2 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Wolf Den Campground in Mashamoquet Brook State Park operates from May 26 to September 4, providing a seasonal option for riders in the region near Gilbertville, Massachusetts. The campground features 35 campsites with paved parking pads that can accommodate both tent and RV campers. While the campground does not have dedicated horse corrals, it permits horses with proper containment methods that campers must bring themselves. The campground maintains access to hiking trails throughout the park that can be used for riding. Bathroom facilities include showers and running water, and one site (site 20) offers electrical hookups. The largely open sites provide adequate space for setting up portable corrals or high-lines for horses, with some sites backing up to wooded areas for additional privacy and natural shade.
The trail system connected to Wolf Den Campground allows for day rides through varied terrain. Most campsites have sufficient room for horse trailer parking, though larger rigs may find some sites challenging due to overhanging branches and limited turning radius. The campground prohibits pets despite allowing horses, which creates a quieter environment for equestrians concerned about dogs spooking their animals. Sites include fire rings with cooking grills and picnic tables. Riders note the well-maintained trails provide intermediate difficulty with some geocaches along routes that can add interest to rides. For those seeking horse camping near Gilbertville, the campground's balance of open sites and wooded areas suits both portable corral setups and high-lines, with evenings free for star-gazing after trail rides.
"Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail. Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again."
"Wished we had time to check out the hiking trails accessible from the campground."
from $14 - $29 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $50 / night
ScoutSon 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.
GuideStayed 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.
LegendThis 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.
ScoutOne of my all time favorite hikes.
Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers 35 established campsites for equestrians and traditional campers in Connecticut, approximately 40 miles from Gilbertville, Massachusetts. The park's Wolf Den Campground operates seasonally with paved sites that accommodate both tent and RV setups. Horse owners must bring their own containment equipment as the campground allows horses but has no permanent corrals or paddocks on site.
Trail riding exploration: Riders can access several interconnected hiking trails directly from Wolf Den Campground that permit equestrian use. "One of my all time favorite hikes," notes Mike C., highlighting the natural appeal of the surrounding woodland areas.
Geocaching adventures: Several geocaches are hidden throughout the trail system, creating engaging side quests during day rides. Trails range from beginner to intermediate difficulty, with routes suitable for various experience levels.
Evening stargazing: Open camping areas provide excellent night sky viewing opportunities after trail rides. As one camper describes, "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night" (175 P., Wolf Den Campground).
Spacious, level sites: The paved parking pads at Wolf Den provide ample room for horse trailers with adjacent areas for portable corral setup. Gary G. notes it as a "nice overnight spot" with "relatively short level pads" that work well for equestrian camping.
Privacy options: Sites toward the back of the camping loop offer more seclusion and natural screening. "The ones toward the back of the loop back up toward the woods and give you more privacy," explains Jean C., making these locations preferable for horse campers wanting additional space.
Clean facilities: The campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities with showers and running water. According to recent visitors, "Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly" (175 P., Wolf Den Campground), ensuring comfortable amenities for multi-day equestrian trips.
Seasonal operation: Wolf Den Campground operates strictly from May 26 through September 4, limiting availability for equestrian camping near Gilbertville, Massachusetts to summer months only.
Site selection considerations: Only one site (number 20) offers electrical hookups, which can be important for campers with electric fence systems for horses. For RV campers with horses, Gary G. recommends "site 33 for the best shade and longer pad."
Containment requirements: Horse campers must bring their own portable corrals, high-lines, or electric fencing systems as the campground has no permanent equestrian facilities. Sites provide sufficient open space behind parking pads for setting up temporary containment areas.
Recreation options: The campground features a small playground centrally located within the camping loop, providing entertainment for younger visitors. "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail," notes 175 P., creating varied activity options for different ages.
Swimming restrictions: The park includes a swimming pond, though access may be limited during certain periods. Jean C. mentions that during 2020, "swimming was not allowed," so visitors should check current regulations before planning water activities.
History exploration: Families can visit the park's historic features including "an old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours," according to Jean C. These educational sites offer cultural context to the natural environment.
Site limitations: While paved pads accommodate most camping setups, some sites have overhanging branches that may pose challenges for larger rigs. Jean C. warns that "a few [sites] have overhanging branches," potentially restricting access for tall horse trailers with living quarters.
Limited hookups: Only one site offers electrical connections, with no water or sewer hookups available at individual sites. RVers planning equestrian camping trips should prepare accordingly with sufficient water storage and conservative electricity use.
Quiet environment: The campground prohibits pets despite allowing horses, creating a calmer atmosphere for equestrians concerned about dogs spooking their animals. This policy helps maintain a peaceful setting for all visitors seeking horse camping near Gilbertville, Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gilbertville, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gilbertville, MA is Wolf Den Campground — Mashamoquet Brook State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
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