Equestrian camping options in the New Ashford, Massachusetts region remain limited, with visitors needing to travel beyond immediate vicinity for dedicated horse facilities. While several campgrounds accept horses as pets, specialized amenities like corrals are scarce. For equestrians seeking appropriate accommodations, proper planning is essential when visiting this mountainous area along the western Massachusetts border where elevations range between 700-2,000 feet.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: North-South Lake Campground features numerous trails suitable for day hikes. Jessica W. notes, "The hiking nearby is fantastic. A lot of the hiking nearby is also relatively easy and includes the newly opened (as of 2016) viewing platform for Kaasterskill falls, which is minutes down the road from the campground."
Swimming opportunities: The lakes at North-South Lake Campground provide excellent swimming during summer months. "I go there almost every year to go swimming with my family and friends and it's always a good time," shares Lizz H., highlighting the recreational water options.
Paddling adventures: Moreau Lake State Park Campground offers water-based activities beyond swimming. Amber A. explains, "Nice sandy beach with lifeguard hours. Most sites aren't right along the lake but it's still so close." The lake supports canoeing and kayaking with rental options typically available during peak season.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise the site layout at Moreau Lake. Michi P. reports, "I love the spacious campsites. It's very woodsy between sites, so it seems very private." This natural separation provides a more secluded camping experience without horse-specific facilities.
Clean facilities: Bathroom and shower cleanliness receives positive mentions across multiple reviews. According to Brittany W. at North-South Lake Campground, "The restrooms were clean and had showers, which we did not expect."
Well-maintained grounds: Regular upkeep of campground facilities appears standard. Chris D. shares personal perspective: "I've recently started going there again with my own family and it's great to see them take the same enjoyment I did. Camping, swimming, hiking, boating, biking, this place has it all."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Campgrounds in this region operate within limited windows. Moreau Lake State Park Campground runs from May 6 to October 13, while North-South Lake Campground operates from May 19 to October 22, making off-season equestrian camping impossible.
Crowds vary by season: Popularity fluctuates significantly with summer drawing largest crowds. Robert L. cautions about Moreau Lake State Park Campground: "Campground and swimming area becomes very crowded, especially on holiday weekend due to proximity to I-87 and number of downstate tourists that frequent the park."
Reservation requirements: Securing sites requires advance planning, especially for prime weekends. Tara L. advises: "North South lake is one of the larger public camp grounds in New York. The sites are well spaced out. Great for families. The lake is huge. Avoid holidays to avoid the crowds."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Parks offer specific features catering to younger visitors. Becky G. highlights North-South Lake Campground: "Large family friendly campground with all the amenities - boating, showers, great hiking."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Nancy W. notes about Moreau: "There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy."
Water activities for various ages: Swimming areas typically include designated zones for different swimming abilities. David B. describes Moreau as a "Cute little state park that has a nice swimming area and enough room to kayak around. The wildlife is fun to look and and it's a great destination year round."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers should research specific loops compatible with their rig. Nancy W. shares about Moreau: "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs)."
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds offer basic facilities rather than full-service options. Nancy K. confirms: "Nicely treed sites and cabins with a pretty lake. Hiking, biking, swimming, boat/canoe/paddleboard rentals. No hookups but does have dump station. Pets allowed."
Generator restrictions: Noise policies regulate generator use. Nancy W. reports, "Generators are allowed but not too many people were using them. The few other campers around that used them were mindful of quiet hours."
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