Equestrian camping near Dorchester, New Hampshire presents challenges requiring special planning. Located in Grafton County at approximately 1,250 feet elevation, the region experiences significant seasonal temperature variations with winter lows regularly reaching below 0°F. While dedicated equestrian facilities are limited, several campgrounds in the broader White Mountains area can accommodate horses with advance arrangements.
What to do
Trail riding at White Mountain National Forest: Hancock Campground serves as a convenient base for accessing forest trails. "Great place to set up camp to get some 4Ks in the whites. Some lovely spots by the water. Open year round!! I have stayed here many times," notes Kim O., highlighting the campground's year-round accessibility.
Swimming in local ponds: Gunstock Campground offers water recreation within 45 miles of Dorchester. One visitor mentioned, "Large campsites, clean amenities, nice dog park, great store with everything you need and located near like Winni," providing access to Lake Winnipesaukee for horse owners seeking post-ride swimming.
Mountain biking with dogs: Many trails welcome both horses and mountain bikes. Ryan F. notes that Gunstock has "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet." These areas often provide terrain suitable for multi-use recreation with pets and horses.
What campers like
River access for horses: Tippicanoe Campground offers water access that can benefit riders with horses. "Rand Pond is the body of water at the campground and is restricted to under 10 HP boats. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the State of NH and is a spring fed sandy bottom pond," explains David G.
Private wooded sites: New Discovery State Park Campground provides secluded camping about 60 miles from Dorchester. One camper describes, "we had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene, beautiful!" These secluded areas offer privacy for equestrian campers with horses.
Winter camping options: For cold-weather equestrian camping, Hancock Campground stands out. Heather B. shares, "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." Winter access allows for year-round horseback riding opportunities.
What you should know
Limited equine facilities: Most campgrounds require self-sufficiency for horse care. At Groton Forest Road Campground, about 45 miles from Dorchester, "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites," notes Reid B., but no specific horse amenities exist.
Bear safety concerns: Proper feed storage is essential for horse owners. One camper at Hancock Campground mentioned, "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."
Variable site conditions: Site selection matters for horse trailers. At Gunstock, one reviewer warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Horse-friendly hiking opportunities: Families bringing horses should research trail restrictions beforehand. One visitor to New Discovery State Park noted, "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."
Activities beyond riding: Ramblewood Cabins and Campground offers diverse recreation. Anne G. shares, "We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed sites and hospitality!" The spacious sites accommodate both family camping equipment and horse trailers.
Bug considerations: Insect protection is crucial for both humans and horses. At Hancock Campground, one camper warned, "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, including all over the cars in the lot."
Tips from RVers
Water access for equestrian needs: Hancock Campground offers river access valuable for horse care. Tara S. notes, "There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," which can provide water for horses after dusty trail rides.
Seasonal considerations: Winter horse camping requires special planning. One RVer at Gunstock Campground advised, "I 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."
Hookup availability: For equestrian camping with RVs, evaluate utility access. Tippicanoe Campground offers full hookups as mentioned by David G.: "The sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds where you are not far from the beautiful beach."
