New Discovery State Park Campground caters specifically to equestrian needs with dedicated stalls for horse campers. The park serves as a strategic basecamp for riders exploring the extensive Groton State Forest trail network. Located at 4,239 VT Route 232 in Marshfield, Vermont, the campground sits at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet within the northern Green Mountains region. Winter temperatures can drop well below freezing, while summer days typically range from 65-80°F.
What to Do
Trail riding opportunities: The campground connects to an extensive rail trail system where riders can cover significant distances. According to one camper at New Discovery State Park Campground, it's "Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it."
Water access for horses: Multiple ponds within riding distance offer water access points. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," notes a rider who stayed at New Discovery State Park.
Mountain hiking: Beyond equestrian trails, the area offers excellent hiking options. At Hancock Campground, a camper mentioned it's a "Great place to set up camp to get some 4Ks in the whites," referring to hiking the 4,000-foot peaks in nearby White Mountains.
Winter camping: For adventurous equestrians, some sites remain open during colder months. A winter camper at Hancock Campground shared: "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites."
What Campers Like
Secluded water access sites: For a peaceful camping experience away from the main equestrian area, Branbury State Park Campground offers unique water-accessible sites. A camper reported having "the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene, beautiful!"
Spacious campsites: Equestrian campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at Branbury. One reviewer noted: "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they aren't super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are."
Wildlife observation: The forest setting provides opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Gunstock Campground, a camper was "lucky to receive a tranquil, secluded spot next to a brook - perfect. This campground has nothing to do, or plenty you can do - walking, hiking, biking."
What You Should Know
Seasonal maintenance issues: Facility upkeep can vary throughout the season. A camper at Groton Forest Road Campground noted positive aspects like "great for campers and tenters. Good fishing and plenty of hiking."
Bear safety protocols: Proper food storage is essential when camping with horses. New Discovery State Park provides bear boxes at sites. One camper at Hancock Campground appreciated "having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car. It was big enough to fit our grill, cooler, trash, and bag of groceries."
Site selection importance: Equestrian sites vary significantly in layout and proximity to trails. At Branbury State Park, a camper advised: "Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!"
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant seasonal variations. "Even in August the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time," noted a regular visitor to Branbury State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer specific features for children. At Tippicanoe Campground, families appreciate that "you can relax and know that the kids are safe and you will be stress-free for your stay."
Swimming options: Multiple water bodies provide cooling options during summer months. A Branbury State Park visitor highlighted that "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."
Wildlife education: The forest setting creates natural learning opportunities. At Gunstock Campground, one family observed "squirrels that would spend lots of time throughout the day sending loose the green pine cones and then come down and chew them up. Pretty entertaining except for when they drop them on your tarps."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RVs: Not all equestrian sites accommodate larger vehicles. At Gunstock Campground, an RV camper advised: "Most of the sites are out in the open though, or very close together. Not so bad if you're camping in trailers or RVs, but if tent camping you won't really have any privacy in those locations."
Water fill considerations: Some campgrounds have unusual water connections. One RVer at New Discovery State Park noted: "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but 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."
Hookup availability: For RVers seeking equestrian camping with full hookups, site options vary. A camper at Tippicanoe Campground reported that "the 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."
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