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New Discovery State Park Campground features horse stalls for equestrians traveling with their mounts. Located in Marshfield, Vermont, the campground provides access to the extensive trail system within Groton State Forest. Sites are configured in two main loops, with some nestled in wooded areas while others occupy open fields. The dedicated equestrian sites include stalls for horses, allowing riders to camp comfortably with their animals. The campground maintains clean facilities with coin-operated showers and regularly maintained bathrooms. Water access is available, though spigots are not threaded for RV hookup. The park restricts food storage due to bears in the area.
The trail system connecting to New Discovery State Park offers numerous riding opportunities throughout Groton State Forest. Riders can access multiple ponds within the forest, including Osmore Pond and Ricker Pond, providing water sources and scenic destinations for day rides. The campground is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, making it suitable for summer and early fall equestrian camping trips. Electric hookups are available at select sites, though advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for equestrian sites. The campground features a dump station, potable water, and picnic tables at each site. Trail access directly from the campground allows riders to explore without trailering horses to different starting points.
"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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Northfield Falls, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Northfield Falls, 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 Northfield Falls, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Northfield Falls, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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