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New Discovery State Park Campground in Vermont features dedicated horse stalls for equestrian campers, making it one of the few horse-friendly options near Benton, New Hampshire. The campground's two main loops include sites specifically designed for horse owners, with some sites offering direct access to stalls where riders can secure their animals overnight. Sites with stalls are positioned to provide convenient access while maintaining separation from non-equestrian camping areas. The campground provides standard amenities including drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilets. Showers are available for campers after long trail rides. The bathhouse facilities are generally clean and well-maintained, though occasional maintenance issues have been reported during peak season.
The campground connects to multiple trail systems suitable for horseback riding throughout Groton State Forest. Riders can access trails directly from the horse camping area without trailering to separate locations. The campground is open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with the best riding conditions typically occurring during summer and early fall months. Horse owners appreciate the relatively quiet atmosphere, especially during weekdays when fewer campers are present. The campground's location provides easy access to Osmore Pond, where riders can enjoy scenic views while giving their horses a rest. Most equestrian sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when the campground fills quickly with both horse and non-horse campers.
"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."
"They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."
"There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses. The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion."
"There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use. The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers."
from $35 / night
"Fairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire."
"I was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect."
from $35 - $80 / night
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GuideFairly extensive camp ground associated with Gunstock ski area on central New Hampshire. We arrived without a reservation a bit after the office closed, but Elena, the manager came out to let us in and allowed us to check in. She was great. Dogs must have proof of rabies vaccine. Very nice showers. Beautiful fall colors.
LegendThis easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay.
There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses.
The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.
Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at.
RangerThis would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.
FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.
GuideI was lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures.
TravelerMost amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.
LegendI haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.
If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.
Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.
If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.
Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.
LegendHancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.
We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.
Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.
ScoutI stayed at Hancock campground in mid April this year. Great clean accessible bathrooms, beautiful grounds and large campgrounds. Leashed dogs are allowed. There are both walk-in and drive up tent sites. The walk-in sites are directly next to the beautiful Pemi River. Great overall would return again.
RangerPros: Beautiful area, not a bad size campground, quiet nights (but this could be because 3 out of the 4 sites right near us were empty), free hot showers that are not dirty, lots of trails on edge of the grounds, lots and lots of tent sites, platform on campsite, pool and playground available, camp store, bike & Segway trails, quick access to some of NH’s most beautiful mountains. Staff is friendly. Cons: So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it. More of the sites have very little separation from the neighboring campers near you. We explored the grounds & noted some sites that were a smidge more secluded and plan to return again sometime!
New Discovery State Park Campground features equestrian facilities designed for riders exploring Vermont's Groton State Forest. The campground offers two main loops with spacious camping areas about 30 minutes from Benton, New Hampshire. Winter temperatures in this region typically range from 10-30°F, while summer averages 70-85°F, creating ideal conditions for camping from late spring through fall.
Trail riding in Groton State Forest: Equestrians can access multiple trail systems directly from New Discovery State Park Campground. The park connects to extensive riding paths throughout the forest. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful! can't wait to go back!" notes camper Sambath T.
Winter camping near Kancamagus Highway: For cold-weather enthusiasts, Hancock Campground stays open year-round, providing winter access to trails. Heather B. reports, "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites...Water would have earned it five stars."
Mountain activities: Just over an hour from Benton, Gunstock Campground offers additional recreation options. "It has pretty spacious sites, they have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc.," according to Kasey H., making it a versatile option for riders seeking additional activities.
River access for horses: Many equestrians appreciate the ability to let their horses cool off in water access points. Hancock Campground offers riverside sites where riders can take breaks. Tara S. mentions: "There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area."
Private camping areas: Horse owners often prefer secluded sites to minimize disturbances to their animals. At Groton Forest Road Campground, spaces are designed with privacy in mind. Reid B. notes, "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use."
Well-maintained facilities: When returning from long rides, clean restrooms and showers are essential. Campgrounds in the region generally maintain their facilities well. Laura M. at New Discovery reports: "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only. The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in."
Seasonal challenges: Many campgrounds in the Benton area have limited seasonal operations. Rick S. from New Discovery warns: "There were squirrels that would spend lots of time throughout the day sending loose the green pine cones and then come down and chew them up. Pretty entertaining except for when they drop them on your tarps."
Site selection considerations: When booking horse-friendly campsites, research the specific layout. Sarah C. advises: "Site size various pretty vastly as you travel through the campground. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other."
Wildlife awareness: The forests around Benton host diverse wildlife that horse owners should prepare for. Laura M. cautions: "We saw fresh moose poop on a hike but sadly no moose or other wildlife. There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here."
Book walk-in sites for quieter experience: For families with horses, quieter sites create a more controlled environment. At Hancock Campground, Tara S. recommends: "We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community."
Pack water treatment options: Some equestrian sites have limited water access. Laura M. notes: "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results. Luckily, we found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station and had no problem filling our tank with potable water."
Bring quarters for showers: After riding, hot showers are essential for families. Most campgrounds in the region require quarters. At New Discovery, shower costs are predictable: "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only."
Select sites carefully: RV sites vary significantly in size and suitability for horse trailers. Melissa B. from Gunstock advises: "Most of the sites are out in the open though, or very close together. Not so bad if you're camping in trailers or RVs, but if tent camping you won't really have any privacy in those locations. I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?)."
Consider ambient noise: When parking horse trailers and RVs, factor in surrounding activities. Melissa adds: "There is a zip line course and a metal 'slide' or coaster behind the Breezy Knolls area which can get kind of noisy between the sounds of the gear and the kids screaming."
Check seasonal access: RVers with horse trailers should verify road conditions, especially in shoulder seasons. Molly G. suggests: "We came at the end of October to try to hike Franconia Ridge (there ended up being a blizzard when we go to the top and we had to return in the warmer weather) and we stumbled upon this campground. We were the only ones in it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Benton, NH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Benton, NH is Hancock Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Benton, NH?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Benton, NH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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