena B.
Park entrance logistics: Several parks require check-in at neighboring facilities. "Check in for this park happens up the road at Stillwater State Park. I would probably stay somewhere else before staying here again. But if the surrounding parks are full (common this summer), this location allowed us to still explore the area and enjoy some time outdoors," notes Sarah C. about Big Deer.
Limited services: Pleasant Valley Campground offers a balance of amenities while maintaining a natural setting. "This campground offers seasonal sites (my friend's parents got one this season) and has all the necessities to hook up your RV and create your own temporary summer escape... Sites are spacious, but most are rather close to one another - especially the waterfront ones which are packed in there," explains Tim R.
Activity planning: Some parks offer scheduled activities while others focus on natural recreation. "The staff have gone the extra mile and planted flowers along many of the choicest camping areas... Paddling out on the lake has to be the best way to enjoy this wonderful area. With boats available for rent, you don't even need to bring your own," shares Shari G.
Location strategy: When staying at larger facilities like Moose Hillock Camping Resort, site selection matters. "The hilly terrain is insaneeee! If you have never been before, book a sight as close as possible to the pool and office, because the further you get, the higher the altitude. We chose bottom of the hill sites so we lucked out but it could've been very difficult to navigate with two/three very young kids," advises Jessica W.
Campground beach options: "The water is delicious by the way, so don't bother with any bottled variety– this is the good stuff," notes Shari G. about mountain water quality. At more developed dog-friendly campgrounds, designated swimming areas typically include shallow entry points, though pets must remain on leash even when swimming in designated areas.
Site size considerations: Lost River Valley Campground accommodates larger rigs while maintaining natural surroundings. "Beautiful campground! Every site is surrounded by trees, most near a creek too. Very friendly and clean facilities. Some sites are a bit cozy, but ask about sites together if camping in a group," advises Sarah S.
Limited hookup availability: Even at campgrounds that accept RVs, full hookups may be limited. "The one area I see room for improvement is in the plastic mesh back. I felt it could be a bit softer, but overall found it comfortable," Rita M. mentions regarding facilities at Stillwater. Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Bolton Valley limit generator usage to specific hours.
Winter preparation: Most campgrounds in this region close by mid-October as temperatures regularly drop below freezing at night. Visitors with RVs during shoulder seasons should prepare for potential freezing temperatures and bring appropriate hose insulators if water hookups are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bolton Valley, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bolton Valley, VT is Ricker Pond State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bolton Valley, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 210 dog-friendly camping locations near Bolton Valley, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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