New Discovery State Park Campground in Vermont accommodates equestrians with sites that include stalls for horses. This facility provides campers with access to flush toilets, showers, and bear boxes for food storage. The campground features two main loops with varying levels of seclusion and privacy between sites. Sites range from open grassy fields to those tucked among trees, offering options for different camping preferences. Some areas are more secluded with greater spacing between campsites. The park has potable water available, though spigots are not threaded for hose connections. Campground fees run $28 per night plus $5 daily per adult for state park access. The bathhouse remains clean with regular maintenance throughout camping season.
Direct access to hiking trails begins right from the campground, connecting to the broader trail network throughout Groton State Forest. Campers can enjoy proximity to multiple bodies of water including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond, all within a short ride. The campground's location along a rail trail allows for extensive riding without retracing paths. Some remote sites on Osmore Pond are accessible only by canoe, offering exceptional privacy for those seeking seclusion. Winter camping is available at select locations in the region, with sites along rivers providing scenic views despite colder temperatures. Bear activity occurs in the area, requiring proper food storage in the provided bear boxes at certain campsites.
"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."
$30 / night
"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
"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."
$20 - $38 / night
"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."
$25 - $45 / night
$125 - $500 / night
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.
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.
RangerThis would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.
FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.
TravelerMost amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.
LegendI haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.
If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.
Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.
If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.
Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.
LegendHancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.
We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.
Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.
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 supports equestrian camping with dedicated horse facilities in Groton State Forest. The campground consists of two distinct loops with varying site configurations, from open field sites to wooded areas with greater privacy. Sites in the main camping areas include flush toilets and shower facilities, while remote sites around Osmore Pond offer a more primitive experience with access to outhouses. Water is available throughout the campground, though campers should note that spigots aren't threaded for hose connections.
Hiking on connected trail networks: New Discovery State Park Campground offers immediate trail access from the camping areas. "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. The trails connect to the broader Groton State Forest network.
Winter camping options: Hancock Campground remains open year-round, providing cold-weather camping opportunities. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," reports Heather B. Winter camping requires proper gear and preparation for freezing temperatures.
Boating and fishing: Multiple ponds within the region provide excellent water recreation. "We showed up on a busy Memorial Day weekend without reservations and the staff was kind enough to give us their last leanto. This place has access to some of the best hiking and paddling in the state," says M.A.D. P. about Branbury State Park Campground.
Remote waterfront sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites accessible only by water. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! Quiet, serene, beautiful!" writes Sambath T. about their stay at New Discovery State Park. These remote sites provide exceptional privacy for those willing to paddle.
Rail trail proximity: Access to extensive rail trails makes this area particularly appealing for cyclists and hikers seeking long, relatively flat routes. "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," notes Rick S. about New Discovery State Park.
Horse-friendly facilities: For equestrian camping near North Hartland Lake, select sites include stalls for horses. "This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay... There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses," reports Miccal M. after visiting New Discovery State Park Campground, making it an excellent option for riders exploring the region.
Bears in the region: Bears are active throughout the area, requiring proper food storage. "My family loves camping here. There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly," advises Lisa S. about Tippicanoe Campground. Many sites provide bear boxes for secure food storage.
Site selection varies widely: Campgrounds in this region offer dramatically different site configurations. "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," explains Sarah C. about New Discovery State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and availability of restrooms vary by campground and season. "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 New Discovery State Park during peak season, highlighting the importance of bringing your own supplies.
Beach and playground access: Branbury State Park Campground offers extensive recreational facilities for children. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach with swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn. The playground is large. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," notes J L. The park provides multiple activity options within walking distance of campsites.
Lean-to options: For families wanting a hybrid camping experience, lean-to structures offer additional shelter. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," says Laura M. about New Discovery State Park. These structures provide protection from rain while maintaining an outdoor experience.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse wildlife, offering educational opportunities for children. "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," shares Rick S. about his stay at New Discovery State Park.
Water fill considerations: Campers with RVs should note water access limitations at some parks. "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. 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. about her experience at Ramblewood Cabins and Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in this mountainous region feature sloped terrain. "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," observes Laura M. at New Discovery State Park. RVers should bring leveling blocks and consider requesting specific sites when making reservations.
Campground layout considerations: Campground designs vary significantly across the region. "We have stayed here a few times and really enjoyed sites and hospitality! Spacious with views," notes Anne G. about Ramblewood Cabins and Campground, highlighting the importance of researching specific campgrounds for RV compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near North Hartland Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near North Hartland Lake is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near North Hartland Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near North Hartland Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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