Equestrian camping near Wallingford, Vermont offers access to the southern Green Mountains region, where elevations range from 600 to over 2,000 feet. The area typically experiences warm summer days with temperatures averaging 70-80°F and cooler nights dropping to 50-60°F. Most equestrian camping facilities in the region remain open from May through October, with some sites requiring reservations up to 9 months in advance.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Connect to extensive trail networks at Luzerne Campground where riders appreciate dedicated equestrian access. "The only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!" notes camper Brittnay B.
Swimming with horses: Several sites offer water access where horses can cool off after rides. Moreau Lake State Park Campground features a "nice, large picnic facilities, and the campgrounds are well maintained with nice bathroom/shower buildings," according to Robert L., making it suitable for post-ride relaxation.
Equestrian day trips: Plan excursions to nearby towns within 20-30 miles of your camping base. Local rider Troy H. suggests: "Small state run campground in the SE Adirondacks- plenty to do: tubing and white water rafting (spring) great hikes, horseback riding, canoe/kayaking, zip lines, great local food and breweries in the area."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Branbury State Park Campground offers generous campsites that accommodate horse trailers. Catherine M. mentions, "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."
Clean facilities: Equestrian campers value well-maintained bathroom facilities after long days on the trail. At Frontier Town Campground, Charles K. reports, "Both times the bathrooms and showers were immaculate. The staff does a fantastic job of maintenance."
Natural surroundings: Sites nestled in forested areas provide shade and natural beauty. Emily B. appreciated camping at Luzerne: "We loved our weekend stay! My husband and I spent the weekend and loved it! We loved being deep in the woods!"
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for prime equestrian sites, especially during peak summer months. At Branbury State Park, M.A.D. P. advises, "We showed up on a busy Memorial Day weekend without reservations and the staff was kind enough to give us their last leanto."
Bug protection: Bring effective insect repellent, particularly in early summer. Butch K. warns about Frontier Town: "I saw the bugs, some of them clearly mosquitoes and I never saw one get away with biting me. But I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity occurs throughout the region. At Branbury State Park, Nicole E. cautions, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation options. Tippicanoe Campground offers diverse family activities according to David G.: "Come here and enjoy yourself with no worries. Rand Pond is the body of water at the campground and is restricted to under 10 HP boats. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the State of NH."
Beach access: Many campgrounds include swimming areas where families can relax. Antoinette W. shares about Luzerne: "We get our site close to the lake so we can walk down and swim and my husband fishes. The showers are so nice and private and clean. Love that we can rent boats too."
Pack extra supplies: Convenience stores near campgrounds offer essentials but at higher prices. Emily B. notes about a store near Luzerne: "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!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: At equestrian campgrounds, RV sites sometimes present unique layout issues. Sheri C. observed at Frontier Town: "Sites are built wrong so it is hard to get you camper into your site correct. It is definitely catered to the equestrian part of the camping."
Space considerations: Many equestrian sites are designed for trailers, offering extra room. Charles K. comments about Frontier Town: "I was in site 43, it was long enough it could have fit two of the biggest RVs I have ever seen. My 75 foot starling cable did not even reach all the way back out to the road."
Seasonal operations: Most equestrian facilities in the region operate seasonally. As noted by Nancy K. about Moreau Lake State Park: "Nicely treed sites and cabins with a pretty lake. Hiking, biking, swimming, boat/canoe/paddleboard rentals. No hookups but does have dump station. Pets allowed."
