5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Equestrian camping options near Ascutney, Vermont are limited, with none of the listed campgrounds featuring dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins offers the closest approximation to horse-friendly accommodations, with cabins and tent sites accessible by walk-in and hike-in methods. The campground provides drinking water, fire pits with firewood available for purchase, and allows pets, suggesting potential flexibility for equestrians seeking basic accommodations. Clean bathrooms and shower facilities maintain good sanitation standards for overnight guests.
Trail riders seeking horse-compatible camping near Ascutney may need to explore beyond the immediate area for specialized equestrian facilities. Branbury State Park Campground, while offering cabins and beautiful lakeside camping with spacious sites, does not specifically advertise horse-friendly amenities. The park connects to hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, though equestrian access is not confirmed. Campers report the park staff keeps facilities clean and well-maintained, with flush toilets and paid showers available. For horse camping, contacting campgrounds directly to inquire about accommodating horses is recommended, as policies may change seasonally or exceptions might be possible with advance arrangements.
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $125 - $500 / night
Check Availability
LegendPlenty of space between sites. Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont. The (AT&T) cell phone reception was pretty good, but could be slow at times (which could be because of the area or because of the busy fall color season.)
ScoutI've stayed at 10 of the state parks of VT. Gifford Woods takes the cake in friendliness of its staff. The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas. Cool stone bathrooms and playing fields for kids but the highlight (for me) is access to the Appalachian Trail. The AT runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park. The ranger gave me an ice cream, pointed me to the showers and then chatted with me for an hour about my hike so far. He also gave me a ride to the Inn at Long Trail to pick up a resupply box since I was a few days behind schedule and low on food. I'll always remember his kindness. Living just across the state line in NH, I have frequented Gifford Woods on 4 other occasions for day hiking with family. Enjoy! I sure did!
GuideThis campground is the number one rated in Vermont for a reason. The staff were wonderful, the sites are pristine and picturesque, the faculties are decorated with wildflowers. We met a number of AT through hikers, who were very willing to share their adventure stories.
ScoutWhen camping in VT it is usually our goal to hike, rest, cook, and relax at camp. We live in a busy/loud city so we really love a rural spot where we can just unplug and enjoy nature. Gifford Woods has great access to the AT and the Long Trail, nice bathrooms, and kind staff... but campers beware- it is wedged between two major highways. Initially we pulled up to the site "Poplar" after driving 4+ hours and I could have cried, this site faces a large DOT/Parks Dept. parking lot with a huge building and trucks everywhere. Luckily the (very sweet) staff said they understood that this was an issue and that they do get lots of complaints about that site. They moved us to T02 which was dramatically better. Unfortunately, you can still hear trucks/car honking/ambulances from that site and I assume all other sites. I understand now that people camp here just for AT access, but I would probably not go back due to the sheer volume of the neighboring highways and quieter camping options nearby.
GuideThis campsite was amazing. Each site had a fair amount of isolation and trees surrounding it, and the mosquitoes aren't too bad there either. 10 minutes away is the trail head for the Bucklin Trail (one of the most difficult trails for Mt. Killington).
Also, the campsite lies directly on the Appalachian trail, so for a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges nearby.
RangerGreat campground with many hiking trails and a peaceful pond with fishing across the street. Clean bathrooms and showers and great cell service for people working while camping! Stayed at site 15 in the lower campground for a few nights and it was level and spacious but pretty close to neighbors compared to other sites. Then we moved to lean to ELM in the upper campground and it was a nice private site. It was perched on a hill but we were still able to park and sleep in our van next to the lean to. Highly recommend!
TravelerI will start with the ONLY drawback, and it is dramatic at best. For like 30 minutes a day at around 5pm (I was there Thursday to Monday) you would hear (pistol) gun fire. Its most annoying the first day, then you get over it.
Moving on…
This is absolutely the best kept and cleanest campground I’ve ever been to.
The staff… ALL amazing, always cheerful, helpful and seemingly happy to be there! (I encountered cleaning, maintenance, desk, and store staff!)
The smaller loop is newest, and if you can handle camps being tightly spaced, you’ll get prime access to the seemingly brand new facilities which i always found to be clean and tidy (and bug free with decent toilet paper). The showers were nicely sized, immediately hot and the cost/time is generous!
