New Discovery State Park Campground supports horseback riding with dedicated stall sites about 45 miles from Warren, New Hampshire. Located within Vermont's 26,000-acre Groton State Forest, the park sits at elevations between 900-1,500 feet with a mix of northern hardwood forests and wetland areas. The campground's equestrian facilities operate seasonally from late May through mid-October with temperatures ranging from 45°F nights to 75°F days during peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking with lake access: Explore the trail network connecting to Osmore Pond, where campers can enjoy shelters around the water. "There are more remote walk-in shelters on the Osmore Pond, located within New Discovery State Park. The shelters are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables," notes Sarah C. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Swimming in natural ponds: Several ponds within Groton State Forest offer clear swimming areas. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," shares Rick S., who stayed at Eagle lean-to at New Discovery State Park.
Winter camping options: For those considering off-season equestrian camping near Warren, check out Hancock Campground, which remains open year-round. "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," reports Heather B., who rated the experience highly despite winter conditions.
Trail riding connections: The extensive rail trail system provides mile after mile of riding opportunities. Rick S. from New Discovery notes, "Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it." This makes it ideal for day-long horseback excursions.
What campers like
Separation between sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at Groton Forest Road Campground near the equestrian facilities. "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," mentions Reid B.
Water features: Ponds and streams provide both recreation and natural beauty. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful!" shares Sambath T. about New Discovery State Park.
Terrain variety: The mix of wooded and field sites offers options for different camping preferences. Miccal M. observed at New Discovery: "There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses."
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to spot local wildlife. Rick S. shares an entertaining wildlife encounter: "There were squirrels that would spend lots of time throughout the day sending loose the green pine cones and then come down and chew them up. Pretty entertaining except for when they drop them on your tarps."
What you should know
Seasonal maintenance issues: Facilities may have inconsistent upkeep during busy periods. Robin B. notes about New Discovery State Park Campground: "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend."
Water access limitations: Filling RV tanks can be challenging at some locations. Laura M. explains: "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."
Site selection considerations: Sites vary dramatically in terrain and suitability. Laura M. advises: "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."
Bear safety requirements: The area has bear activity requiring proper food storage. "There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," warns Laura M. about New Discovery State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Consider riverside sites: At Hancock Campground, waterfront sites offer natural entertainment but book quickly. Tara S. advises: "There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area."
Pack for insects: Some areas have significant bee activity in summer months. Lindsey M. warns about Hancock: "Big negative: 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."
Lean-to options: For families wanting a compromise between tent and cabin camping, try the lean-to sites. Rick S. recommends: "We stayed at the Eagle lean-to and is perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. Close enough to the bathrooms too."
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds in the area offer coin-operated showers. Laura M. reports about New Discovery: "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only. The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: At Gunstock Campground, site type varies widely. Melissa B. advises: "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."
Weekend availability: Popular campgrounds fill quickly on weekends during summer months. Saige V. notes about Groton Forest Road Campground: "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend."
Full hookup options: For those seeking equestrian camping with RV amenities near Warren, Ramblewood Cabins and Campground provides spacious sites with utility connections. Anne G. shares: "We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed sites and hospitality!"
Campground access control: Some facilities have gated entry systems. Melissa B. explains about 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."
