Equestrian camping near Putney, Vermont offers opportunities for riders in the southeastern Vermont region where the Green Mountains meet the Connecticut River Valley. The area maintains elevations between 200-400 feet, with predominantly mixed hardwood forests providing seasonal shade for horses and riders. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during daytime, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions requiring additional preparation for equestrian campers.
What to do
Trail riding access: At NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins, visitors can enjoy direct access to local trail systems without trailering horses between rides. The property connects to several miles of maintained bridle paths suitable for various riding abilities.
Fishing opportunities: Tippicanoe Campground borders Rand Pond where fishing enthusiasts can catch rainbow trout in a peaceful setting. "Rand Pond is the body of water at the campground and is restricted to under 10 HP boats. It is stocked with rainbow trout by the State of NH and is a spring fed sandy bottom pond," notes reviewer David G.
Horse-friendly events: Seasonal equestrian gatherings occur throughout the region from May through October, with group trail rides and demonstrations available for visiting riders. These events typically require advance registration and proof of current Coggins test.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The maintenance standards at Tippicanoe Campground consistently impress visitors. David G. reports, "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."
Community atmosphere: Many campgrounds in the region foster a sense of community among visitors. According to reviews, "Many seasonal campers have been here for years and keep coming back for the friends and activities," which creates a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Horse accommodation considerations: While dedicated horse corrals are limited in the immediate Putney area, several campgrounds permit portable corral systems or high-line setups with proper ground protection. Call ahead to confirm specific equine accommodation policies as they vary by location.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Due to limited equestrian-specific camping options, advance bookings are essential, especially during peak season (June-August). Many sites fill 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends.
Horse documentation: Most equestrian facilities require current health certificates and negative Coggins tests for all visiting horses. Carry printed copies of these documents during your stay.
Water access limitations: While drinking water is available at established campgrounds, not all horse-friendly campsites provide direct water access for equines. Bring portable water containers for your horses if staying at more primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: When camping with both children and horses, select campgrounds with clearly separated camping and equestrian areas. This separation helps maintain safety for inexperienced family members around the horses.
Accommodations with options: For families with varying comfort levels, look for campgrounds offering both rustic and more developed options. Some locations provide tent sites alongside cabins or glamping accommodations for family members who prefer additional amenities.
Kid-friendly activities: Several equestrian campgrounds provide alternative activities for children who might not ride. Look for locations with fishing access, hiking trails, or recreational areas within safe distance of horse facilities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites specifically accommodating both RVs and horses are limited but available. "The sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups. Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds," notes David G. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Access considerations: Many equestrian camping areas have narrower access roads not designed for larger rigs. Verify turning radius requirements and approach angles before attempting access with horse trailers and large RVs.
Parking configurations: When traveling with both RVs and horse trailers, confirm the campground layout allows for appropriate parking of both vehicles, as standard RV sites rarely accommodate additional trailers without special arrangements.
Traveler