New Discovery State Park Campground offers specialized facilities for equestrian campers beyond just the designated horse stalls. Located within Vermont's 26,000-acre Groton State Forest, this campground sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation where temperatures can drop into the 40s even during summer nights. Winter camping isn't available as the campground operates only from late May through mid-October when trail conditions are suitable for horses and riders.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The campground connects to over 20 miles of multi-use trails throughout Groton State Forest. "There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers," notes Laura M. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Rail trail adventures: Access the nearby rail trail for extended horseback riding without doubling back. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it. Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions," shares Rick S.
Fishing at multiple ponds: Riders can reach several fishing spots within the forest. Miccal M. reports, "Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion." The three main ponds (Osmore, Kettle, and Ricker) each offer different fishing environments within riding distance from the campground.
What campers like
Diverse campsite options: Some sites work better for equestrian setups than others. "This state park has a little bit of everything. There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without. Some sites are in the middle of a grassy field while others are tucked in the trees," writes Sarah C. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Remote shelters: For companions of equestrians who prefer hiking. "There are more remote walk-in shelters on the Osmore Pond, located within New Discovery State Park. The shelters are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables," notes Sarah C.
Water amenities: Multiple water bodies provide cooling options after a day of riding. "Such a beautiful place to stay! 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," says Desiree V. about Branbury State Park Campground.
What you should know
Facilities maintenance: Staff responsiveness to facility issues can vary. "My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the facilities. The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," reports Robin B.
Water access challenges: RV owners should note water connection issues. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results. Luckily, we found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station and had no problem filling our tank," explains Laura M. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Wildlife precautions: The area has bears, requiring proper food storage. "The campground strictly enforces proper manure management and requires that all feed be stored securely due to wildlife in the area." Sites at New Discovery come with bear boxes, particularly important for horse feed storage.
Tips for camping with families
Horse-related activities: Children can observe daily horse care routines. At Groton Forest Road Campground, Reid B. notes, "My girlfriend and I visited last year for a nice getaway and absolutely loved the park. The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use."
Nature programs: Several nearby parks offer educational activities. "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," writes J L. about Branbury State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming spots accommodate different skill levels. "The camp sites near the beach are in a large grassy field, and across the road, the campsites are wooded, and some have lean tos," explains Lisa S., noting the family-friendly beach areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Not all sites accommodate large horse trailers plus RVs. "Site size varies pretty vastly as you travel through the campground. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other," explains Sarah C.
Seasonal considerations: Off-season visits offer more privacy but fewer amenities. "We came at the end of October to try to hike Franconia Ridge and we stumbled upon this campground. We were the only ones in it and we picked the site right next to the rambling river," shares Molly G. about Hancock Campground.
Utility considerations: Limited electrical hookups make advance planning necessary. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded," notes Laura M., highlighting the importance of having proper adapters for equestrian camping needs.
