Equestrian camping options surround Lincoln, Rhode Island, with facilities ranging from primitive sites to those with electric hookups. The region features mixed hardwood forests and rolling terrain, with elevations between 200-400 feet throughout nearby state parks. Seasonal temperature variations impact camping conditions, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and spring/fall temperatures more moderate.
What to do
Trail riding: At Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest, riders access three dedicated horseback trails directly from the campground. Jean C. notes, "Campsites are located around a loop with a couple of composting toilets near the entrance. Water is available. There's space for your camping gear as well as a trailer and horseline."
Hiking and exploration: The extensive trail system at Ponkapoag Camp offers varied terrain for day hikes. As one camper shares, "Blue Hill is within hiking distance, and it is a favorite spot for seeing the sunrise. Apparently you can see all the way to Boston!" The area features interesting rock formations and pond views accessible from multiple trails.
Water activities: The kettle ponds at Charge Pond Campground provide opportunities for swimming, fishing and paddling. A visitor reports, "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds. The dept. of conservation and recreation drives around several times a day in case you have any issues."
What campers like
Natural setting: While close to Boston, Ponkapoag Camp offers a secluded feel. One camper explains, "Ponky is a hidden gem! Minutes from Boston, feels Miles away. Love the cabins! Spending Friday & Saturday in one of the cabins (w/woodstove) is deal for a winter weekend adventure!"
Spacious campsites: Wolf Den Campground offers well-designed sites with good spacing. A recent visitor mentioned, "Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night. Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain serviceable restrooms and shower facilities. At Wolf Den, one camper noted, "Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again." Most established campgrounds provide basic amenities including water access and toilet facilities.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer months. At Normandy Farms Campground, the check-in process resembles a hotel experience: "When you enter Normandy Farms it is more like checking into a hotel than campground complete with a concierge and express check-in. The park is gated and a code is needed to enter and leave."
Variable site conditions: Site quality and privacy varies significantly between campgrounds and within loops. At Charge Pond, a camper observed, "Some spots run closer to main road than others so you can hear the cars go by. Nice ponds. Decent place. Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard."
Rustic accommodations: Some equestrian campgrounds offer minimal amenities. At LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area, campers need to bring portable corrals or high-line equipment. Similarly, at Ponkapoag, a visitor cautions, "There is no electricity or running water. We brought all our water from home, and it worked well."
Tips for camping with families
Look for activity options: Families benefit from campgrounds with multiple recreation choices. Normandy Farms provides exceptional facilities: "There is a really long list of amenities for this campground...four pools (include an indoor heated one), fitness room, creative arts center, camp store, 20,000 square-foot activities building, restaurant, huge off-leash dog park, BMX bike park, baseball diamond, volleyball, fishing pond, shuffleboard, disk golf, and playground."
Consider shoulder seasons: For quieter family experiences, avoid peak summer weekends. One camper at Charge Pond observed, "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity. But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
Pack sufficient water: At primitive horse campgrounds near Lincoln, water access may be limited. A Ponkapoag camper advises, "Make sure you bring campsuds or other eco-friendly soap since the toilets are just outhouses without running water much of the year."
Tips from RVers
Check site sizes: Many equestrian campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. At The Preserve Club and Residences, RVers find adequate hookups but limited big-rig access. The campground offers "electric-hookups, sewer-hookups, water-hookups" but is not listed as big-rig friendly.
Verify hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of services. Normandy Farms provides comprehensive options: "There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between. Both back-in and pull thrus are available as are sites with shade and full sun."
Consider dump station access: Not all horse campgrounds have on-site dumping facilities. At Charge Pond, while hookups are limited, "there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops," making it workable for shorter RV stays.
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