New Discovery State Park Campground offers designated equestrian camping facilities in the heart of Groton State Forest. The campground accommodates riders with dedicated sites featuring stalls for horses and direct access to the forest's extensive trail network. At an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet, the park experiences typical Vermont seasonal patterns with warm summers and cool nights. The campground serves as a hub for horseback riding enthusiasts seeking to explore the interconnected trails throughout Groton State Forest.
What to do
Explore forest trails: Riders at New Discovery State Park Campground can access multiple trail systems directly from the campground. "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, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," notes Rick S., highlighting the extensive riding opportunities.
Visit nearby ponds: Take a short ride to explore the various water features within Groton State Forest. "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," shares Laura M., describing recreation options beyond horseback riding.
Seasonal exploration: Branbury State Park Campground offers additional outdoor activities about 40 miles southwest of Northfield Falls. "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," writes Lisa S., describing complementary facilities for when you need a break from the saddle.
What campers like
Site privacy: The equestrian campground at New Discovery State Park features well-spaced sites. "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," explains Robin B., describing the campground layout that provides space for horses and equipment.
Water access: Groton Forest Road Campground near Northfield Falls provides lake access for cooling off after riding. "The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," says Reid B., describing refreshing water features available to campers after a day of riding.
Diverse site options: The equestrian campground offers various site configurations. "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," describes Sarah C., highlighting the range of options for horse campers with different needs.
What you should know
Water access limitations: While water is available at New Discovery, RV access may be restricted. "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.
Bathroom maintenance: Facility cleanliness can vary at busy times. "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., suggesting campers should bring their own supplies during peak periods.
Wildlife considerations: AuSable Chasm Campground, though further away in New York, reminds campers about regional wildlife concerns. "Lots of ant hills throughout the campground so be cautious where you set up a tent," warns Lee D., a consideration that applies to many northern Vermont campgrounds including the horse-friendly sites near Northfield Falls.
Tips for camping with families
Lean-to options: For families combining horse camping with traditional camping, consider the shelters. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," shares Laura M. about New Discovery State Park's alternative accommodations.
Entertainment value: Wildlife watching can entertain children while at camp. "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," notes Rick S.
Recreation facilities: Branbury State Park offers family-friendly amenities beyond horse trails. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground," reports J L., describing comprehensive facilities for families.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At equestrian campgrounds near Northfield Falls, site topography varies significantly. "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," cautions Laura M. about New Discovery State Park, suggesting careful site selection for RV campers with horses.
Facility access: AuSable Chasm Campground illustrates common challenges with campground roads in the region. "The 'road' into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt," warns Brian P., noting potential access issues similar to those found at horse campgrounds throughout Vermont's mountainous terrain.
Seasonal considerations: Vermont's horse camping season typically runs Memorial Day through Columbus Day. "I guess only negative thing to say is they changed the site numbers years back and we thought we booked the best site next to the River from past experiences but it was the one next to the bathrooms after they changed the site numbers without a warning," shares Stephen T., highlighting the importance of confirming site details when making reservations.
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