Most campers seeking horse facilities near Orange, New Hampshire must look beyond the immediate area, as local campgrounds don't offer dedicated equestrian accommodations. Orange sits at approximately 1,250 feet elevation in Grafton County, with several campgrounds within driving distance that can serve as base camps for horseback riders who trailer their animals to nearby trail systems.
What to do
Riverside camping: At Hancock Campground, campers can enjoy sites along the Pemigewasset River. "The river access was great, though the water was very low. We appreciated having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car," notes Lindsey M. The campground provides access to White Mountain National Forest trails.
Winter camping options: Several campgrounds remain open during colder months. "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 Hancock Campground. Winter camping requires additional preparation but offers solitude.
Mountain activities: While there aren't horse campgrounds near Orange, New Hampshire, Gunstock Campground offers numerous recreational options. "They have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc.," explains Kasey H. The resort's year-round activities make it suitable for multi-season visits.
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Campers appreciate secluded water-adjacent sites. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on Osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! Quiet, serene, beautiful!" says Sambath T. about New Discovery State Park Campground. These remote sites require additional planning but reward with tranquility.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews. "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds," writes David G. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Local waters offer good fishing prospects. "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," notes David G. about Tippicanoe Campground. Anglers should check fishing regulations before visiting.
What you should know
Tent site locations: Not all campsites offer the same level of privacy or terrain. "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," explains Tara S. about Hancock Campground.
Bear precautions: The region has active bear populations. Multiple campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage. Follow posted guidelines for food storage and trash disposal to minimize wildlife encounters.
Seasonal pests: Insects can impact camping experiences. "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," reports Lindsey M. about her summer visit to Hancock Campground. Pack appropriate repellents depending on season.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Families can take advantage of pond and lake access. "You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers," mentions Laura M. about New Discovery State Park Campground, which charges "$28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees."
Playground facilities: Ramblewood Cabins and Campground provides "spacious sites with views" according to Anne G. Several campgrounds in the region include playground equipment and open areas for children to play.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer ranger programs. "There's also a book exchange library and adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground," notes Laura M. about New Discovery. These features can engage children during downtime between outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites with utilities are limited at some locations. "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. Call ahead to confirm site dimensions and available utilities.
Water access challenges: Some campgrounds have non-standard water connections. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results," reports Laura M. about New Discovery State Park. Bring adapters and be prepared to fill tanks at dump stations if direct connections aren't possible.
Site leveling considerations: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there," observes Laura M. Request detailed site information when making reservations, especially for larger RVs.
