Equestrian camping options near North Scituate, Rhode Island feature terrain suitable for both horses and riders with direct trail access. The region contains portions of the 14,000-acre Arcadia Management Area with elevations ranging from 200 to 400 feet above sea level. Most horse campgrounds in this area remain open from April through November, with some sites closing during periods of excessive rainfall to protect trail conditions.
What to do
Trail riding loops: Three dedicated horseback riding trails depart directly from Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest, located 23 miles from North Scituate. "It's hard to find much information about this equestrian, first come, first serve campground in Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest," notes Jean C., who adds that "water is available" and "about half the sites were occupied in late October."
Fishing excursions: Several ponds within a 40-minute drive offer fishing opportunities during camping stays. At Charge Pond Campground, Kim R. reports, "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse."
Hiking network: Marked trails throughout the region connect to longer hiking systems. "There are plenty of hiking trails accessible from the campground," reports Gary G. about Wolf Den Campground, adding "Wished we had time to check out the hiking trails accessible from the campground."
What campers like
Spacious horse sites: Sites at equestrian campgrounds provide adequate space for both camping equipment and horse trailers. "Sites are located around a loop with a couple of composting toilets near the entrance," notes Jean C. about Frog Hollow Horse Camp, emphasizing "There's space for your camping gear as well as a trailer and horseline."
Privacy between campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area and other regional campgrounds. At nearby Charge Pond Campground, Kim R. observed, "Our site was wooded and pretty private for a state campground. We had plenty of room and the site had a fire pit and picnic table."
Seasonal availability: Weekday camping often provides a quieter experience than weekends. "We felt most people respected quiet hours and there were even empty sites in our loop," notes Kim R. about a holiday weekend at Charge Pond. Kyle C. confirms this pattern: "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
Bathroom facilities vary: Expect different levels of bathroom facilities at horse campgrounds near North Scituate. At Frog Hollow Horse Camp, Jean C. notes there are "a couple of composting toilets near the entrance" but no showers. At similar campgrounds, Kyle C. reports, "Each loop has one bathhouse. Ours, unfortunately, did not have hot water."
Reservation requirements: Some equestrian campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. At Frog Hollow Horse Camp, Jean C. explains that "About half the sites were occupied in late October," suggesting reasonable availability outside peak season.
Weather considerations: Ponkapoag Camp demonstrates typical regional weather patterns affecting all nearby horse camps. Rita M. notes, "We were there Memorial Day weekend, and needed the stove when it dipped to 40 degrees," indicating spring temperature fluctuations campers should prepare for.
Tips for camping with families
Day trip options: Plan excursions to historical sites near horse campgrounds. At Wolf Den Campground, campers like "175 P." found it was "Close to a small walking path and a larger intermediate hiking trail" and "Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night."
Water activities: Several campgrounds offer pond access within an hour of North Scituate. Kim R. explains at Charge Pond Campground that "The pond itself is a wonderful place for kayaking and canoeing. There are several rocky boulders poking out of the water that make fun spots to discover."
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. Liz W. recalls camping at Normandy Farms Campground: "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
Tips from RVers
Electric access: For RVers requiring hookups at horse campgrounds, plan accordingly as availability varies. Matt T. notes about Normandy Farms Campground: "Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground."
Site surfaces: Check site composition before arrival to determine suitability for your rig. Gary G. explains about Wolf Den Campground: "The parking pads are paved and a few have overhanging branches, but the trees provide separation and some shade on largely open sites."
Route planning: Access roads to horse campgrounds may present challenges for larger rigs. Randy R. notes that while many sites are "nice level sites," access routes may require careful navigation, especially when towing horse trailers to equestrian-specific campgrounds.
