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Luzerne Campground in Lake Luzerne, NY stands as the only equestrian-focused public campground near Dorset, Vermont, with dedicated stalls adjacent to standard campsites. The campground accommodates horses with specialized stalls that complement tent and RV sites. Horse owners can secure their animals in facilities maintained specifically for equine guests while camping nearby. The site provides access to regional trails and accommodates horse trailer parking. Secluded, wooded sites create a peaceful environment while offering necessary infrastructure for horses. The campground typically operates seasonally from mid-May through early September, with facilities that serve both casual and serious riders. Horse-specific sites often require advance reservations during peak summer months.
Trail riders benefit from the campground's proximity to numerous riding paths throughout the southern Adirondack region. The location provides strategic access to surrounding forest trails suitable for day rides. Horse owners must bring their own feed and basic equipment, as on-site equestrian supplies are limited. A country store located across from the campground entrance stocks emergency supplies and basic necessities forgotten by campers. The trails accessible from the campground vary in difficulty, accommodating both novice and experienced riders. Weather conditions can affect trail accessibility, particularly after heavy rainfall when some paths may become temporarily unusable. Most riders report positive experiences with the trail network, noting the variety of terrain and scenic views throughout the riding areas. Primitive horse camping opportunities exist for those seeking a more rustic experience with their equine companions.
"This campground is close to the highway between Albany and the Adirondacks. There’s a nice big lake and the Hudson RIver. Many campsites are near the lake."
"Great thing about this park is the hiking trails and lake so you don’t even have to leave to the park to enjoy great outdoor recreation."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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."
"There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!"
"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."
from $22 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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 $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!
ScoutThe only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!
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.
RangerThis campground is close to the highway between Albany and the Adirondacks. There’s a nice big lake and the Hudson RIver. Many campsites are near the lake. The sites are shady and close together, but still feel fairly private. We enjoyed the hiking trails and beach while camping, then went further north for the full ADK experience.
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.
RangerAlthough the campground was right off the road, it's still in a forest with big pine trees and mossy boulders. It was easy to access from 87. Given the proximity to the road, there is road noise, so that doesn't allow for that super outdoorsy experience you might desire. At night though it would get very dark and quiet - there weren't a lot of campers there during our stay. The camphost lives in a home onsite and was mostly helpful. Be sure to mention the 5 nights for 4 deal on their website upfront, otherwise she won't reimburse. Upon working with her to extend our stay, she said people were scheduled to come into our spot. We moved and no one arrived, so that was a bit annoying.
To get to the sites, we had to take it a bit slow because there are some low hanging trees and a turn, but made it fine. Our first site, 22, was a back-in, 30 amp, full hook-up. It was a long site with plenty of room for our RV and SUV. We had to back it up to the very end to find the flattest option to level. With the way they have their sites set up, you need a 50 ft hose for water. This site was close to the showerhouse but next to a longterm trailer with crap everywhere and we weren't super thrilled that was our view from our windows in our living area. Our second site, 50, was also a back-in, 30 amp, full hookup. It was very pretty but hard to level. The site slopes up, so the backend was high. We tried about every way to sit our rig in there to level, but we ended up driving our front tires up on some leveling blocks and went up with the jacks as much as we safely could. We didn't get a perfect level, but we decided it was ok since we only had 2 days left. We had to wiggle our SUV in kind of sideways, but it worked.
There were some "residents" there in tents, which was interesting and a couple longterm trailers (with the typical cluttered lots you see at campgrounds that offer longterm stays). The campground is clean and the shower houses were faithfully cleaned everyday around 11a. Showerhouses were dated, but had super hot water for showers.
A few miles further down the road is the town of Lake Luzerne. We visited their small grocery which had the basics and we ate at one of the restaurants which had a view of the water (Upriver Cafe). The campground was in a perfect location to visit Lake George and surrounding area (Six Flags, outlet shops, putt-putt, restaurants etc). If you're wanting to explore even more you're only 1.5 hrs to Lake Placid and the Green Mountain National Forest.
Work was difficult with my husband dependent on AT&T. The Weboost got Verizon working fine, but AT&T was spotty. We had some issues with our RV that we were trying to get fixed locally which extended our stay, otherwise we would have left earlier due to this. The camphost told us that they had invested in some sort of mini Verizon tower for their personal use, so that was what was helping the Verizon signal. The campground offers wifi at the office/pool/rec room area, but when the "residents" come down, it brings it to a snails pace. My husband would go down there in the morning to work and had to go to Starbucks in Lake George at times when all the kids at camp decided to be on their devices at the same time.
Pool is not heated, so not many people were using it. They charge $2 per garbage bag to be put in their dumpster. They sell a few necessities in their office and firewood. They have laundry with 1 working residential washer $1 and 1 residential dryer $.75 and 1 industrial sized dryer $1. We did a couple loads with no issue. They are outside in a patio area.
Bring the bug spray. The mosquitos were as big as birds and tenacious!
