Equestrian camping near Plymouth, New Hampshire presents challenges for horse owners. The White Mountains region spans elevations from 600 to over 6,000 feet with varied terrain conditions throughout the year. Winter camping options remain available at select locations, though facilities for horses are limited and typically require advance arrangements with campground owners.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: At Hancock Campground, visitors enjoy direct water access. "There are some nice looking tent only sites we plan to experience come springtime. Water would have earned it five stars," notes reviewer Heather B. The campground connects to multiple hiking trails.
Winter adventures: Off-season camping provides a unique experience for those prepared for colder conditions. "We came at the end of October to try to hike Franconia Ridge (there ended up being a blizzard when we got to the top) 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.
Mountain activities: Gunstock Campground offers more than just camping with seasonal recreational options. "They have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc," says Kasey H. Though not specifically for horseback riding, the area provides alternative outdoor activities.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site selection matters at many campgrounds. "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, and close access to all Gunstock's adventures," shares Carolyn S.
River sounds: The natural ambiance creates a peaceful atmosphere. "Great for primitive camping. Beautiful area adjacent to the river. Set up a hammock on the shoreline and have a tasty beverage before bed. Sites can be close together," mentions Mike M. about Hancock Campground.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards vary between locations. At Tippicanoe Campground, "Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds so you can relax and know that the kids are safe and you will be stress-free for your stay," according to David G.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bees can be an issue at certain times. "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. They calmed down in the evening once it got chilly," reports Lindsey M. at Hancock.
Site variations: Not all sites provide equal experiences. At New Discovery State Park Campground, "Each site is so different and may or may not fit an RV. Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you," explains Laura M.
Bear precautions: Wildlife safety measures are essential. "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," notes Lindsey M.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Swimming options provide recreation for children. "There is a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," shares Tara S. about Hancock Campground.
Campground amenities: Ramblewood Cabins and Campground offers spacious sites that work well for groups. "We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed sites and hospitality!" says Anne G. The open layouts accommodate families needing space.
Noise considerations: Be aware of activity sounds when selecting sites. "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. Lol. But it didn't really bother me personally," reports Melissa B.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varied services for RVs. "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, trout stocked pond and all amenities," notes David G. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Water access challenges: Filling tanks requires planning. "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. 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," advises Laura M.
