1 campground with availability this weekend
Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest provides equestrian-specific camping facilities 45 miles southwest of Upton, Massachusetts, with designated horse camping sites arranged around a central loop that include space for camping gear, horse trailers, and horse lines. Drinking water is available for horses and riders, and composting toilets are located near the entrance. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with horses, though without electric hookups or shower facilities. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings where campfires are permitted. About half the sites typically remain available even during peak fall season. The campground maintains a clean, functional setup focused on the practical needs of equestrians rather than luxury amenities.
Three dedicated horseback riding loops depart directly from the campground, providing immediate trail access without needing to trailer horses to a separate trailhead. These trails wind through Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest, offering varied terrain suitable for different riding experience levels. Riders can access additional recreational opportunities within the forest, including fishing spots and hiking trails that connect to the equestrian routes. The campground's simple design prioritizes equestrian needs with ample space for horses and trailers at each site. Pets are allowed throughout the facility, making it suitable for campers traveling with both horses and dogs. The campground's location within the larger state forest system provides access to extensive trail networks beyond the immediate horse loops, creating opportunities for longer rides through the New England woodland setting.
"The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."
"Not knowing how long we would be away from the campground that service was a great option. "
from $50 - $200 / night
"The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw."
"The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake. There are about 25 rustic cabins, and a few tent sites dispersed throughout the camping area."
from $20 - $65 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $14 - $29 / night
from $20 - $50 / night
"There are kids everywhere on bikes and running around, so cars actually drive slowly throughout, which is nice. Sites are a bit close together."
"It's hard to find much information about this equestrian, first come, first serve campground in Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest."
from $17 - $27 / night
ScoutAmazing amenities and activities here. Staff is great. Lots of room for big rigs. Tent spots are shady while other ones are sunnier. They have rentals such as log cabins/ A-frames to rent also. Hot tubs and pools too!
GuideI can understand why this place is rated one of the best campgrounds in the country. This was my first time camping here with my own RV and it did not disappoint. Our site was spacious, and centrally located within the campground, they have all the amenities you can imagine living up to that “resort” title. Ranging from multiple pools, hot tubs, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, etc. the cell service was great, they offer WiFi, and much more. I love the store, it gives off that Great Wolf Lodge feel, and it has everything inside you may need. Including a little hidden café that surprisingly made good lattes. This place is massive, and I’ve never seen a campground that had as many million dollar RV’s in one place. That atmosphere is just great here. There is so much to do. It’s so big you need an e-bike just to get around. Resort-style campgrounds like this come at a steeper price compared to others, but in my opinion, Normandy was well worth the cost. We look forward to revisiting, often!
TravelerWe came in the day after Labor Day ~ after 280 rv’s checked out ~ so it may not have been as peaceful over the weekend, but I heard everyone had lots of fun. The grounds are beautiful!
GuideWe 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.
ScoutKnow what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!
LegendWe were here a couple years ago and told everyone we knew about it in the PNW never knowing if our big road trips would have us near Foxboro again. Imagine our surprise and delight when our quest to hit all the MLB parks showed Normandy as proximal to Fenway. Yahoo! Red Sox win and we get to be here again. Kids and adults alike love it. What’s not to love. It’s the kind of place summer camping trip memories are made of. 4 pools, fishing pond, lodge, trivia night, soccer, baseball, softball and frisbee golf and so much more. Full hook ups. Super long sites.
TravelerHad an amazing stay, cabin was perfect and comfortable. Water was nice and fish were biting. Can’t wait to come back.
TravelerWe enjoyed our tent site with a wooden lean-to. Overall very private and peaceful, however the only drawback is that people took frequent casual walks pass the area all day long. There's really no way around that.
We did not get a chance to enjoy the amenities, but they all looked nice and well thought out.
We will return.
ScoutAbsolutely beautiful. When we drove in we fell in love with the grounds!! We were in site B9. We have a 25” B+ and basically had to park sideways and use a lot of leveling blocks to get our rig level. As we walked around we spoke to others who had similar problems with the sites not being level. We recommend this campground but just be prepared and bring plenty of leveling blocks! The office did provide us with additional blocks to level so they were very accommodating.
Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest sits 45 miles southwest of Upton, Massachusetts in Voluntown, Connecticut. This equestrian-focused campground offers first-come, first-served campsites that accommodate both tent and RV camping with horses. The campground provides direct access to three dedicated horseback riding loops without requiring horses to be trailered to separate trailheads.
Trail exploration: Three dedicated riding loops originate directly from Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest. According to Jean C., "Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground. There's also fishing and hiking available in the forest." The trails wind through varied terrain suitable for different experience levels.
Fishing spots: Beyond equestrian trails, Pachaug State Forest offers fishing opportunities throughout the property. Riders can often tie up at designated areas and enjoy fishing in streams and ponds that dot the landscape. Some fishing spots connect directly to the equestrian trail system.
Hiking excursions: For those taking a break from riding, Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers hiking alternatives. A visitor notes, "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail." These trails provide excellent opportunities to stretch your legs when not in the saddle.
Quiet atmosphere: The campground's specialized nature keeps it less crowded than general-use facilities. Even during peak fall season, Jean C. observed, "About half the sites were occupied in late October," making it a peaceful retreat for equestrians seeking solitude with their horses.
Campsite layout: Sites at Frog Hollow are designed with equestrian needs in mind, arranged around a central loop with dedicated spaces for camping gear, horse trailers, and horse lines. The practical design prioritizes functionality for horse owners.
Water access: Campers appreciate that Ponkapoag Camp offers similar natural settings with water features. Gordon C. reports, "Water was nice and fish were biting. Can't wait to come back." Though not an equestrian facility, Ponkapoag provides comparable outdoor recreation opportunities within 28 miles of Upton.
Basic amenities only: The campground offers drinking water for horses and riders, and composting toilets near the entrance. There are no electric hookups or shower facilities, so campers need to prepare accordingly for a rustic experience.
Trail conditions: The trails can vary seasonally, with spring conditions sometimes muddy and fall rides offering spectacular foliage. Riders should check trail conditions before planning extensive rides, especially after heavy rainfall.
Camping regulations: Normandy Farms Campground, located 18 miles from Upton, has more amenities but different regulations. As SANDIE B. explains, "They have reasonable rules that are expected to be abided by." Understanding each facility's specific regulations is essential when planning an equestrian camping trip.
Bring entertainment: For families mixing equestrian activities with general camping, pack additional entertainment. At similar campgrounds like Ponkapoag Camp, Stacy mentions, "The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot."
Consider alternatives: Some families may prefer more amenities than equestrian campgrounds typically offer. At The Preserve Club and Residences, Chris M. notes it's "New England's most amenity rich properties," though it requires membership.
Plan for weather changes: New England weather can be unpredictable, especially in spring and fall. Pack appropriate clothing layers for all family members and rain gear for both humans and horses to ensure comfort during changing conditions.
Site selection: RVers with horse trailers should arrive early to secure sites with adequate space. At Wolf Den Campground, Gary G. advises, "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."
Water management: Since hookups are limited at equestrian campgrounds, RVers should arrive with full freshwater tanks and empty waste tanks. Plan water usage carefully, especially for horse care which can require significant amounts.
Alternative locations: For RVers seeking more amenities while still accessing equestrian trails, LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area in Exeter, Rhode Island offers electric hookups and water connections while still catering to horse owners, approximately 37 miles from Upton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Upton, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Upton, MA is Normandy Farms Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Upton, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Upton, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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