Pachaug State Forest contains multiple camping options for equestrians traveling with horses. Frog Hollow Horse Camp features a designated camping area with horselines, trailer parking, and direct access to riding trails. The camp connects directly to three riding loops within the 27,000-acre forest, allowing riders to explore diverse terrain without having to transport horses from a separate location. Sites typically remain available throughout the season, including fall months when approximately half the campsites remain unoccupied.
What to do
Trail riding in Arcadia Management Area: LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area provides direct access to an extensive trail system ideal for equestrian camping near Mystic, Connecticut. The campground connects to miles of wooded trails through undeveloped forest land.
Fishing at nearby ponds: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers fishing opportunities in addition to hiking. "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," notes Jean C.
Star gazing in open areas: The Wolf Den Campground provides substantial open spaces away from light pollution. As one camper describes: "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."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Wolf Den Campground features well-spaced sites with natural barriers. According to Jean C., "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."
Clean facilities: Mashamoquet Brook State Park maintains well-kept restrooms and camping areas. One visitor reports: "Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again."
Peaceful atmosphere: Sears Bellows County Park, though farther away, offers a quiet retreat. Vivian T. describes it as "so peaceful and great biking and hiking," making it worth considering for those willing to travel beyond Mystic.
What you should know
No reservations at horse camp: Unlike some campgrounds in the region, Frog Hollow Horse Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This can require planning ahead, especially during peak seasons.
Limited hookups: Most equestrian camping options near Mystic offer minimal amenities. Jean C. noted at Frog Hollow: "Water is available. There's space for your camping gear as well as a trailer and horseline."
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park is only open "May 26 to September 4," requiring alternative plans during off-season periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wolf Den Campground includes recreational facilities for children. "Son and I stayed from Friday to Sunday. Easy to find the camp and the plot, well marked. Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day," reports a camper identified as 175 P.
Water activities: Several parks offer pond access for additional recreation. At Sears Bellows County Park, one visitor shared: "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."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds include historical features. The "old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours" at Mashamoquet Brook provides educational value for family camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Limited electrical access: Most equestrian campgrounds have minimal electrical hookups. At Mashamoquet Brook State Park, "Site 20 is the only one with electric," according to Jean C., making it essential to plan accordingly.
Shorter pads at some sites: RV campers should note pad length limitations. Gary G. observed at Wolf Den Campground: "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 hookups available: Many campsites provide water connections even when other utilities are limited. Shinnecock East County Park, though farther from Mystic, features water hookups while still maintaining a natural setting.
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