Campers looking for equestrian camping near Stoddard, New Hampshire should note that traditional horse facilities are scarce in the immediate area. The region encompasses over 1,300 acres of mixed terrain with elevation changes throughout the Monadnock Region, creating varied camping conditions. Most campgrounds in the area focus on traditional tent and RV accommodations rather than specialized horse facilities.
What to do
Trail exploration on foot: Gunstock Campground provides access to numerous hiking trails directly from the property. One camper notes, "We got to walk to hike Gunstock. Wished there was a restaurant within walking distance. But not a show stopper. We will be back!"
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer water access for recreation. At Tippicanoe Campground, "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."
Adventure activities: For those seeking more excitement, adventure courses are available. According to one visitor at Gunstock Campground, "They have an aerial obstacle course and a mountain coaster, places to swim, music festivals, hiking, etc." This provides alternatives for horse owners who cannot bring their mounts.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the region. One camper at Gunstock Campground shared, "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."
Well-maintained facilities: Campground cleanliness stands out in reviews. A guest at Ramblewood Cabins and Campground stated, "We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed sites and hospitality!" while another visitor at Tippicanoe noted, "Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds."
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer larger campsites. A reviewer at Gunstock Campground mentioned, "Very well kept and quiet grounds. The lot I was in was not wooded but still quiet. Check in was quick and friendly. All other guests were friendly as well. I'll be back for sure."
What you should know
Site variability: Campsite quality can vary significantly within the same property. At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, one camper reported, "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services."
Limited wooded sites: Privacy seekers should research specific site numbers. A Gunstock visitor advised, "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. I recommend the sites back in Breezy Knolls (K01-K17 I think?)."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have large seasonal populations. At Hidden Valley, "A lot of the campers are seasonal which is May - October each year. I did not see any tents there, only hard-sided units."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Family-friendly amenities vary by location. Gunstock Campground offers "a fenced in dog park, playground, showers, clean bathrooms, and laundry facilities" according to one reviewer, making it suitable for families with both children and pets.
Noise awareness: Adventure activities can create noise at certain campgrounds. One camper noted about Gunstock, "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."
Recreation options: For families seeking structured recreation, Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park provides diverse options: "The amenities are state of the art, clean laundry center, restrooms, bath house, grocery store, bar & grill, playground & 2 swimming beaches."
Tips from RVers
Hookup access: Check the location of utilities before setting up. One RVer at Hidden Valley warned about difficult hookup access: "The site had very long grass, bare rock and mud. It was not a site we would have wanted to stay on any longer than the one night."
Full-service options: For those requiring full hookups, Tippicanoe Campground provides comprehensive services. A reviewer mentioned, "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 ammenities."
Security features: Some campgrounds offer added security measures. At Gunstock, "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."
