Equestrian camping options near Piermont, New Hampshire offer limited dedicated horse facilities but several alternatives worth consideration. The region sits within the Connecticut River Valley at approximately 450 feet elevation with surrounding hills rising to over 2,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with higher humidity levels than western mountain regions, creating comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
River activities: Hancock Campground provides riverside sites where campers can enjoy fishing, swimming and relaxation. As one visitor noted, "There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks connect to campgrounds throughout the region. According to a camper at New Discovery State Park Campground, "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."
Winter camping: Some campgrounds remain open year-round for those interested in cold-weather camping. A visitor at Hancock Campground shared, "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."
Rail trail access: For horse riders looking for potential trail options, some nearby campgrounds connect to converted rail trails. One camper at New Discovery State Park Campground mentioned, "Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the private camping options available. A visitor to Branbury State Park Campground noted, "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they arent super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are."
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. A visitor to New Discovery State Park Campground mentioned, "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."
Waterfront locations: Several campgrounds feature direct water access. A camper at Branbury State Park Campground shared, "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available."
Off-season camping: Lower crowds during shoulder seasons provide a different experience. A camper at Hancock Campground recalled, "We came at the end of October to try to hike Franconia Ridge... we stumbled upon this campground. We were the only ones in it and we picked the site right next to the rambling river."
What you should know
Bear safety: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity requiring proper food storage. A visitor to Branbury State Park Campground advised, "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly."
Bathroom facilities: Quality and maintenance vary between campgrounds. One camper at Gunstock Campground noted, "The camp store has most everything you could need, and the campground is gated so you have to make sure you keep your key card with you whenever leaving in order to get back in."
Insects: Some campgrounds report significant insect activity during summer months. A camper at Hancock Campground 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."
Reservation systems: Most popular campgrounds require advance booking. According to a visitor at Groton Forest Road Campground, "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A visitor to Branbury State Park Campground mentioned, "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground."
Activity options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities to keep children engaged. A camper at Tippicanoe Campground shared, "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate... so you can relax and know that the kids are safe."
Tent platforms: Some campgrounds provide raised platforms for easier tent setup with children. A visitor to Gunstock Campground noted, "So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it."
Swimming areas: Family-friendly water features are available at select locations. According to a Branbury State Park visitor, "We showed up on a busy Memorial Day weekend without reservations and the staff was kind enough to give us their last leanto. This place has access to some of the best hiking and paddling in the state."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water and sewer connections vary between campgrounds. A camper at Groton Forest Road Campground noted, "My girlfriend and I visited last year for a nice getaway and absolutely loved the park. The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites."
Site spacing: RV sites range from open field layouts to more wooded settings. A visitor to Gunstock Campground observed, "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."
Water access: Some campgrounds have non-standard water connections. A camper at New Discovery State Park Campground advised, "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results."
Security features: Some campgrounds offer added security measures. According to a Gunstock Campground visitor, "The campground overall is very nice. The camp store has most everything you could need, and the campground is gated so you have to make sure you keep your key card with you whenever leaving."
