Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest offers 25 first-come, first-served campsites specifically designed for equestrians in Connecticut's second-largest state forest. Located within 20 miles of Montville, this primitive campground sits at approximately 400 feet elevation in a mixed hardwood forest environment. The campground operates seasonally from April through November with camping fees separate from the required horseback riding permit for Connecticut state lands.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Three separate horseback riding loops depart directly from Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest, offering rides ranging from 5-10 miles through varied terrain. Jean C. notes, "Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground. There's also fishing and hiking available in the forest."
Swimming options: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park includes a swimming pond for cooling off during summer months. Gary G. reports the campground "was completely cleaned up from any damage or debris, all in great shape" even after severe weather events, making it a reliable recreation option.
Playground facilities: Sears Bellows County Park features a sizeable playground area for children. According to Gino D., "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides," providing an additional recreation option beyond trail activities.
Water recreation: Several parks within 50 miles of Montville offer water-based activities during warmer months. Nadia V. shares her experience at Sears Bellows: "The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water. It was a lot of fun, and the price of the rowboat was pretty cheap."
What campers like
Site spacing and privacy: Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park provides well-separated camping areas. 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 that tend to open up toward the back with open areas for pitching tents."
Direct beach access: Waterfront camping options exist within driving distance from Montville. Anthony M. shares about Shinnecock East County Park: "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing."
Natural surroundings: Multiple campgrounds maintain wooded settings with minimal development. One reviewer describes Sears Bellows as "a beautiful well kept & maintained campground with spacious sites, a lake with kayaking access, and trails for bike riding and hiking."
Star gazing opportunities: Open areas at several campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. One Mashamoquet Brook camper mentioned "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night."
What you should know
Limited facilities at horse camps: Equestrian camping areas prioritize horse accommodations over human amenities. Both Frog Hollow and LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area lack shower facilities, though LeGrand Reynolds does offer electric and water hookups for trailers.
Campsite availability concerns: During peak season, first-come, first-served sites fill quickly, especially at Frog Hollow. One visitor observed, "About half the sites were occupied in late October," suggesting fall offers better availability.
Permit requirements: Connecticut state forests require separate permits for activities beyond camping. Most notably, horseback riding requires an additional state permit not included in camping fees.
Weather preparation needed: Coastal Connecticut and nearby Rhode Island experience variable conditions, particularly in spring and fall. As Gary G. noted about camping after a hurricane: "The park was completely cleaned up from any damage or debris, all in great shape."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds within 30 miles of Montville feature dedicated play areas. At Sears Bellows County Park, according to Gino D., "The campground is more woodsy. The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides."
Activity planning: Families can extend camping trips by incorporating multiple recreation options. One camper at The Preserve Club and Residences notes it "may be the only place in the world that has such a diverse amount of outdoor offerings."
Site selection for privacy: At Wolf Den Campground, families should consider location carefully. One camper advises, "The ones toward the back of the loop back up toward the woods and give you some more privacy."
Trail difficulty considerations: Wolf Den Campground offers trail options suitable for various ages. A visitor mentions, "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail," allowing families to choose appropriate difficulty levels.
Tips from RVers
Limited electrical options: Most campgrounds near Montville have few or no electrical sites. At Wolf Den Campground, a camper notes, "Site 20 is the only one with electric," making advance planning critical for those requiring power.
Site length restrictions: RV campers should verify campsite dimensions before arrival. At Wolf Den, one visitor noted, "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."
Water access locations: While many campgrounds offer water, hookup locations vary. At Sears Bellows, "Each camp site spot has a provided water hook up," though electrical connections remain unavailable.
Off-grid preparation: RVers should plan for potentially limited services. As one camper at Sears Bellows mentioned, "This hidden gem is located right in Hampton Bays and is the perfect campground for anyone looking to camp off the grid."
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