Equestrian accommodations near Hanover, New Hampshire require advance planning as specialized facilities are limited. While no dedicated horse corrals exist within immediate campgrounds, several locations within a 45-mile radius offer sites with sufficient space for temporary containment systems. Seasonal temperature variations affect trail conditions, with summer highs averaging 75-80°F and spring often bringing muddy conditions unsuitable for riding.
What to do
Trail riding with access to White Mountain trails: The region surrounding Hancock Campground offers connectivity to numerous forest service paths. "Hancock 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," notes reviewer Tara S., who recommends arriving early to secure spots.
Winter camping and riding: For those seeking horse-friendly winter accommodations, Gunstock Campground maintains year-round accessibility. "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," shares Heather B. about nearby Hancock, confirming the viability of winter equestrian camping in the region.
Swimming with horses: Several campgrounds feature water access where permitted horses can cool off. "Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," describes Tara S. about the swimming hole at Hancock Campground, providing natural water features where horses can refresh after trail rides during summer months.
What campers like
Spacious sites for equipment: Horse owners appreciate campgrounds with room for trailers and containment systems. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds," reports J L. about Branbury State Park Campground, noting the generous accommodation that works well for larger equipment needs.
Bear boxes for secure storage: Campers traveling with horses need secure storage for feed. "We appreciated having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car. It was big enough to fit our grill, cooler, trash, and bag of groceries," explains reviewer Lindsey M., highlighting storage options critical for equestrian campers bringing feed supplies.
Off-season accessibility: Many equestrians prefer less crowded times for horse camping. "We came at the end of October to try to hike Franconia Ridge...and we stumbled upon this campground. We were the only ones in it and we picked the site right next to the rambling river," writes Molly G., describing ideal conditions for those seeking solitude with horses.
What you should know
Limited dedicated facilities: None of the immediate campgrounds provide specific horse corrals or stalls. At New Discovery State Park Campground, "There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without. Some sites are in the middle of a grassy field while others are tucked in the trees," notes Sarah C., showing how versatility of sites can compensate for lack of horse-specific amenities.
Wildlife considerations: Bees and other wildlife create challenges for horse owners. "Our site was completely swarmed with bees. We checked a few vacant sites to see if maybe it was just our site, but we found them all around," warns Lindsey M., highlighting potential safety issues that affect both people and horses.
Reservation limitations: First-come sites require strategic planning for horse trailers. "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," reports Tara S., explaining the competitive nature of securing appropriate sites during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options for mixed camping: Families bringing both horses and young children benefit from structured shelter options. "Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!" advises Nicole E. about Groton Forest Road Campground, where "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites" according to Reid B., providing suitable arrangements for families with multiple needs.
Safety considerations: Teaching children proper behavior around horses requires adequate space. "Very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds so you can relax and know that the kids are safe," writes David G. about Tippicanoe Campground, emphasizing the clean, controlled environment beneficial for family horse camping.
Combined activities: Families appreciate locations offering both equestrian and non-equestrian recreation. "There is a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities," reports Melissa B., highlighting amenities that keep all family members engaged while some participate in horse activities.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: RV campers with horses need reliable power for extended stays. "The sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds," explains David G. about Tippicanoe Campground, detailing essential infrastructure for horse owners traveling with living quarters trailers.
Dump station access: Extended stays with horses require waste management solutions. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded," cautions Laura M., providing critical information for RV travelers with horses needing longer accommodation.
Site slope considerations: Horse trailer parking requires level ground. "Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there," observes Laura M., highlighting terrain challenges that particularly affect larger horse trailer combinations requiring stable, level parking.