The larger, upper loop has hugely spaced out spots that are more open due to less undergrowth, but still seem private as i walked by them on my way to the Appalachian trail access, halfway up the large loop.
Simply awesome easy-ish trails in both directions. Expect a 2 mile trip either direction to see cool stuff (see bottom for notes)
Wood is great, slow burning, large pieces for $6 a bundle, which are generous in size.
NOTES I came across (polite and private) families and happy dogs (surprisingly mostly well behaved, one off leash on a trail but still friendly).
Edit: Turns out my battery died while i was here AND THEY HELPED ME JUMPSTART IT! 🥰🥰🥰
LegendThe campground at Gifford Woods State Park is a hiker's campground for sure. The sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers. The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it.
The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground. Nearby hikes include the Bucklin Trail to the top of Killington, Sherburne Pass to Pico Peak, and Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain. So many choices!
We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill. The only down side is that the lean-to opening faces the road instead of the woods, which would have been better for privacy. A minor issue, though.
Apple and Hemlock are awesome lean-tos if you can get them!
TravelerHad an amazing time at Branbury. 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.
There was plenty of space between sites so it didn’t feel like you were on top of each other. Bathrooms are flushing compost. However, there are only four showers for the whole campground.
Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!
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.
Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!
Camping opportunities near Ascutney, Vermont include several established campgrounds situated in the Green Mountain region at elevations between 800-1,500 feet. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime and cooler 50-60°F nights. Fall brings vibrant foliage displays from mid-September through mid-October when campers should prepare for overnight temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Fishing at local ponds: Tippicanoe Campground provides access to Rand Pond, a spring-fed sandy bottom pond stocked with rainbow trout by New Hampshire Fish and Game. "Rand Pond is the body of water at the campground and is restricted to under 10 HP boats. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the State of NH," notes camper David G. from Tippicanoe Campground.
Hiking nearby mountains: The area offers trails connecting to the surrounding mountains with varying difficulty levels. "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 Nicole E. about trails near Branbury State Park Campground.
Water recreation options: Multiple water activities are available during summer months. "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," explains Lisa S. about recreation facilities at Branbury State Park Campground.
Spacious, well-separated sites: Campers consistently mention the generous sizing of campsites in the region. "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they arent super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are," reports Catherine M. about her experience at Branbury State Park Campground.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the Ascutney region maintain high standards of cleanliness. "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds," shares David G. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Natural features and wildlife: The region's diverse landscape provides habitat for various wildlife. "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are bears in the area!" advises Nicole E. regarding camping in the area.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on a limited seasonal schedule. "We showed up on a busy Memorial Day weekend without reservations and the staff was kind enough to give us their last leanto," reports M.A.D. P. about their experience at Ramblewood Cabins and Campground.
Limited horse facilities: Horse riders seeking equestrian camping near Ascutney, Vermont should note that specialized horse facilities are scarce in the immediate area. Most established campgrounds do not offer horse corrals or dedicated equestrian amenities. Horse owners planning overnight stays should contact campgrounds directly about their policies.
Variable bathroom facilities: Bathroom amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms are flushing compost. However, there are only four showers for the whole campground," notes Nicole E., highlighting potential limitations during busy periods.
Beach access for children: Families appreciate the swimming options available at certain campgrounds. "We were so impressed at the beautiful scenery especially across the street from the beach. This was definitely our favorite campsite we've ever been to this far," shares macie from Branbury State Park Campground.
Activity options for different ages: Multiple recreation opportunities keep children entertained. "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," lists J L. about family amenities.
Natural play areas: Rock formations and natural features provide entertainment for children. "We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground," reports Desiree V.
Hookup availability: RV campers should research utility options in advance. "Tthe sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds where you are not far from the beautiful beach, trout stocked pond and all ammenities," notes David G. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds offer dump stations even without full hookups. "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers," explains Trip Over Life about facilities at Branbury State Park.
Site numbering changes: RVers should confirm site details when booking. "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," cautions Stephen T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ascutney, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ascutney, VT is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ascutney, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Ascutney, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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