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Ricker Pond State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its sites with camping options for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping areas. Dogs remain welcome in all sites including waterfront locations, with campers noting the spacious, well-maintained grounds provide ample room for pets to enjoy. Most state parks in Groton State Forest maintain consistent pet policies requiring dogs to be leashed at all times except in designated exercise areas. Stillwater, Big Deer, and New Discovery State Park campgrounds also permit pets with similar guidelines. Pleasant Valley Campground provides pet-friendly sites with both tent and RV options while offering clean facilities including showers and drinking water. The campground perimeter includes trails suitable for dog walking, and many waterfront sites accommodate pets with room for exercise along the shoreline.
Groton State Forest connects multiple pet-friendly camping areas with accessible trails suited for leashed dogs, including the Cross Vermont Trail that runs through Ricker Pond campground and offers miles of relatively flat terrain perfect for dog walking. The rail trail accessible directly from several campgrounds provides excellent morning exercise options for pets before temperatures rise. Lake access varies by location, with Stillwater offering a designated swimming area near pet-friendly sites. Sites backing onto Ricker Pond allow convenient water access for dogs needing cooling off during summer months. Limited cell service throughout the area means veterinary contact information should be gathered in advance, with the nearest emergency animal services located approximately 25-30 minutes away. Visitors camping with dogs in early autumn should pack extra warmth for pets as temperatures can drop significantly overnight in Vermont's mountain region.
"When we first heard of the North East Kingdom of Vermont, we had no idea where people were talking about, but something idyllic and natural came to mind."
"It’s located along with several other state parks in the Groton State Forest so there’s so much to do! Clear mountain lake? Check! Miles of stunning hiking trails? Check! Rail trails? Check!"
from $19 - $110 / night
Check Availability"Kettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest."
"We enjoyed being that close to our boats and swimming for the kids."
"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."
"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."
"Tucked away in a beautiful part of Vermont, the campground is right on Groton Lake with a swimming area and designated boat launch."
"**Campground Review **
Stillwater State Park in Groton VT is a delightful retreat, nestled on the shores of Lake Groton. The campground has a mix of lean-tos and tent sites."
"Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion. Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at."
"There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"I come here more than Groton state parks nowadays because they are so expensive and always very booked. I can call the week before and get a spot here, which I love!"
"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"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"The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use. The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers."
from $35 / night
"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 Availabilityfrom $45 - $58 / night
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ScoutThis is one of our favorite places to camp in Vermont. The sites are fairly private without being built too close together. Lake is clean and has a great concrete dock that the kids love to jump off. They have boat rentals and nature tours on the lake led by the state park faculty. When the kids get tired from swimming they're a nice beach area and playground.
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.
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.
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.
ScoutKettle Pond is a classic northern pond set in Vermont's Groton State Forest. Besides the group camping area, which can get busy, the pond has six lean-tos (across the pond from the group sites) and one tent site. They've got fire pits, crappers and a fair amount of privacy. The first two lean-tos are a few hundred feet apart. But the rest are fairly private, spread out along a trail that rings the pond. You must park in the lot and walk to all these sites. The farthest, most remote site, is about a mile from the parking lot. Here's a map: https://vtstateparks.com/assets/pdf/groton-remote.pdf
TravelerClean and quiet, good for kids and pets are welcome. There are 2 bathrooms with coin operated showers. There are sites for campers, tents, and a handful of lean tos. It’s a short hike down to Quechee Gorge, where you can cool off in the shallow water.
It’s very close to Quechee village and Woodstock so there are plenty of other activities, shopping, and dining options near by.
Rangers also run fun programs for children- my children churned butter and made popcorn over the campfire one night, and made tie dyed T-shirts the next (for no fee.)
Pets are welcome.
Groton State Forest encompasses over 26,000 acres in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, with camping elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet above sea level. The forest contains seven distinct state parks offering camping options, with overnight temperatures that can vary significantly between summer days in the 80s and evenings dipping into the 40s. Camping accommodations include tent sites, RV areas, cabins, lean-tos, and remote pond access campsites.
Canoeing on motor-free waters: Kettle Pond State Park offers secluded paddling experiences on a glacially-carved pond. "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. The park prohibits motorized boats, creating a peaceful environment for wildlife observation.
Hiking the Cross Vermont Trail: New Discovery State Park Campground provides direct trail access to regional hiking networks. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it. Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," according to Rick S. Hiking options range from flat rail trails to steeper mountain paths.
Fishing in local ponds: Pleasant Valley Campground offers fishing access on Ticklenaked Pond. "My friend and I took my son fishing and we landed some nice size fish big enough it scared my 7 year old son and he made me real it in," shares Chris H. The Connecticut River nearby provides additional fishing opportunities for species including trout and bass.
Quiet, rustic sites: Kettle Pond State Park Campground features remote lean-to sites accessible only by boat or hiking. "Remote campsite #9 was a bit wet this spring but in truth everything has been wet here in Vermont this year. The site had plenty of places to hang our hammocks," says Rick S. These sites require planning as they lack running water and are approximately one mile from parking.
Swimming areas: Stillwater State Park Campground offers beach access and waterfront sites. "The lake water was beautiful and clear. There was enough sand at the camper beach for sand castles and other beach games," notes Rita M. The designated swimming areas provide family-friendly recreation options during summer months.
Diverse accommodations: Ricker Pond State Park features various lodging options including waterfront lean-tos. "My favorite lean to site is directly on the water, private, and fills up fast. My favorite cabin site, is set back from the water, is private, and also fills fast for the season," says Neena B. Reservations typically open in January and waterfront sites book quickly for summer months.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal throughout the Groton State Forest. "There is absolutely no cell service for miles, so plan accordingly," advises Michele S. from Ricker Pond State Park Campground. The nearest reliable connection points are in larger towns approximately 25-30 minutes away.
Reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak 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. Reservations open in January and waterfront sites often book completely by March.
Weather variability: The mountain region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. "Getting here isn't direct or easy, but the reward is worth it. Leave your mobile devices off, because cell towers haven't quite made it to this quiet corner of the woods," shares Shari G. Nighttime temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer months.
Bike-friendly options: Big Deer State Park offers family-friendly biking opportunities. "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," notes Tim R. The rail trail provides relatively flat terrain suitable for children of various ages.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for local wildlife including loons, beavers and moose. "We were able to watch the Loons teaching its chicks to hunt for food," shares M.A.D. P. about River Meadow Campground. Morning and evening hours offer the best viewing opportunities along pond shorelines.
Accessible swimming: Big Deer State Park Campground provides nearby beach access. "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," explains Tim R. Swimming areas include both deeper water sections and shallow entry points suitable for young children.
Limited hookup options: Dog friendly campgrounds near Groton typically offer basic amenities. "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," notes Paul Y. about Pleasant Valley Campground. Most state parks do not provide electrical or water hookups directly at sites.
Supply planning requirements: Limited nearby services require advance planning. "The nearby town of Groton has a gas station with a small grocery store for all the most important staples (marshmallows, chocolate, bread, beer) at least one small restaurant," reports Shari G. The nearest full-service grocery stores are 25-30 minutes from campgrounds, making meal planning essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Groton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Groton, VT is Ricker Pond State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 191 dog-friendly camping locations near Groton, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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