New Discovery State Park Campground offers specialized facilities for horse owners exploring northeastern Vermont. The campground features designated equestrian camping sites with dedicated stalls and access to extensive trail systems. Located within Groton State Forest, the area sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with a mix of northern hardwood and conifer forests. Weather conditions vary significantly by season with summer temperatures ranging from 60-80°F during camping months.
What to do
Horseback riding on rail trails: New Discovery State Park connects to an extensive rail trail system where riders can cover significant distances. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it," notes Rick S. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Paddle multiple ponds: Access three different bodies of water for varied paddling experiences within short distances. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," writes Rick S. The campsites offer varied water access points depending on your preferred paddling environment.
Enjoy secluded pond camping: For a more remote experience, consider the walk-in shelters. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! Quiet, serene, beautiful!" shares Sambath T. from Groton Forest Road Campground.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently appreciate the well-separated camping areas. "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," mentions Robin B. These separated sites provide good noise barriers between camping parties.
Direct trail access: Having hiking options directly from your campsite ranks high with visitors. "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," notes Laura M. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest setting provides chances to spot native animals. "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," advises Laura M.
What you should know
Variable site terrain: The campground topography varies significantly across the property. "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," explains Laura M.
Facility maintenance concerns: Some visitors report inconsistent maintenance of restroom 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," reports Robin B.
Reservation requirements: Securing a spot, especially during peak times, requires planning. "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," states Saige V. about Groton Forest Road Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Consider site location for amenities: When camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. "We stayed at the Eagle leanto and is perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. Close enough to the bathrooms too," shares Rick S.
Pack for variable weather: Vermont's climate can change quickly, especially at higher elevations. Summer days can be warm while nights drop into the 40s even during peak season. Multiple clothing layers are essential for family comfort.
Look for unique campground features: Some sites offer special attractions for children. "There's also a book exchange library and adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground," mentions Laura M. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Water access challenges: RVers should prepare for non-standard water connections. "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," advises Laura M.
Site selection matters: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "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," observes Miccal M. during his visit to New Discovery State Park Campground.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is inconsistent throughout the campground. "Not much cell service, but some in places," notes Miccal M. Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected during your equestrian camping trip near Newport, Vermont.
