Equestrian camping options near Storrs, Connecticut focus primarily on facilities designed for visitors traveling with horses. Pachaug State Forest and nearby Rhode Island areas offer trail access for riders seeking overnight accommodations. Campgrounds typically provide adequate space for trailers and horses, with varying levels of amenities depending on location and management jurisdiction.
What to do
Trail riding access: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers connections to hiking trails throughout the park. A camper noted, "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail," making it convenient for day excursions from camp.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies surrounding horse campgrounds provide fishing options during camping trips. At Wolf Den Campground, visitors can access nearby brooks and ponds, with one reviewer mentioning the "small brook with an old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours."
Star gazing: Clear night skies offer natural entertainment at campgrounds around Storrs. According to a visitor at Wolf Den, the campsites feature "large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night," making evening activities accessible directly from camp.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Frog Hollow Horse Camp provides ample room for equestrian camping setups. The sites are arranged around a loop with adequate space for camping equipment, trailers, and horselines, allowing comfortable overnight stays.
Privacy between campsites: Wolf Den Campground offers good separation between sites. A reviewer observed that "trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites that tend to open up toward the back with open areas for pitching tents," creating a balance of privacy and openness.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintain serviceable restroom facilities. One camper at Wolf Den commented that "bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly," indicating regular maintenance of sanitation areas.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Wolf Den Campground runs "open Memorial Day to Columbus Day," requiring off-season campers to seek alternatives.
Water availability: While some campgrounds offer water access, facilities vary significantly. LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area in nearby Rhode Island provides water hookups, while other locations may have more limited water sources.
Reservation requirements: Reservation policies differ between locations. Wolf Den requires reservations, with one visitor noting that in 2020, "with Covid, there were restrictions on visitors to the campground, reservations required," while Frog Hollow operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds include play facilities for children. Wolf Den features "a small playground in the middle of the loop," providing recreation options directly within the camping area.
Site selection for privacy: Families seeking more seclusion should consider specific site locations. At Wolf Den, "the ones toward the back of the loop back up toward the woods and give you some more privacy," making them preferable for family groups.
Activity planning: The Preserve Club and Residences offers extensive outdoor activities, with one visitor calling it "New England's most amenity rich properties," though membership requirements apply.
Tips from RVers
Pad dimensions: RV campers should verify site dimensions before arrival. At Wolf Den Campground, "most sites are relatively short level pads," which may limit larger vehicles.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. Wolf Den has limited electrical access, with one reviewer noting that "site 20 is the only one with electric," requiring advance planning for power needs.
Shade considerations: RV sites often have variable tree cover. One Wolf Den camper selected "site 33 for the best shade and longer pad," indicating the need to consider both length and sun protection when choosing a spot.
