6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping near Montpelier, VT includes sites with dedicated horse stalls, direct trail access, and tent and RV options within Groton State Forest. The campground features sites with horse stalls specifically designed for visitors traveling with horses. Campsites vary from open grassy fields to secluded wooded areas, offering options based on rider preference. The campground's water access includes nearby Osmore Pond where horses can be watered. Bathroom facilities include coin-operated showers and regularly maintained restrooms. Sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some electric hookups available. Camping rates include a $28 per night site fee plus $5 daily per adult for state park access.
Trail access from New Discovery connects riders to the extensive network throughout Groton State Forest. Equestrians can access miles of trails directly from the campground, including the rail trail that runs nearby. Multiple water bodies including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond are accessible via short rides in different directions, providing natural watering opportunities. While there are no dedicated horse corrals, the sites with stalls accommodate equine companions securely. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are recommended, especially for securing equestrian-appropriate sites. Proper food storage is essential as bears are present in the surrounding 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."
"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."
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 offers equestrian trails and dedicated facilities within Vermont's extensive Groton State Forest system. The park maintains multiple camping loops with varying levels of privacy and accommodations specifically designed for horse owners. While the main campground operates from late May through mid-October, trail access may be limited by seasonal conditions including mud season in spring and snow coverage in winter.
Rail trail riding: The extensive rail trail near New Discovery State Park Campground provides miles of relatively flat terrain suitable for horses of varying experience levels. "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.
Trail exploration: Multiple water bodies are accessible from the campground via designated horse trails. Riders should plan 30-60 minute trips to reach different ponds throughout the forest. "The campground's water access includes nearby Osmore Pond where horses can be watered," states one visitor report.
Swimming opportunities: After a day of riding, campers can cool off at several nearby swimming areas. "You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers," mentions Laura M., highlighting additional water recreation options within Groton State Forest.
Privacy between sites: The spacious layout of Groton Forest Road Campground receives positive feedback for its site separation. "My girlfriend and I visited last year for a nice getaway and absolutely loved the park. The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites," reports Reid B., noting the balance between community and solitude.
Diverse site options: Sites vary significantly across the equestrian camping area. "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," explains Sarah C., highlighting the range of camping environments available within a single destination.
Forest access: The immediate proximity to extensive trail networks ranks highly among visitor priorities. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it," reports one camper, appreciating the seamless transition from campsite to trail system.
Facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews regarding upkeep. "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 their experience at Branbury State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of bringing personal supplies.
Water access considerations: The campground water systems may present challenges for some equipment. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results," explains Laura M., suggesting campers should plan accordingly for filling tanks.
Wildlife precautions: Bears are active in the surrounding forest. "There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," warns one visitor, reinforcing the need for proper food storage and waste management during your equestrian camping experience.
Book early: Secure reservations well in advance for AuSable Chasm Campground or other popular equestrian campgrounds near Montpelier, particularly for holiday weekends. "Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van. These sites were $13 more per night," notes Lee D., highlighting the importance of understanding site requirements.
Pack for variable weather: Vermont's mountain climate can shift quickly, with nights cooling significantly even during summer months. "Even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time," notes Stephen T., suggesting families should bring layers regardless of season.
Explore nearby amenities: Families benefit from regional attractions within short driving distances. "This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more," reports Susan S., pointing out opportunities to extend your equestrian vacation beyond the immediate campground.
Site selection matters: RV sites vary dramatically in levelness and accessibility. "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles," cautions Brian P. about one campground, emphasizing the importance of researching specific sites before booking.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," observes one RVer, suggesting larger rigs should consider weather forecasts when planning arrival and departure dates.
Utility connections: While equestrian sites typically accommodate larger vehicles, hookup availability varies between campgrounds. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded," notes one camper, suggesting RVers should prepare alternative water filling solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Montpelier, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Montpelier, 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 Montpelier, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Montpelier, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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