Matt T.
Guide
GuideNew Discovery State Park Campground
Great state park
Most sites are secluded. There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!
Equestrian Camping near Island Pond, VT
3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield offers equestrian camping facilities complete with dedicated horse stalls for overnight stays. The campground provides water access, fire rings, picnic tables, and toilet facilities for campers traveling with horses. Sites vary in privacy levels, with some nestled among trees while others are situated in open fields. Horse owners can choose from drive-in sites that accommodate trailers and provide adequate space for both camping equipment and equine needs. The bathhouse facilities are maintained regularly, though some visitors note occasional issues with soap and toilet paper supplies during peak season.
The campground connects directly to the extensive trail network within Groton State Forest, providing ample riding opportunities for equestrians. Multiple ponds are accessible within a short riding distance, including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond, allowing for varied trail experiences and water access for horses. A rail trail near the campground enables riders to cover substantial distances through the scenic Vermont landscape. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with reservations strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays. Sites with electric hookups are available for RV campers traveling with horses, though availability varies. Trail access directly from the campsite makes this location particularly convenient for daily rides without needing to trailer horses to trailheads.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Island Pond (3)
1. New Discovery State Park Campground
"There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses. The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion."
"There is a creepy old cemetery in walking distance. Nice showers on site !!"
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability2. Groton Forest Road Campground
"The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use. The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers."
from $35 / night
3. Haystack Road
"It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."
"They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs from Burlington, VT
- 2 hrs 25 min from Manchester, NH
- 2 hrs 44 min from Lewiston, ME
- 3 hrs 18 min from Portland, ME
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Island Pond, VT
16 Reviews of 3 Island Pond Campgrounds
- TTaylor C.
TravelerHaystack Road
Site 11
Amazing spot, great area! Plentyyy of room. Between sites 10 & 11 is the longest distance out the bunch and enjoyed that because it was easy to run a generator at any hour of the day with no one able to be disturbed by it. Loved Haystack Road overall. Had strong AT&T reception even with 1 - 2 bars.
Miccal M.
LegendNew Discovery State Park Campground
Drove through on my way past
This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay.
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.
The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.
Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at.
Laura M.LegendNew Discovery State Park Campground
Lovely, friendly campground.
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. Camp fees are $28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees.
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. (Apparently you can’t use those if the other end of the hose is pressurized.) 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.
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. 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.
Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only. The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they’d be so fun to sleep in. They have food compost bins here, but the rangers keep forgetting to unlock the bin, so you just have to ask them. There’s also a book exchange library and adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground. We had a pleasant stay here.
- DDrew
ScoutHaystack Road
Quiet, small, flat spots
There are 11 options, each completely separated from the others. We were in spot #1 which is nothing at all like the others. It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing.
- SSean L.Traveler
Haystack Road
Nice Spot, but Camp at Your Own Risk
Quiet area not far from the main road and a bunch of trailheads, but beware of people stealing camping gear. I left out gear to claim a spot while out hiking and came back to people having stolen some of it as well as setting up in that spot. Cut my trip short because of that experience
jonathan M.ScoutGroton Forest Road Campground
Horrible
If I could leave a no star rating, I would. To anyone who is looking to park there camper for the season, I recommend going elsewhere. The previous owner was a more reasonable guy and well respected. Save yourself the time and energy and do not sign a contract here, unless you want to later be told you have to leave for a reason that will not be discussed. The current owner is a dictator who likes to show favoritism. Please save yourself the trouble and try a different campground, there are plenty in the state of Vermont.
Sarah C.LegendNew Discovery State Park Campground
Interesting State Park
This state park has a little bit of everything. There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without. 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. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other. The campground loops have bath houses, complete with coin operated showers. Park staff were attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency.
There are more remote walk-in shelters on the Osmore Pond, located within New Discovery State Park. The shelters are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables. 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. 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.
- RRick S.Traveler
New Discovery State Park Campground
Great area
Awesome state park. 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. We stayed at the Eagle leanto and is perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. Close enough to the bathrooms too. 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.
Guide to Island Pond
New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield offers equestrian sites with stalls for horses, allowing riders to camp with their mounts in Groton State Forest. The campground provides both drive-in and walk-in access with tent and RV camping options. Bathroom facilities include showers and toilets, though recent visitors note inconsistent maintenance of restroom supplies. The campground features picnic tables, drinking water, and fire rings at sites. Sites vary considerably in size and privacy, with some located in wooded areas and others in open fields. Horse-specific sites include dedicated stalls for overnight equine accommodations.
The campground connects to multiple trail systems suitable for horseback riding through Groton State Forest. Several ponds are accessible within short riding distance, including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond. The rail trail provides extensive riding opportunities where horses can cover substantial mileage on relatively flat terrain. Camping fees run $28 per night plus $5 per day per adult for state park fees. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend visits when the campground fills quickly. Water access points for horses exist at various locations throughout the property. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, making it suitable for summer and early fall equestrian camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Island Pond, VT?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Island Pond, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Island Pond, VT is New Discovery State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.
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equestrian camping near
Island Pond, VT?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Island Pond, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Island Pond, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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