Pachaug State Forest offers dedicated equestrian camping facilities for riders exploring eastern Connecticut. The Frog Hollow Horse Camp provides first-come, first-served sites specifically designed for horse owners with trailer parking, horselines, and direct trail access. Located approximately 25 miles southeast of Brooklyn, Connecticut, this forest campground maintains a rustic atmosphere with limited amenities but convenient access to extensive trail systems.
What to do
Trail riding accessibility: Three horseback riding loops depart directly from Frog Hollow Horse Camp, allowing riders immediate trail access throughout Pachaug State Forest. As camper Jean C. notes, "Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground. There's also fishing and hiking available in the forest."
Water activities: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers a swimming pond and small brook with historic features. According to reviewer Jean C., "There's a small playground in the middle of the loop, a number of hiking trails throughout the park along with a few geocaches, a swimming pond, and a small brook with an old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours."
Explore historic sites: The Mashamoquet Brook area contains preserved historic structures open seasonally for visitors. Gary G. reports: "Wished we had time to check out the hiking trails accessible from the campground," highlighting the recreational options beyond horseback riding for visitors to the area.
What campers like
Secluded camping experience: Frog Hollow Horse Camp maintains a quieter atmosphere than many established campgrounds, with approximately half the sites remaining available even during peak fall weekends. According to one camper review, "About half the sites were occupied in late October."
Clean facilities: Normandy Farms Campground in nearby Foxborough, Massachusetts (about 40 minutes from Brooklyn) receives consistent praise for maintenance. Matt T. states: "Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground," while another camper notes it's "super easy to get around" with "clean" restrooms.
Well-defined campsites: Wolf Den Campground features paved parking pads with good site separation. According to a recent visitor, "Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night." The park maintains clearly marked site boundaries and open recreational areas.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many equestrian facilities in the region operate seasonally with limited posted information. LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area in Rhode Island's Arcadia Management Area offers electric and water hookups but lacks toilet facilities, while Mashamoquet Brook State Park operates from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the wooded areas near Brooklyn, Connecticut. One camper advises: "Download details for offline use as phone connection is spotty" when referring to geocaching at Mashamoquet Brook.
Facility differences: Mashamoquet Brook State Park contains two separate campgrounds with different amenity levels. As one experienced camper explains: "Be aware there are 2 campgrounds at this State Park; the other one, Mashamoquet Brook, does not offer running water/showers, so if you want these amenities, be sure to select a campsite 1-35."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The Preserve Club and Residences in Rhode Island offers exceptional family-friendly facilities, though as a members-only property. Chris M. describes it as "New England's most amenity rich properties" with "a diverse amount of outdoor offerings."
Site selection strategy: At Mashamoquet Brook, select sites toward the back of the loop for more privacy. One reviewer advises: "The ones toward the back of the loop back up toward the woods and give you some more privacy."
Activities planning: Normandy Farms provides scheduled activities during summer months that appeal to different age groups. A satisfied camper shares: "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
Tips from RVers
Electric availability: Limited electrical hookups exist at equestrian campgrounds near Brooklyn, Connecticut. At Mashamoquet Brook State Park, only one site offers electrical service. As reviewer Jean C. notes: "Site 20 is the only one with electric."
Site length considerations: Equestrian camping sites accommodate trailers but may present challenges for larger RVs. According to one camper's observation at Mashamoquet Brook: "Most sites are relatively short level pads, with little or no shade, but very pleasant. We picked site 33 for the best shade and longer pad."
Hookup variations: When seeking full-service sites, compare facility options carefully. Douglas L. found Normandy Farms offered "great spot, clean, fun and easy access," though it's about 45 minutes from Brooklyn. However, most equestrian-focused campgrounds offer only partial hookups or primitive camping.
