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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
