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New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield features sites with horse stalls, setting it apart from other camping options in the Middlesex area. The campground spans two main loops with varying levels of privacy, from open field sites to densely wooded areas. Horse-friendly accommodations include designated sites with stalls for equestrians. The park offers drinking water, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to both drive-in and hike-in campsites. Restroom facilities with coin-operated showers are regularly maintained. The campground provides access to multiple ponds within Groton State Forest. Sites are spacious and well-separated, creating a private camping experience even during busy weekends.
Trail access directly from New Discovery State Park connects riders to an extensive rail trail system where visitors can cover significant distances through Vermont's scenic landscape. Nearby water features including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond provide additional recreation opportunities for both riders and horses. The park operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with camping fees around $28 per night plus a $5 daily park fee per adult. Some sites feature lean-tos that work well for campers with horses. Water access points are available but spigots are not threaded for hose connections. Bears inhabit the area, requiring proper food storage and waste management when camping with horses. The park's location provides excellent access to the natural amenities of Groton State Forest.
"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 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."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"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
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
"This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"
"Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors."
LegendPlenty of space between sites. Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont. The (AT&T) cell phone reception was pretty good, but could be slow at times (which could be because of the area or because of the busy fall color season.)
ScoutI've stayed at 10 of the state parks of VT. Gifford Woods takes the cake in friendliness of its staff. The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas. Cool stone bathrooms and playing fields for kids but the highlight (for me) is access to the Appalachian Trail. The AT runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park. The ranger gave me an ice cream, pointed me to the showers and then chatted with me for an hour about my hike so far. He also gave me a ride to the Inn at Long Trail to pick up a resupply box since I was a few days behind schedule and low on food. I'll always remember his kindness. Living just across the state line in NH, I have frequented Gifford Woods on 4 other occasions for day hiking with family. Enjoy! I sure did!
LegendThis 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.
TravelerThe workers are very accomodating. They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river , raft, rock climb , adventure course. They have a small store and rec room for kids. I think they are making improvements always. This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe
GuideThis campground is the number one rated in Vermont for a reason. The staff were wonderful, the sites are pristine and picturesque, the faculties are decorated with wildflowers. We met a number of AT through hikers, who were very willing to share their adventure stories.
GuideUpon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like. Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors. Showers and restrooms were nearby and it being a weekday, there really wasn’t much traffic of campers or hikers. It was cozy and tucked into the woods with town only being a few miles away!
ScoutIf 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.
LegendThis 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.
ScoutWhen camping in VT it is usually our goal to hike, rest, cook, and relax at camp. We live in a busy/loud city so we really love a rural spot where we can just unplug and enjoy nature. Gifford Woods has great access to the AT and the Long Trail, nice bathrooms, and kind staff... but campers beware- it is wedged between two major highways. Initially we pulled up to the site "Poplar" after driving 4+ hours and I could have cried, this site faces a large DOT/Parks Dept. parking lot with a huge building and trucks everywhere. Luckily the (very sweet) staff said they understood that this was an issue and that they do get lots of complaints about that site. They moved us to T02 which was dramatically better. Unfortunately, you can still hear trucks/car honking/ambulances from that site and I assume all other sites. I understand now that people camp here just for AT access, but I would probably not go back due to the sheer volume of the neighboring highways and quieter camping options nearby.
New Discovery State Park Campground features equestrian-specific amenities alongside traditional camping accommodations. The designated horse camping sites include stalls and access to multiple trail systems. Temperatures in the Middlesex region typically range from 30-80°F seasonally, with summer being the prime horse camping period. The surrounding Groton State Forest offers diverse terrain for riders of all experience levels.
Rail trail riding: Access the extensive rail trail system directly from New Discovery State Park Campground for long-distance riding. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it," notes Rick S., who appreciates the trail connections.
Swimming with horses: Take horses to designated water access points at multiple ponds. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," according to campers who enjoy the water features with their equine companions.
Winter camping preparation: For those considering off-season visits to horse campgrounds near Middlesex, Vermont, bring appropriate cold-weather gear. Though most equestrian facilities close after Columbus Day weekend, some privately-owned properties remain open with limited services.
Private sites: The spaciousness between campsites allows for comfortable horse camping. "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," explains Robin B., highlighting the campground layout.
Lean-to options: Branbury State Park Campground offers unique shelters that work well for horse campers. "The lean-to lots looked nice too if you're looking for coverage," notes Catherine M., who appreciated the versatility of these structures.
Natural environment: Horse-friendly camping areas maintain a natural setting while providing necessary amenities. A visitor observes, "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."
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is mandatory when camping with horses. "There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," warns Laura M., emphasizing the importance of securing both human food and horse feed.
Water access limitations: Spigots at Groton Forest Road Campground and similar facilities have specific configurations. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results," reports one camper who found alternative solutions at the dump station.
Seasonal operation: Most equestrian campgrounds near Middlesex operate from Memorial Day through mid-October. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for sites with horse stalls, which are limited and fill quickly during summer weekends.
Site selection strategy: Choose horse-friendly sites based on terrain and proximity to facilities. "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," advises a regular visitor to the area.
Bathroom facilities: AuSable Chasm Campground, though farther from Middlesex, offers insight on regional campground bathroom setups. "Bathrooms and shower rooms are individual rooms, but the doors are not labeled so it's a game of 'what's behind door number 1?'" notes Lee D., suggesting families check facilities upon arrival.
Educational opportunities: Incorporate educational elements when camping with horses and children. Many campgrounds offer nature programs, and as one visitor mentions, "There's a book exchange library and adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground," providing additional activities beyond horseback riding.
Site accessibility: RV campers with horse trailers should research site dimensions carefully. Sarah C. points out, "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," helping RVers plan their approach.
Electrical connections: For RVers requiring hookups at horse campgrounds near Middlesex, options may be limited. Equestrian sites often prioritize horse facilities over RV connections, requiring generators or alternative power solutions for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Middlesex, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Middlesex, VT is New Discovery State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Middlesex, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Middlesex, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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