New Discovery State Park Campground serves as a premier equestrian camping destination in Vermont's Groton State Forest. The dedicated horse facilities at select sites provide a practical base for riders exploring the extensive trail system. Located approximately 17 miles from Berlin, this state park offers campsites designed specifically for travelers with horses alongside standard tent and RV accommodations. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day through Columbus Day weekend, with temperatures ranging from warm summer days to cool autumn nights.
What to do
Trail riding from campsites: The direct access to trails from New Discovery State Park Campground connects riders to multiple routes. "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, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," notes Rick S.
Mountain biking on forest trails: The network of trails surrounding the state park accommodates various cycling abilities. "I wish I had my bike!!! I didn't know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground," writes Rebecca about nearby trails.
Paddling on nearby ponds: Multiple water bodies within short distance offer paddling opportunities. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful! can't wait to go back!" shares Sambath T. about a secluded camping option.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The campground layout provides good separation between camping areas. "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," reports Robin B. from New Discovery.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest setting supports diverse wildlife observation. "We saw fresh moose poop on a hike but sadly no moose or other wildlife. There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," advises Laura M.
Lean-to shelter options: These covered structures provide alternative camping accommodations. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," notes Laura M. from Groton Forest Road Campground, "My girlfriend and I visited last year for a nice getaway and absolutely loved the park."
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility upkeep can be inconsistent during peak periods. "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," shares Robin B. about her experience at New Discovery.
Water access limitations: The water sources have specific connection restrictions. "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 with potable water," explains Laura M.
Site terrain varies significantly: Campsite conditions differ throughout the campground. "Each site is so different and may or may not fit an RV. Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there," notes Laura M. about Branbury State Park Campground, another Vermont option where "the sites near the beach are in a large grassy field, and across the road, the campsites are wooded."
Tips for camping with families
Book horse sites early: Equestrian sites fill quickly during peak season. "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," advises Saige V. about securing spots at Groton Forest Road Campground.
Pack quarters for showers: Plan for coin-operated shower facilities. "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only," mentions Laura M. about the facilities at New Discovery.
Consider lean-to shelters: These structures provide practical covered accommodations for families. "We stayed at the Eagle leanto and is perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. Close enough to the bathrooms too," recommends Rick S. from AuSable Chasm Campground, which offers "a small store and rec room for kids."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "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. Site size various pretty vastly as you travel through the campground," Sarah C. explains about campground layout variations.
Use campground dump station for water fill: The special water access procedure helps RVers. "We found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station and had no problem filling our tank with potable water," shares Laura M., providing a practical solution to the non-threaded spigot issue at New Discovery.
Be prepared for dirt roads: Access routes may present challenges in wet conditions. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," reports Lee D. about conditions at AuSable Chasm Campground.
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