Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest accommodates equestrian campers with designated spaces for horse containment, trailers, and camping equipment. Located within Connecticut's largest state forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Niantic, the first-come, first-served campground connects directly to three horseback riding trails. Water stations serve both horses and riders, with composting toilets available near the entrance area. Most sites remain level with sufficient space for standard camping setups alongside horse management requirements.
What to do
Trail riding options: The extensive trail system within Pachaug State Forest offers varied terrain for riders of different experience levels. At Sears Bellows County Park, located about 30 miles from Niantic, visitors find additional riding opportunities. "The trails were beautiful, and the flowers were in bloom. There were people who were also biking on these trails, which looked like so much fun," notes Nadia V.
Fishing access: Several water bodies throughout the region provide fishing opportunities for campers. Anthony M. from Shinnecock East County Park reports, "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing."
Geocaching adventures: Some parks maintain geocache locations for visitors seeking treasure-hunting activities. Jean C. notes at Wolf Den Campground, "There's a small playground in the middle of the loop, 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 proximity: Several campgrounds offer beach access within reasonable driving distance of Niantic. Kayla G. shares her experience at Shinnecock East County Park: "Camping directly on the beach at one of the nicest beaches in the world. You cannot find another place like this!!"
Quiet atmosphere: The region provides multiple options for those seeking solitude. Gary G. visited Wolf Den Campground and found, "No other campers here when we arrived, so totally silent. No road noise. Most sites are relatively short level pads, with little or no shade, but very pleasant."
Water recreation: Multiple parks feature ponds, lakes, or ocean access for water activities. Nadia V. recounts, "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 you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis, while others require advance reservations. Jean C. mentions that at Frog Hollow Horse Camp, "About half the sites were occupied in late October," suggesting slower seasons may offer better availability.
Facility limitations: Amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. For The Preserve Club and Residences, Chris M. notes it's "a members/owners only community which is New England's most amenity rich properties," while other parks maintain minimal facilities.
Vehicle requirements: Some sites have specific access requirements. Lisa M. cautions about Shinnecock East County Park: "4x4 a must, air down a must. Beautiful on the bay or ocean side. They also have a hill top section. Beautiful views. Dry camping in an RV no tents."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides," notes Gino D. about Sears Bellows, making it suitable for families with young children.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer historical or environmental learning experiences. Wolf Den Campground provides "a small brook with an old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours," according to Jean C., creating educational opportunities for families.
Open recreation space: When selecting campsites, consider available play areas. At Wolf Den Campground, "175 P." observed "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night," providing natural entertainment options.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: Many campgrounds feature limited pad sizes. Gary G. recommends at Wolf Den Campground, "We picked site 33 for the best shade and longer pad," highlighting the importance of researching specific site dimensions before arrival.
Power limitations: Electrical hookups vary between locations. Vivian T. notes about Sears Bellows, "The only down fall no electricity," requiring RVers to plan accordingly for power needs or consider alternative campgrounds with suitable connections.
Off-grid preparation: Some campgrounds cater to self-sufficient camping. Lexis N. describes Sears Bellows as "the perfect campground for anyone looking to camp off the grid," suggesting visitors prepare accordingly with necessary supplies and equipment.
