New Discovery State Park Campground in Groton State Forest offers equestrian camping facilities that attract trail riders across northern Vermont. The campground sits at an elevation of approximately 1,300 feet within Vermont's Northeast Kingdom region, characterized by rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and multiple ponds. Sites are available for both tent campers seeking wooded privacy and RV users requiring more open spaces with utility access.
What to do
Rail trail adventures: The extensive rail trail system accessible from New Discovery State Park Campground provides miles of relatively flat terrain perfect for day trips. "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 reviewer Rick S.
Waterfront relaxation: Multiple ponds near the campgrounds offer swimming and paddling opportunities during summer months. "This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay. Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion," shares Miccal M. after driving through the area.
Hammock camping: The wooded areas around Peacham provide excellent trees for hammock setups. At Hancock Campground, about an hour away, campers report "Great for primitive camping. Beautiful area adjacent to the river. Set up a hammock on the shoreline and have a tasty beverage before bed," according to reviewer Mike M.
What campers like
Private sites: The campground layout offers good separation between sites. "I camped at New Discovery this weekend, the sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," writes Robin B. in her review of New Discovery State Park Campground.
Horse-friendly facilities: Equestrian camping near Peacham, Vermont is well-established with dedicated facilities. "There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses," notes Miccal M., making this an ideal base for riders exploring the surrounding trails.
Lean-to options: The rustic shelters provide an alternative to traditional tent camping. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," explains Laura M. who appreciated these structures during her stay.
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities receive mixed reviews regarding upkeep. "My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the 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. about her summer visit.
Shower facilities: Groton Forest Road Campground near Peacham offers clean shower facilities. "The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers," according to Reid B., who visited with his girlfriend.
Water access challenges: RV campers may encounter difficulties with water hookups. "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," explains Laura M.
Tips for camping with families
Remote pond sites: For families seeking more seclusion, consider the water-accessible sites. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful!" enthuses Sambath T. about their New Discovery experience.
Wildlife observation: The area offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. "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," cautions Laura M., emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Consider walk-in logistics: Sites away from parking areas require planning for gear transport. According to Sarah C., "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 be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection crucial: RV campers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "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," warns Laura M. about Hancock Campground.
Utility options vary: Electric and water hookups are available at select campgrounds near Peacham. "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. who recommends checking site specifications when making reservations.
Budget planning: Campers should prepare for various fees beyond the base camping rate. "Camp fees are $28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees," notes Laura M., providing specific cost information for trip planning.