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Branbury State Park Campground near Bridgewater Corners provides limited options for equestrian campers in Vermont. The campground features spacious sites in both wooded and open grassy areas near Lake Dunmore, though it does not offer dedicated horse corrals or equestrian-specific amenities. The park maintains clean facilities with flushing compost toilets and paid showers. Campers consistently note the ample space between sites and freshly raked camping areas that could potentially accommodate horses with proper containment brought by owners. Sites include fire pits with grills and some lean-to options for overnight stays.
Trail access includes hiking paths through the surrounding terrain with options for potential horse riding on approved routes. A five-minute rocky hike from the campsites leads to a small river and swimming hole that could provide water access for horses. Nearby Tippicanoe Campground offers additional camping options with water, 50-amp and sewer hookups primarily for RVs. Visitors should note that Branbury State Park operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Wildlife considerations include black bears in the area, requiring proper food and trash storage practices. Both campgrounds accommodate pets with appropriate restrictions, suggesting potential for horse camping with advance arrangements and proper management of equine needs.
"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."
"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 $35 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $125 - $500 / night
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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!
Equestrian camping options near Bridgewater Corners, Vermont include facilities at several state parks and private campgrounds across the region. Most equestrian-friendly sites in this area of Vermont operate seasonally, typically closing after leaf-peeping season ends in mid-October. The terrain combines wooded areas with open fields suitable for horse camping, though dedicated equine facilities are limited.
Hiking and trail access: Lake Dunmore provides numerous recreational opportunities beyond horseback riding. At Branbury State Park Campground, "There was a five minute hike - though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike - from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole," according to Nicole E. The park connects to some of Vermont's best hiking trails.
Swimming and water activities: The lake beach area offers excellent swimming during summer months. As one camper noted, "Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night!" The day use area includes rentals for various watercraft for exploring the lake.
Fall foliage viewing: Vermont's autumn colors provide spectacular scenery for equestrian camping trips. Ryan simply states about Branbury State Park: "Fall in New England can't be beat." October weekends fill quickly during peak foliage season, requiring advance reservations for any camping with horses.
Spacious campsites: The campgrounds near Bridgewater Corners offer ample room for setting up horse containment. Catherine M. describes Branbury State Park Campground: "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." This space proves valuable for those traveling with horses.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance keeps campground facilities in excellent condition. "The camp staff was so nice. They kept the bathrooms and areas so clean," reports Nicole E. The bathrooms feature flushing compost toilets, though shower facilities remain limited.
Nearby attractions: The region offers excellent access to trails and mountains. Stephen T. mentions, "I've been here dozens of times, grew up going here every year and hiking rattlesnake. We make the trip from RI. Love the lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area." These features make the area appealing for equestrian camping.
Bear awareness: Black bears inhabit the forest areas around horse campgrounds near Bridgewater Corners. Lisa S. from Branbury State Park Campground advises: "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly." This applies to both human food and horse feed, which requires secure storage overnight.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds have specific operating seasons. "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 Branbury. Planning ahead for holiday weekends is essential.
Limited shower facilities: While bathroom access is adequate, shower availability can be restricted. One camper notes: "There are only four showers for the whole campground." Horse campers should plan accordingly for longer stays.
Beach and play areas: Family-friendly amenities enhance camping experiences with children. J L. describes amenities at Branbury State Park Campground: "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. Volleyball and horseshoe pits."
Educational opportunities: Nature programs offer learning experiences for children. "The nature center has all kinds of information and activities," notes one visitor. These programs typically operate during daytime hours and provide structured activities for younger campers.
Site selection for families: Different camping areas offer varied experiences. Desiree V. shares: "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." Families should consider proximity to amenities when selecting sites.
Full hookup options: RV campers seeking full services have options near Bridgewater Corners. David G. describes Tippicanoe Campground: "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, trout stocked pond and all ammenities." This provides convenience for larger rigs and horse trailers with living quarters.
Dump station access: For those not staying at full-hookup sites, dump stations are available. Trip Over Life notes about Branbury: "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers." This allows for managing longer stays in more primitive sites.
Site spacing considerations: RV campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "We chose the open area and enjoyed a campfire and the spacious grounds that we shared with only one other RV," reports Trip Over Life, highlighting the benefit of fields versus wooded sites for larger vehicles or those traveling with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bridgewater Corners, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bridgewater Corners, 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 Bridgewater Corners, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Bridgewater Corners, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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