Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest is located in Connecticut's largest state forest, approximately 90 miles from Greenport, New York. The equestrian-focused campground follows a first-come, first-served policy with no reservations accepted. Campers should note that while drinking water is available throughout the property, the facility does not offer electric hookups, showers, or sanitary dump stations for RVs.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Three separate horseback riding routes depart directly from the campground, connecting to Pachaug State Forest's extensive trail network. According to one visitor at Shinnecock East County Park, "The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass. The bay is peaceful and we go crabbing."
Fishing access: Several ponds and streams throughout Pachaug State Forest offer fishing opportunities within riding distance from the horse camp. As one camper at Sears Bellows County Park noted, "The people who stayed in the campsite next to us were cooking up some type of fish for their dinner that they caught that day."
Day trips: For equestrians seeking additional horse camping options near Greenport, LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area in Rhode Island's Arcadia Management Area offers more developed facilities. A regular visitor to Sears Bellows mentions, "The campground is very well kept and clean which I really liked. They do have quite a bit of garbage's to dump your trash in."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: The campsites at Frog Hollow are arranged around a loop with ample space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. One camper at The Preserve Club and Residences stated, "It may be the only place in the world that has such a diverse amount of outdoor offerings."
Natural setting: The campground provides a rustic experience within Connecticut's largest state forest. A Sears Bellows visitor observed, "This campground is more woodsy. The trails are nice and big."
Low occupancy rates: During off-peak seasons like late fall, the campground operates at approximately 50% capacity, offering a quieter experience. According to a camper at Shinnecock East, "We go here at least once a year. The ocean is beautiful and we catch stripe bass."
What you should know
Limited facilities: The campground offers basic amenities with composting toilets located near the entrance and no shower facilities. A visitor noted about Frog Hollow Horse Camp, "Campsites are located around a loop with a couple of composting toilets near the entrance. Water is available."
Advance planning required: The nearest supply stores are several miles away, requiring campers to bring all necessary provisions. One camper at Sears Bellows advised, "One thing to note is that there are not any electrical hook-ups, so if that is something you need you might now want to come stay here."
Variable terrain: Trail difficulty ranges from beginner to experienced levels, with some routes requiring careful navigation. A visitor commented, "The trails were beautiful, and the flowers were in bloom. There were people who were also biking on these trails."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Beyond horseback riding, families can enjoy hiking and fishing within the state forest. A Sears Bellows visitor shared, "It really does offer a lot of outdoor activities for you and your family. The first night I stayed here my friends and I rented some rowboats and went on the water."
Playground availability: Unlike some horse campgrounds near Greenport, New York, Frog Hollow does not have dedicated playground equipment. Campers at Sears Bellows County Park report, "The playground is really nice and big has a lot of slides."
Pet considerations: The campground allows pets, making it suitable for families traveling with dogs. According to a visitor, "Is good for dogs to the trails are nice and big."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should note that while the campground accommodates recreational vehicles, sites are designed primarily for horse trailers with living quarters. A camper at Shinnecock East noted for their location, "4x4 a must, air down a must. Beautiful on the bay or ocean side. They also have a hill top section."
Water hookups: Water is available throughout the property but not as direct hookups at individual sites. For those seeking full hookups at equestrian campgrounds, one visitor mentioned, "The best source I could find was the state parks website."