LegendThe road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig (Loop A seems to be the best for big-rigs). Great thing about this park is the hiking trails and lake so you don’t even have to leave to the park to enjoy great outdoor recreation. We found it enjoyable just to hang out in the park rather than trying to find things to do in the area. After hiking and paddling, we loved relaxing out at our campsite with a campfire.
Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV. 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. The few other campers around that used them were mindful of quiet hours. Since it was still a little cool and our windows were closed and we never heard anyone’s generator. 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. The beach area seems to be a draw for people so the summer camping season is probably packed. The snack bar and gift/supplies shop at the sandy beach area were not open as we were there late in the season. There is also a nice playground for kids to enjoy.
This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower. Both were clean but the shower fluctuated between lukewarm, hot, and warm during my shower. Oh well, the shower felt good after our active days. There are two pavilions you can rent which are nice if big groups want to gather. Take note that only two pets are allowed per campsite, so plan accordingly if you are a pet owner.
Access is fairly easy, just off I-87, and there are plenty of signs directing you which way to go. Saratoga Springs and Lake George are nearby if you want to explore. We recommend visiting the National Horse Racing Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, if you have time. We would definitely stay here again.
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.
Luzerne Campground offers specialized accommodations for equestrians traveling near Dorset, Vermont, approximately 60 miles from this Green Mountain destination. The campground features dedicated horse stalls adjacent to campsites where riders can keep their horses during overnight stays. This facility stands out among equestrian-friendly camping options in the southern Adirondack region due to its combination of trail access and specialized infrastructure designed specifically for those traveling with horses.
Explore lake activities: At Moreau Lake State Park Campground, water recreation forms the centerpiece of visitor activities. "The beach is nice, large picnic facilities, and the campgrounds are well maintained with nice bathroom/shower buildings," writes Robert L., who also notes the "lake is nice for canoeing and kayaking." Visitors can rent boats directly from the park when water levels permit.
Hike nearby mountain trails: Multiple trail networks surround Branbury State Park, providing varied terrain for day hikes. One camper reports, "A five minute hike- though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike- from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole." The trails accommodate different skill levels, with some campers noting they've "been here dozens of times, grew up going here every year and hiking rattlesnake."
Water sports and fishing: At Luzerne Campground, visitors access both swimming and fishing opportunities. Robert L. notes the campground has "nice swim at your own risk beach (no guards), boat rentals, good fishing." The lakefront location allows anglers to fish directly from shore or via rental watercraft when available during the May-September operating season.
Privacy between sites: At Branbury State Park Campground, campers consistently mention the spaciousness of the sites. "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," writes Catherine M., who appreciated the natural buffer between campsites that provides privacy without isolation.
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at horse campgrounds near Dorset receive positive mentions. "The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean," reports Nicole E. about her Branbury experience. Another reviewer noted, "Bathrooms and Showers are clean," highlighting the consistent upkeep that enhances the camping experience at regional facilities.
Country store access: The convenience of having supplies nearby stands out for visitors to Luzerne Campground. Emily B. writes, "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!" This accessibility to last-minute supplies proves valuable for equestrian campers who may need unexpected items.
Bear awareness: Wildlife considerations require attention when camping in this region. Nicole E. warns about Branbury State Park: "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!" Proper food storage containers should be used at all facilities in the Green Mountains and Adirondack regions.
Weather impacts: The southern Adirondack climate affects trail conditions throughout the region, particularly after rainfall. Troy H. notes that Luzerne Campground offers "tubing and white water rafting (spring)" which indicates seasonal water level changes that outdoor enthusiasts should monitor before planning activities.
Tourist traffic patterns: Some campgrounds experience significant visitor volume during peak seasons. Robert L. observes that Moreau Lake "draws large crowds of downstate tourists, not itself a wholly bad thing but during the summer season I wouldn't go here expecting to have the park to yourself." This traffic pattern affects facility availability and reservation requirements.
Multi-generational traditions: Many families return to the same equestrian campgrounds near Dorset annually. "We have been going to this campground for almost 15 years and my husband went here as a kid with his family," shares Antoinette W. about Luzerne Campground, highlighting how some facilities become longstanding family traditions spanning generations.
Kid-friendly amenities: Branbury State Park offers family-oriented facilities that complement the natural setting. One visitor notes, "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide structured learning activities for younger visitors. Lisa S. mentions that at Branbury, "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." These features help families balance outdoor education with recreational activities.
Site navigation challenges: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. Nancy W. shares about Moreau Lake: "Our campsite was spacious but required some maneuvering to avoid scraping trees with our RV. Campsites are spacious, shady, and had good separation between the neighboring sites which we enjoyed." Tree placement can restrict larger vehicles at some facilities.
Hookup limitations: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer limited or no hookups. "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower," reports one Moreau Lake visitor, who also noted the availability of a dump station which helps RVers manage longer stays despite the lack of direct connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Dorset, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Dorset, VT is Moreau Lake State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Dorset, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Dorset, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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