Equestrian campgrounds near Hancock, Vermont offer dedicated facilities for horseback riders exploring Vermont's extensive trail systems. The Groton State Forest area contains several camping options with varying levels of equestrian accommodations. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through mid-October, with full services available during summer months.
What to do
Trail riding access: New Discovery State Park provides direct access to numerous trails through Groton State Forest. According to one visitor, "There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."
Swimming opportunities: Branbury State Park Campground features lake access with designated swimming areas. "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," notes a camper.
Explore forest activities: The surrounding state forests offer multiple recreation options beyond horseback riding. A visitor at Groton Forest Road Campground mentions, "The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use."
What campers like
Site privacy: Many equestrian campsites provide adequate separation. A reviewer at New Discovery notes, "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest."
Nature immersion: Frontier Town Campground offers a natural setting with wildlife. "This is an old-growth forest area so a site on the west side of the road gives best Morning sun - sites 57 and 59 are good examples," shares one camper.
Water features: Most equestrian campgrounds near Hancock provide water access. At Branbury State Park, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer visits require preparation for insects. At Frontier Town, a camper reports: "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: Bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. A Branbury State Park Campground visitor warns, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!"
Facility maintenance: Bathroom conditions vary by campground and timing. At New Discovery, one camper noted: "My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the facilities. The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. At Branbury State Park, "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."
Remote camping options: For a more secluded experience, consider boat-access sites. One visitor at New Discovery State Park Campground shared, "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful!"
Lean-to availability: Shelters provide additional comfort for family camping. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," mentions a New Discovery camper.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Equestrian sites accommodate large rigs plus horse trailers. A Frontier Town camper noted, "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."
Water accessibility: Check connection compatibility before arrival. At New Discovery, a camper advises: "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."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on camping equipment and needs. "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," reports a New Discovery visitor.
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