4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping near Plymouth, VT includes campgrounds that accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins, with access to hiking trails suitable for day rides. Branbury State Park Campground features wooded sites with lean-tos across from Lake Dunmore, though no dedicated horse corrals are available on the property. Campsites are spacious and spread across two distinct areas - one heavily wooded section and an open grassy area near the lakeshore. Campfire pits include cooking grills, and basic amenities include drinking water, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations. Bear-proof food storage is essential as black bears are active in the area. Campgrounds near Plymouth, Vermont are listed with photos on The Dyrt.
The hiking trails surrounding Branbury State Park connect to scenic mountain terrain, including the popular Rattlesnake Cliffs trail. While not specifically designated as bridle paths, some trails may accommodate horses depending on seasonal conditions and park regulations. Tippicanoe Campground offers an alternative location with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer connections for RV campers traveling with horses. Reservations are recommended, particularly during the peak season from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend when facilities reach capacity. The large, grassy field near the beach provides open space, though riders should verify current equestrian policies before arrival. Bathroom facilities include flushing compost toilets, with showers available for a fee.
"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."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $125 - $500 / night
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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!
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.
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.
GuideThis campsite was amazing. Each site had a fair amount of isolation and trees surrounding it, and the mosquitoes aren't too bad there either. 10 minutes away is the trail head for the Bucklin Trail (one of the most difficult trails for Mt. Killington).
Also, the campsite lies directly on the Appalachian trail, so for a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges nearby.
RangerGreat campground with many hiking trails and a peaceful pond with fishing across the street. Clean bathrooms and showers and great cell service for people working while camping! Stayed at site 15 in the lower campground for a few nights and it was level and spacious but pretty close to neighbors compared to other sites. Then we moved to lean to ELM in the upper campground and it was a nice private site. It was perched on a hill but we were still able to park and sleep in our van next to the lean to. Highly recommend!
TravelerI will start with the ONLY drawback, and it is dramatic at best. For like 30 minutes a day at around 5pm (I was there Thursday to Monday) you would hear (pistol) gun fire. Its most annoying the first day, then you get over it.
Moving on…
This is absolutely the best kept and cleanest campground I’ve ever been to.
The staff… ALL amazing, always cheerful, helpful and seemingly happy to be there! (I encountered cleaning, maintenance, desk, and store staff!)
The smaller loop is newest, and if you can handle camps being tightly spaced, you’ll get prime access to the seemingly brand new facilities which i always found to be clean and tidy (and bug free with decent toilet paper). The showers were nicely sized, immediately hot and the cost/time is generous!
The larger, upper loop has hugely spaced out spots that are more open due to less undergrowth, but still seem private as i walked by them on my way to the Appalachian trail access, halfway up the large loop.
Simply awesome easy-ish trails in both directions. Expect a 2 mile trip either direction to see cool stuff (see bottom for notes)
Wood is great, slow burning, large pieces for $6 a bundle, which are generous in size.
NOTES I came across (polite and private) families and happy dogs (surprisingly mostly well behaved, one off leash on a trail but still friendly).
Edit: Turns out my battery died while i was here AND THEY HELPED ME JUMPSTART IT! 🥰🥰🥰
LegendThe campground at Gifford Woods State Park is a hiker's campground for sure. The sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers. The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it.
The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground. Nearby hikes include the Bucklin Trail to the top of Killington, Sherburne Pass to Pico Peak, and Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain. So many choices!
We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill. The only down side is that the lean-to opening faces the road instead of the woods, which would have been better for privacy. A minor issue, though.
Apple and Hemlock are awesome lean-tos if you can get them!
TravelerHad an amazing time at Branbury. 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.
There was plenty of space between sites so it didn’t feel like you were on top of each other. Bathrooms are flushing compost. However, there are only four showers for the whole campground.
Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!
Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night! A five minute hike- though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike- from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole.
Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!
Branbury State Park Campground accommodates equestrian enthusiasts with nearby trails that connect to Green Mountain National Forest. The park sits at 570 feet elevation at the base of Mount Moosalamoo with Lake Dunmore providing water recreation opportunities. Campgrounds in the Plymouth region typically operate seasonally from late May through mid-October, with most facilities closing after the fall foliage season concludes.
Horseback riding trails: Several trails near Branbury State Park Campground accommodate riders with varying terrain options. "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," notes M.A.D. P.
Swimming and beach activities: Lake access provides relief during summer months. "Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night! A five minute hike - though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike - from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole," reports Nicole E.
Rentals for water recreation: Visitors can rent equipment for exploring Lake Dunmore. "Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities," writes J L., highlighting the available options beyond just camping.
Spacious campsites: Tippicanoe Campground offers full-hookup sites with ample spacing. "The sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds where you are not far from the beautiful beach, trout stocked pond and all amenities," explains David G.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high even during peak season. "The camp staff was so nice. They kept the bathrooms and areas so clean. There was plenty of space between sites so it didn't feel like you were on top of each other. Bathrooms are flushing compost," observes Nicole E.
Fall foliage viewing: Autumn camping provides spectacular colors throughout the region. "Fall in New England can't be beat," states Ryan succinctly, referring to the vibrant seasonal display that draws many visitors to Vermont campgrounds in September and October.
Bear awareness requirements: NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins and surrounding campgrounds require proper food storage. "Just make sure you put your food and trash away - there are black bears in the area!" warns Nicole E., emphasizing an important safety consideration for all campers.
Limited shower facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal shower accommodations despite their size. "However, there are only four showers for the whole campground," notes Nicole E. about Branbury, indicating potential wait times during busy periods.
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, particularly those with special features. "Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!" advises Nicole E., with M.A.D. P. confirming that even on holiday weekends, persistent visitors might find last-minute cancellations.
Playground access: Children-friendly amenities enhance the camping experience. "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," reports J L., highlighting recreational options beyond hiking and swimming.
Climbing opportunities: Natural features provide entertainment for younger visitors. "We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground," Desiree V. shares about her family's experience at Branbury.
Safety considerations: Branbury State Park Campground provides secure environments for children. "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds so you can relax and know that the kids are safe," observes David G. at Tippicanoe, reflecting similar management standards found at various Vermont campgrounds.
Hookup availability: Electric connections vary between campgrounds. "No hookups are available but there is a dump station and a bathroom facility with paid showers," explains Trip Over Life about Branbury, contrasting with Tippicanoe's full-service sites.
Site selection strategies: Different camping areas offer varied experiences within the same campground. "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. We chose the open area and enjoyed a campfire and the spacious grounds," notes Trip Over Life.
Overnight temperature considerations: Even summer camping requires preparation for cooler nights. "Even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time," Stephen T. mentions, suggesting packing appropriate sleeping gear regardless of season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Plymouth, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Plymouth, VT 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 Plymouth, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Plymouth, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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