Frontier Town Campground's equestrian area represents one of several horseback riding destinations within the Adirondack region near Port Henry. Located in North Hudson, this campground serves as a hub for trail riding expeditions throughout the surrounding wilderness. The area connects to extensive trail networks, allowing riders to access routes connecting Lake George to Ticonderoga. Several campgrounds in the region cater to equestrian needs with specialized facilities and trail access.
What to do
Trail riding access: AuSable Chasm Campground provides a convenient base for exploring nearby trail systems. As one visitor notes, "This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe."
Beach recreation: Branbury State Park Campground features excellent water access for post-ride relaxation. "Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night! A five minute hike- though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike- from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole," reports one camper.
Adventure activities: Beyond horseback riding, local campgrounds offer diverse recreation opportunities. At AuSable Chasm, campers can "hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course," according to a visitor. The campground is "directly across the street from the campground" making these activities readily accessible.
Winter trails: For multi-season equestrian enthusiasts, some campgrounds maintain winter access. Branbury State Park includes "access to some of the best hiking and paddling in the state," with trails that convert to snow routes during colder months.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds feature oversized sites to accommodate trailers and equipment. At Frontier Town, one camper noted, "We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It's really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. We had fantastic connection. The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean."
Well-maintained facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. A Branbury State Park visitor shared: "Bathrooms are flushing compost. However, there are only four showers for the whole campground."
Proximity to attractions: Horseback riders appreciate campgrounds with strategic locations. One visitor to AuSable Chasm Campground emphasized the "Terrific location to hike the different trails of ausable chasm. Good sized site with electric and water. Shady but also had sun to dry our shoes from the raft tour."
Natural settings: The region's old-growth forests provide natural shade and scenery. A Branbury visitor observed, "The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
What you should know
Site configurations: Layout issues can create challenges at some equestrian campgrounds. An AuSable Chasm camper reported, "The 'road' into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt. RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. At Branbury State Park, "even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
Wildlife awareness: Bears inhabit the region around equestrian campgrounds. A Branbury State Park visitor warned, "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly. My family loves camping here."
Reservation systems: Site numbering systems may change, requiring careful booking. One Branbury camper cautioned, "I guess only negative thing to say is they changed the site numbers years back and we thought we booked the best site next to the River from past experiences but it was the one next to the bathrooms after they changed the site numbers without a warning."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. A Branbury State Park visitor highlighted, "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."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds provide nature programs. Branbury features "a nature center with all kinds of information and activities" according to visitor reports.
Beach access: Water features enhance family camping experiences. "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," notes a Branbury camper.
Site selection: Families should consider privacy between campsites. At Branbury, "There was plenty of space between sites so it didn't feel like you were on top of each other."
Tips from RVers
Power connections: RV sites offer varying electrical service. At Frontier Town, one camper mentioned, "We stayed twice - first time at site 59 with a 28' travel trailer and second time at 56 with a tent. This is a great home base to explore from the Lake George region to Ticonderoga to day hikes or cycling."
Supply planning: Limited nearby shopping requires advance preparation. One Frontier Town visitor advised, "Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it."
Site layout challenges: RVers should research site specifics before booking. A camper at AuSable Chasm reported, "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining."
Site leveling requirements: Terrain variations affect RV setup. "We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van and can easily fit in a regular size parking space," explained an AuSable Chasm visitor who encountered classification issues.
Ranger
