Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest provides equestrian camping opportunities approximately 40 miles west of Newport, Rhode Island. Located within Connecticut's largest state forest, this camping area sits at an elevation of about 400 feet above sea level in typical New England terrain consisting of rolling hills and mixed hardwood forests. The region experiences warm summers with average highs in the 80s and cold winters, making spring through fall the optimal camping seasons.
What to do
Trail riding on multiple loops: Three designated trails lead directly from Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest, allowing riders to access miles of wooded terrain. As one camper notes, "Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground. There's also fishing and hiking available in the forest."
Hiking forest trails: At Normandy Farms Campground, you'll find access to nearby hiking opportunities. One visitor mentions, "About a mile from the campground is Foxboro State Park where you will find 20+ miles of hiking trails."
Road cycling: The paved roads near Charge Pond Campground provide good opportunities for road cycling. A camper confirms: "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns."
Fishing: Several campgrounds in the Newport region offer fishing opportunities. At Charge Pond, visitors report: "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us."
What campers like
Large, private sites: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at many equestrian campgrounds near Newport. At Wolf Den Campground, a visitor shared: "Easy to find the camp and the plot, well marked. Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night."
Clean facilities: Wolf Den Campground maintains good standards according to visitors: "Bathrooms were clean and staff were friendly. Would definitely stay again."
Natural pond swimming: Several campgrounds feature natural swimming areas. One camper at Charge Pond noted: "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds."
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, weekdays offer the best experience. A Charge Pond visitor explained: "The Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
What you should know
First-come, first-served basis: Most equestrian camping areas near Newport operate without reservations. For Frog Hollow, campers should know: "It's hard to find much information about this equestrian, first come, first serve campground in Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest."
Limited amenities: Basic facilities are the norm at many equestrian-focused campgrounds. A camper at Charge Pond Campground noted: "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops."
Variable cell coverage: Don't count on reliable communications. One camper reported: "Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots."
Alcohol restrictions: Some public lands restrict alcohol consumption. A camper at Charge Pond mentioned: "When you are sitting by the campfire, sometimes, chilling with a beer or another adult beverage is nice. Not in Massachusetts State Parks. No alcohol allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. Wolf Den Campground features "a small playground in the middle of the loop."
Consider geocaching: Several areas have hidden geocaches for family exploration. At Wolf Den, a camper suggests: "a number of hiking trails throughout the park along with a few geocaches (download details for offline use as phone connection is spotty)."
Choose campgrounds with activities: The Preserve Club and Residences offers numerous family-friendly options. A visitor describes it as "New England's most amenity rich properties, in fact it may be the only place in the world that has such a diverse amount of outdoor offerings."
Plan for inclement weather: New England weather can change quickly, so prepare alternatives. One camper at Wolf Den mentioned: "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night."
Tips from RVers
Check site length and leveling: Many equestrian campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. A visitor to Charge Pond warned: "Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard."
Plan for limited hookups: Most equestrian-focused campgrounds lack full hookups. One camper at Charge Pond explained: "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops."
Consider seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the Newport region operate seasonally. Wolf Den Campground is typically open "May 26 to September 4" according to their information.
Prepare for variable site privacy: Site selection matters for comfort. A camper at Charge Pond noted: "The parking pads are paved and a few have overhanging branches, but the trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites."
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