Equestrian camping near Bennington, Vermont offers access to trail systems within the Green Mountain National Forest. The region's varied terrain ranges from 600 to 3,800 feet in elevation, creating diverse riding conditions throughout the camping season. Most horse-friendly campgrounds in the area operate from May through mid-October, with peak foliage viewing in late September.
What to do
Trail riding in Green Mountain National Forest: Horse riders can access numerous trails within 30 minutes of Bennington. According to one visitor at Moreau Lake State Park Campground, "Over 20 miles in hiking trails, this is one of the nicest parks, I've visited" with many trails suitable for equestrian use.
Lake activities after riding: Many campgrounds offer water recreation options for cooling off after trail rides. At Luzerne Campground, visitors appreciate that "My overall favorite place. Lover being on the far side of the lake with the private beach and no motorboats allowed. Tons of bike riding options. Great little lake for kayaking and fishing."
Seasonal events: Check local equestrian calendars for group rides and events, particularly during summer months. Moreau Lake visitors mention, "The main issue is the fact that due to its proximity to I-87 and being conveniently located 20 minutes from both Lake George and Saratoga Springs the park draws large crowds," so booking early for event weekends is essential.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Equestrian campers appreciate secluded spots that accommodate trailers. One Moreau Lake camper notes, "Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed. Generators are allowed but not too many people were using them."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathroom facilities rank high among horse campers who need to clean up after dusty trail rides. A regular visitor to NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins appreciates that "The showers are so nice and private and clean. Love that we can rent boats too."
Proximity to services: Many campers value being near towns for supplies while still enjoying natural settings. As one Luzerne visitor shared, "We loved being deep in the woods! It was nice to have a little country store right across the street from the entrance of the campground. They had anything and everything you might need or had forgotten!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most equestrian-friendly sites book quickly during summer and fall foliage seasons. Luzerne campers recommend securing spots early: "We always get the same site, for 15 years. We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant temperature variations between day and night, even in summer. Pack appropriate gear for horses and riders. One Moreau Lake visitor observed, "The park was not very crowded when we were there, but we can imagine it could get very busy and noisy in the busy summer season."
Trail conditions: Trail difficulty varies significantly by location. A camper noted, "The park has a large number of hiking trails for every level of outdoorsman and the staff is friendly and helpful," making it important to consult with rangers about current trail conditions for horses.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with beaches and play areas near horse-friendly sites. One family at Luzerne shared, "My daughter loves it here. We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes."
