Best Equestrian Camping in Connecticut

Don’t discount this east-coast state because of its small stature. It may be New England’s second smallest state, but Connecticut’s 5,018 square miles are full of surprises, especially for outdoorists. From the forest to the shore there’s lots to explore – Connecticut offers 250-miles of Long Island Sound shoreline! This small but mighty state should be the next pin in your map, let’s go camping in Connecticut from the coast to the country!

If you’re looking for a truly outdoorsy experience, and a little taste of the Appalachian Trail, give backcountry camping in Connecticut a try and head to Sages Ravine. There are designated sites for campers to enjoy, and peak baggers will appreciate the ability to combine this camping trip with a trek to Connecticut’s tallest mountain, Bear Mountain. The climb up Bear Mountain isn’t terribly treacherous, or strenuous, but there is some scrambling involved to up the ante. The views from 2,323 ft. make the trek well worth it!

Not into backcountry camping? Camping in Connecticut can cater to the desires of just about any kind of camper – including those looking for an experience that brings back memories of summer camp. Club Getaway is the can’t-miss all-inclusive, all-things-fun, camp in Kent, Connecticut. Club Getaway’s ‘Camp For Adults’ (don’t worry, there’s one for families, too) offers everything from adrenaline pumping activities like rock climbing, SUP, and zip lining, to the more chilled-out vibes of yoga and massages, arts and crafts, and mixology classes, too. There are even flip cup competitions, and rounds of Cards Against Humanity.

Want a taste of that salty shore air? Head to the coast and camp at Rocky Neck State Park on the Long Island Sound in East Lyme, Connecticut. Be warned, though, this is a very popular spot. This 710-acre park offers half a mile of sandy shores, and a 5 month camping season from May to September—pro tip: heading out later in the season may make for smaller crowds. Also worth mentioning, you can’t camp on the beach, but you won’t be far from it!

From the country to the coast, camping in Connecticut offers a variety of opportunities for visitors to get outside and get exploring. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find the best places to venture out whether you’re looking for an epic adventure or some outdoor R&R.

Best Equestrian Sites in Connecticut (2)

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2 Photos of 2 Connecticut Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews in Connecticut

5 Reviews of 2 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.

  • 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.


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.