New Discovery State Park Campground provides specialized equestrian facilities in Vermont's Groton State Forest region. Located near Greensboro Bend, the campground features dedicated sites with horse stalls that connect directly to forest trail systems. The region offers varied terrain at approximately 1,000-1,500 feet elevation with moderate temperatures that typically range from 45-75°F during the main camping season from late spring through early fall.
What to do
Trail riding excursions: The campground connects to extensive trail networks throughout Groton State Forest. "This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay... Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion," notes Miccal M. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Water activities: Multiple ponds provide swimming and boating opportunities. "My girlfriend and I visited last year for a nice getaway and absolutely loved the park. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," reports Reid B. about Groton Forest Road Campground.
Winter exploration: Some nearby campgrounds remain open year-round. "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," shares Heather B. about winter camping options.
What campers like
Diverse site configurations: Campers appreciate the variety of site layouts available. "There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses," describes Miccal M.
Water proximity: Sites near ponds and rivers are particularly popular. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful! can't wait to go back!" reports Sambath T. about Hancock Campground.
Natural wildlife: Opportunities for wildlife viewing enhance the camping experience. "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," describes Rick S.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Services change throughout the operating season. "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only. They have food compost bins here, but the rangers keep forgetting to unlock the bin, so you just have to ask them," explains Laura M. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Facility maintenance issues: Occasional maintenance problems can occur during peak periods. "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," notes Robin B.
Varied bathroom options: Bathroom facilities differ throughout the campgrounds. "The campground loops have bath houses, complete with coin operated showers. Park staff were attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency," reports Sarah C.
Tips for camping with families
Consider remote shelter options: Remote pond-side shelters offer unique experiences. "The remote sites are spaced nicely around the pond along a hiking trail that skirts the perimeter. The walk from the parking area to the shelters varies, depending what side of the pond you are camping on," advises Sarah C.
Pack-in preparation: Some sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. "If bringing a full-sized cooler (or other large/luxury car camping items) be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area. It would be a challenge to get some of those larger, heavier items to sites across the pond from the parking lot," warns Sarah C.
Special amenities: Look for family-friendly features. "There's also a book exchange library and adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground. We had a pleasant stay here," shares Laura M.
Tips from RVers
Water connection challenges: RVers should note specific water access limitations. "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," advises Laura M. about Groton Forest Road Campground.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "Each site is so different and may or may not fit an RV. Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you," notes Laura M.
Bear safety measures: Bear presence requires proper precautions. "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," cautions Laura M.
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