New Discovery State Park Campground provides equestrian camping options in Vermont's northeastern region, situated within the 26,000-acre Groton State Forest. The campground sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation and experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Trail riders can access miles of dedicated bridle paths directly from their campsites, with terrain ranging from gentle forest floors to moderate hills.
What to do
Canoe access sites: New Discovery offers remote camping options at Osmore Pond. "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!" says Sambath T. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Rail trail exploration: The campground connects to converted rail trails suitable for hiking and biking. "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," notes Rick S. about their experience at New Discovery State Park.
Swimming at Lake Dunmore: Just 45 minutes from Jericho, Branbury State Park offers water recreation. "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," explains Lisa S. about Branbury State Park Campground.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: The tree cover at many equestrian campgrounds near Jericho provides excellent separation between sites. "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," reports Sarah C. about Groton Forest Road Campground.
Lean-to options: Several state parks offer shelters that provide protection from weather. "The lean-to lots looked nice too if you're looking for coverage. It was a little close to the road, but it isn't a major road so I looked at it like a reasonable alarm clock," notes Catherine M. at Branbury State Park.
Multiple water access points: The region offers numerous lakes and ponds for recreation. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions," says Rick S., highlighting how the Groton State Forest area provides varied water experiences all within short distances of camping areas.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Black bears frequent horse campgrounds throughout Vermont. "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly. My family loves camping here," warns Lisa S. about camping at Branbury State Park Campground.
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities may have inconsistent upkeep depending on staff and timing. "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," reports Robin B. about AuSable Chasm Campground.
Water access challenges: Filling RV tanks can require adaptations. "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," shares Laura M. about New Discovery State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas for children. "Large playground, pool, volleyball net, disc golf and mountain biking/hiking trails. It also looked like there were cross country ski trails," notes Lee D. from their stay at AuSable Chasm Campground.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. "Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," mentions J L. at Branbury State Park Campground.
Site selection matters: Choose sites based on your family's needs. "We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground," recommends Desiree V. about her family's experience at Branbury State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection variance: Not all sites accommodate larger rigs. "We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van and can easily fit in a regular size parking space. Upon arrival at AuSable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van," explains Lee D.
Cost considerations: RV sites typically cost more. "Sites are $28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees," notes Laura M. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Shower availability: Coin-operated showers are common. "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only," reports Laura M., emphasizing the need to bring quarters for showering at state park campgrounds.
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