Pachaug State Forest contains the Frog Hollow Horse Camp, which offers primitive camping sites for equestrian visitors. The campground features individual sites arranged around a central loop with space for camping gear and horse trailers. Water is available, and three riding trails connect directly to the camping area. During fall weekends, approximately half the campsites remain open, providing moderate availability for visitors.
What to do
Trail riding access: Three distinct horseback riding loops originate directly from Frog Hollow Horse Camp, providing immediate trail access without trailer relocation. "The three horseback riding loops leave from the campground," notes one camper from Frog Hollow, who also mentions additional recreational options like "fishing and hiking available in the forest."
Visit nearby preserves: The Preserve Club in Rhode Island offers diverse outdoor recreation approximately 30 minutes from Killingworth. "New England's most amenity rich properties, in fact it may be the only place in the world that has such a diverse amount of outdoor offerings," according to Chris M., highlighting the unique concentration of activities available.
Explore forest hiking: Mashamoquet Brook State Park provides hiking trails accessible from the campground. "One of my all time favorite hikes," shares Mike C., with another visitor noting, "a number of hiking trails throughout the park along with a few geocaches (download details for offline use as phone connection is spotty)."
What campers like
Beach access options: Shinnecock East County Park offers beachfront camping within driving distance of Killingworth. "Camping directly on the beach at one of the nicest beaches in the world. You cannot find another place like this!!" says Kayla G., pointing to the rare coastal camping opportunity. Another visitor mentions "beautiful on the bay or ocean side. They also have a hill top section."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points provide fishing near Killingworth area campgrounds. At Shinnecock East, Anthony M. reports, "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing." This provides both saltwater and calmer bay fishing options.
Natural quiet: Weekday camping offers particularly peaceful experiences at many campgrounds. One visitor to Mashamoquet Brook State Park describes, "Stayed here on a Tuesday night... totally silent. No road noise. Most sites are relatively short level pads, with little or no shade, but very pleasant."
What you should know
Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between equestrian campgrounds near Killingworth. While Frog Hollow Horse Camp offers primitive camping without electric hookups, LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area provides both 30-amp and 50-amp electric service for those requiring power.
Reservation systems: Most horse campgrounds operate on different reservation protocols. Frog Hollow operates on a first-come, first-served basis, making advance planning necessary during peak seasons.
Seasonal considerations: Many Connecticut state park campgrounds operate seasonally. Mashamoquet Brook State Park operates "May 26 to September 4," according to their listing information, making off-season camping unavailable.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer designated play areas for children. At Mashamoquet Brook State Park, Gino D. describes, "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides," offering recreation options for younger campers.
Open recreation space: Look for campgrounds with open areas for family activities. At Mashamoquet Brook, a camper notes, "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night. Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail."
Bathroom facilities: Campground restroom quality varies significantly. A visitor to Mashamoquet notes, "Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly," while others mention composting toilets at Frog Hollow as the only bathroom option.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Mashamoquet Brook State Park, a visitor notes, "Most sites are relatively short level pads," though they found "site 33 for the best shade and longer pad."
Water and electric hookups: RVers should confirm utility access before booking. At Sears Bellows, Vivian T. notes "the only down fall no electricity," while another camper clarifies, "This campground does not have an electric hook up but generators are allowed!"
Parking surfaces: Paved parking pads provide more stable setup for RVs. At Mashamoquet Brook, one visitor describes, "The parking pads are paved and a few have overhanging branches, but the trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites."
