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New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield, Vermont features specialized horse stalls for equestrians bringing their own mounts. The campground provides dedicated sites with stalls for horses, allowing riders to camp with their animals in comfort. Located within Groton State Forest, the park offers both wooded and field campsites with varying levels of privacy. The campground maintains clean facilities with flush toilets and coin-operated showers. Sites are well-spaced throughout two main loops, with some tucked into trees while others occupy more open areas. Sites with electric hookups are available alongside more primitive options. The campground's facilities are occasionally reported to have maintenance issues during peak season.
Trail access from New Discovery connects riders to the extensive network of paths throughout Groton State Forest. Equestrians appreciate the proximity to Osmore Pond, where remote walk-in shelters provide additional camping options for those seeking more seclusion. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, making it ideal for summer and early fall riding excursions. Horse owners should note that while the campground accommodates horses, the remote shelter sites around the pond would be challenging to access with horses and related equipment. The park's location provides convenient access to multiple hiking and riding trails throughout the forest, with varying terrain suitable for different experience levels. Sites with horse stalls should be reserved well in advance, especially during peak summer weekends.
"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
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."
"They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."
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.
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.
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.
New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield, Vermont provides specialized camping options for equestrians in the northwestern region of Vermont's Green Mountains. The campground sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation within the larger 26,000-acre Groton State Forest. The area experiences relatively mild summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during day and 50-55°F at night, making it comfortable for both riders and horses during the peak camping season.
Pond access for paddling: Several campers mention the multiple ponds accessible from New Discovery State Park Campground, offering paddling options. "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.
Rail trail biking: The extensive rail trail system near the campgrounds provides easy riding for all skill levels. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it," reports Rick S. from New Discovery State Park.
Wildlife observation: The forest area supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. "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.
Mountain hiking: Branbury State Park Campground offers access to challenging hiking trails with significant elevation gain. "I've been here dozens of times, grew up going here every year and hiking rattlesnake. We make the trip from RI," shares Stephen T.
Horse-friendly sites: The specialized equestrian facilities at New Discovery State Park make it one of the few horse campgrounds near Plainfield, Vermont. "There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without... There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses," notes Miccal M. in a recent review.
Private waterfront sites: Remote sites offer seclusion for those willing to work for it. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful! can't wait to go back!" enthuses Sambath T.
Varied site locations: Groton Forest Road Campground provides different camping experiences based on site selection. "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," says Reid B.
Winter camping options: For those interested in off-season equestrian camping near Plainfield, Vermont, Hancock Campground remains open year-round. "Open year round!! I have stayed here many times, three times in the winter (it is so nice to have an open bathroom in the winter!) and a few times in the summer," reports Kim O.
Bathroom maintenance issues: During peak season, facility upkeep can be inconsistent. "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend. At a time like this hand washing is more important than ever!" notes Robin B.
Water access limitations: RVers should be aware of water connection challenges. "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," shares Laura M.
Shower costs: Coin-operated showers require quarters. "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only," reports Laura M. about New Discovery State Park.
Site variability: Terrain and accessibility vary widely between sites. "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," observes Laura M.
Book lean-tos early: These popular shelters at Branbury State Park Campground provide extra comfort for families. "Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!" advises Nicole E., who adds "There was plenty of space between sites so it didn't feel like you were on top of each other."
Consider site locations carefully: Different campground sections offer varied experiences. "There are approximately 50 campsites split across two areas. One section is heavily wooded and the other is an open grassy area near the shore of Lake Dunmore," explains Trip Over Life.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Even summer nights can get cool. "Even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time," notes Stephen T. about camping at Branbury State Park.
Plan RV site selection carefully: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles comfortably. "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 New Discovery State Park.
Electric hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer limited electric options. "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," notes Sarah C.
Compost facility access: RVers should note food waste disposal systems. "They have food compost bins here, but the rangers keep forgetting to unlock the bin, so you just have to ask them," reports Laura M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Plainfield, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Plainfield, 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 Plainfield, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Plainfield, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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