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Best Equestrian Camping in Connecticut

9 Reviews
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest offers first-come, first-served campsites designed specifically for equestrians. Sites accommodate camping gear along with trailer parking and provide space for horse lines. The campground features composting toilets near the entrance and provides drinking water for both campers and horses. Located within Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest, the camp serves as a direct access point to three horseback riding loops that depart directly from the campground. Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park also accommodates equestrians with paved parking pads, though some sites have overhanging branches that may affect larger horse trailers. Sites typically become more private toward the back of the loop where they border wooded areas.

Pachaug State Forest's equestrian trails connect riders to numerous recreational opportunities including fishing and hiking areas throughout the forest. The three dedicated riding loops provide varied terrain and difficulty levels suitable for different riding abilities. Both campgrounds maintain seasonal availability, with Wolf Den operating from May 26 through September 4. Trail access remains a key feature, with intermediate hiking paths accessible from the campgrounds that are suitable for both riders and hikers. Most campsites at Wolf Den feature level pads with open areas behind them, providing adequate space for setting up horse lines or temporary corrals. The forest setting offers natural shade and separation between sites, creating a quiet environment even during busier periods. Campers report completely silent conditions during weekday visits, with no road noise to disturb horses.

Best Equestrian Sites in Connecticut (3)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews in Connecticut

9 Reviews of 3 Connecticut Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Dec. 18, 2020

    Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest

    Equestrian campground near trails in a state forest

    It's hard to find much information about this equestrian, first come, first serve campground in Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest. The best source I could find was https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Recreation-Information/Horseback-Riding---CT-State-Parks-and-Forests

    Campsites are located around a loop with a couple of composting toilets near the entrance. Water is available. There's space your your camping gear as well as a trailer and horseline. About half the sites were occupied in late October.

    Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground. There's also fishing and hiking available in the forest.

  • 175 P.
    Sep. 26, 2021

    Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park

    Great place to camp

    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 and star gaze at night. Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail. Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again.

  • L
    Oct. 11, 2021

    River Bend Campground

    Great for kids

    We just camped here for the first time over Columbus Day Weekend with a few other families. Great weekend to come - seasonal campers go all out decorating for Halloween. There are tons of activities for all ages: trick or treating one night, DJ/dance Saturday and Sunday, bingo/horseshoe/cornhole tournaments during the day.

    Overall, the place isn’t fancy, but it’s well maintained, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the facilities are clean. It’s very laid back and no one busts your chops. They do daily trash pickups from your site, pump outs and wood delivery upon request, etc.

    There are kids everywhere on bikes and running around, so cars actually drive slowly throughout, which is nice.

    Sites are a bit close together. Our site F13 was very close to the pavilion but had some trees/woods blocking that made it feel more secluded.

    Quiet hours at 11pm wasn’t ideal for camping with a toddler. The DJ goes until 10:30 and it is LOUD. Not a deal breaker, just something to be aware of, especially if you are close to the pavilion.

  • G
    Aug. 24, 2021

    Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park

    Nice overnight spot

    Stayed here on a Tuesday night right after hurricane Henri. The park was completely cleaned up from any damage or debris, all in great shape. 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. We picked site 33 for the best shade and longer pad. Wished we had time to check out the hiking trails accessible from the campground.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt Pro User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park

    Basic campground with hiking trails in the area.

    This small state park campground offers basic campsites with running water and showers, open Memorial Day to Columbus Day.  This is NOT Wolf's Den Family Campground in E. Haddam, CT. Also, be aware there are 2 campgrounds at this State Park; the other one, Mashamoquet Brook, does not offer running water/showers, so if you want these amenities, be sure to select a campsite 1-35.

    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 a phone connection is spotty), a swimming pond, and a small brook with an old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours. It's a nice place to explore and have a picnic. In 2020 with Covid, there were restrictions on visitors to the campground, reservations required, and swimming was not allowed. 

    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. Sites have fire rings with grills and picnic tables. Site 20 is the only one with electric. The ones toward the back of the loop back up toward the woods and give you some more privacy. 

    They don't allow hammocks in the trees or pets. For some reason, silly string also makes the list of prohibitions.

  • Jennifer H.
    Feb. 26, 2019

    River Bend Campground

    Family friendly campground. seasonal here for 4 years

    Amazing staff and fun activities every weekend.

  • Jacob P.
    Jul. 23, 2019

    River Bend Campground

    Great campground!

    Sites 99 & 101 are best for big groups !

  • gary C.
    Jul. 27, 2026

    River Bend Campground

    Too close too old

    We arrived on a Saturday afternoon and they did seem have alot going on. It was Christmas in July. There was a live band and a few food trucks. The campsites are onto of each. Way too close for us. The roads that lead to the sites are way to narrow. I tow a 27ft travel trailer and my tires were off the road on both sides. The campsite itself was nice. No complaints there. Pool was gross. Mini golf was horrible. All the wood was rotted. We won't be back.

Guide to Connecticut

Horse camping in Connecticut offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining the beauty of nature with the joy of riding. With several campgrounds catering specifically to horse campers, you can enjoy both comfort and adventure.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find horse camping in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers dedicated horse camping options in its state forests and parks. Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest is a first-come, first-served equestrian campground specifically designed for horse enthusiasts. The campground provides direct access to numerous equestrian trails throughout the state's largest forest. Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) maintains information about designated horse camping areas and associated trail systems throughout the state.

What facilities are available at Connecticut horse camping sites?

Horse camping facilities in Connecticut typically provide basic amenities to accommodate both riders and their horses. Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers campsites with running water and shower facilities, operating from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Most equestrian sites in Connecticut state parks feature level pads, water access, restrooms, and proximity to hiking and riding trails. Equestrian-specific campgrounds may also include hitching posts, corrals or paddock areas, and manure disposal facilities, though amenities vary by location.

Do I need permits for horse camping in Connecticut state parks?

Yes, permits are required for horse camping in Connecticut state parks and forests. Camping reservations can be made through Connecticut's state park reservation system, with specific equestrian sites designated at certain parks. For popular destinations during peak season, advance reservations are strongly recommended. Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) regulates equestrian activities within state lands, and riders should familiarize themselves with current regulations regarding trail usage, waste management, and camping restrictions before their visit.

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