Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest sits approximately 45 miles southeast of Paxton, Massachusetts at an elevation of about 400 feet. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system in place. Located within Connecticut's largest state forest, this equestrian-focused camping area connects directly to multiple riding trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels.
What to do
Trail riding access: Multiple horseback riding loops depart directly from the campground area, allowing riders to explore the state forest without trailering horses. "Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground. There's also fishing and hiking available in the forest," notes Jean C. about Frog Hollow Horse Camp.
Explore Blue Hills Reservation: Located less than an hour from Paxton, this 7,000-acre reservation offers extensive trail systems for hiking and wildlife viewing. "Blue Hill is within hiking distance, and it is a favorite spot for seeing the sunrise. Apparently you can see all the way to Boston!" according to Rita M. about hiking from Ponkapoag Camp.
Fishing opportunities: Many nearby water bodies offer fishing options throughout the camping season. "Water was nice and fish were biting. Can't wait to come back," reports Gordon C. who enjoyed the fishing at Ponkapoag Camp.
What campers like
Natural settings: The wooded areas surrounding campgrounds near Paxton provide peaceful environments despite proximity to urban areas. "This campground is so well run I felt like I was in Disneyland's Frontier Land. They offer anything you could want. Spotlessly clean and wonderful employees," shares Jean T. about Normandy Farms Campground.
Proximity to Boston: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to metropolitan attractions while maintaining a natural environment. "This camping experience was fantastic. We have been here 3 times and will be back. Has everything you could want," notes Gale S. about Normandy Farms, which provides train access to Boston.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing and natural buffers between camping spots. "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," explains Jean C. about Wolf Den Campground.
What you should know
Limited facilities at horse campgrounds: Equestrian camping areas typically offer basic amenities focused on horse needs rather than camper luxuries. As Jean C. notes, "It's hard to find much information about this equestrian, first come, first serve campground in Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest."
Seasonal variations: Many campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. "This small state park campground offers basic campsites with running water and showers, open Memorial Day to Columbus Day," explains Jean C. about Wolf Den Campground.
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds like Frog Hollow operate first-come, first-served, others require advance planning. "Reservations are by mail only, although you can call the caretaker to confirm availability," mentions Rita M. about Ponkapoag Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Families benefit from campgrounds with structured recreation opportunities. "The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot. Lots of hiking trails," shares Stacy about Ponkapoag Camp.
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "There's a small playground in the middle of the loop, a number of hiking trails throughout the park along with a few geocaches, a swimming pond, and a small brook with an old mill and blacksmith shop," notes Jean C. about Wolf Den Campground.
Themed events: Special programming enhances family camping experiences throughout the season. "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities," explains Liz W. about Normandy Farms Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site specifications: RV campers should check site dimensions and access before arriving at horse campgrounds near Paxton, Massachusetts. "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," explains Jean C. about Wolf Den Campground.
Utility connections: Available hookups vary significantly between campgrounds in the region. "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio (Site E1). Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car. All utilities were well-placed and functioned properly," shares Nancy W. about Normandy Farms.
Road conditions: Access routes to horse camping areas may present challenges for larger rigs. "Roads are paved and plenty wide enough for big RV's to navigate. They offer cable television that yielded nearly 100 channels. Wifi worked well at our site and other places throughout the park," notes Nancy W. about the road infrastructure at Normandy Farms.
