New Discovery State Park in Groton State Forest provides specialized equestrian camping facilities about 30 minutes from Glover, Vermont. The campground sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation within Vermont's second-largest state forest. Winter temperatures often drop below zero, while summer days typically range from 65-80°F, creating distinct camping seasons with peak foliage viewing in late September.
What to do
Trail riding access: New Discovery State Park offers direct access to multiple trail systems suitable for horseback riding. According to Rick S., "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."
Wildlife observation: The forest surrounding Groton Forest Road Campground hosts diverse wildlife. Campers report seeing moose signs regularly, with one visitor noting, "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."
Water recreation: Multiple ponds near the equestrian camping areas provide opportunities for swimming and boating after trail rides. Visitors can "go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers," according to Laura M., making it easy to combine horseback riding with water activities.
What campers like
Private sites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the spaciousness between sites at New Discovery State Park. Robin B. noted, "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest."
Variety of site options: The campground features diverse site types to accommodate different preferences. Sarah C. explains, "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."
Remote options: For those seeking a more secluded experience away from the main equestrian area, there are specialized sites. Sambath T. shared their experience: "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! Quiet, serene, beautiful!"
What you should know
Water access challenges: While drinking water is available, some spigots have limitations. Laura M. advises, "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."
Facility maintenance concerns: Some visitors have reported inconsistent maintenance of bathroom facilities. One camper noted, "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend."
Site terrain variations: When selecting an equestrian camping site, be aware of terrain differences. According to Sarah C., "Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there," which could be particularly challenging when parking horse trailers.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: New Discovery State Park offers unique shelter accommodations that children enjoy. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," reports Laura M., making them popular for families visiting the equestrian camping area.
Nature activities: The campground provides educational opportunities through natural features. Miccal M. observed "adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground," which can entertain younger children between trail rides.
Entertainment from local wildlife: Small wildlife provides entertainment for families camping with horses. Rick S. described, "There were 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
Hookup information: For those bringing horse trailers with living quarters, note that limited electrical connections exist. Reid B. from Groton Forest Road Campground mentioned, "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites," though availability of hookups varies by location.
Reservation planning: Secure your equestrian camping site well in advance, especially during peak seasons. Saige V. advises, "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," particularly for sites accommodating horses and trailers.
Seasonal planning: When planning your equestrian camping trip, note that most facilities in the area operate seasonally. While specific dates vary by campground, most are open from late May through mid-October, with the best trail conditions typically occurring from June through early September.
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