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Vermont's campgrounds offer limited options for horse camping near Reading. Branbury State Park Campground does not provide dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities based on their amenity listings. Located near Lake Dunmore, the park features spacious campsites that can accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins, but lacks specific horse-friendly features. Similarly, Tippicanoe Campground and Ramblewood Cabins and Campground in nearby New Hampshire offer full hookups for RVs and various amenities but do not list horse-specific facilities. NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins provides tent camping, cabin, and glamping options but also does not specify equestrian accommodations.
Trails in the surrounding areas offer scenic riding opportunities though riders must plan accordingly with the absence of dedicated horse facilities. The Green Mountain National Forest contains multiple trails accessible to equestrians, though campers must transport horses daily from general campgrounds. Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities with spacious sites that could potentially accommodate horse trailers, but visitors should call ahead to confirm policies regarding horses. During peak seasons, especially fall when New England foliage attracts visitors, advance reservations are essential for any camping. Horse owners should prepare to bring their own portable corrals or highlines as dedicated equestrian infrastructure is not prominent in the immediate Reading area.
"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
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / 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!
Horse camping opportunities near Reading, Vermont remain limited despite the area's scenic trail systems. Situated in the Green Mountain region where elevations range from 700 to 2,000 feet, the region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and crisp autumn conditions in the 40-60°F range. Dedicated equestrian facilities are sparse, requiring horse owners to make special arrangements when planning overnight stays.
Trail riding at nearby national forests: The Green Mountain National Forest contains multiple equestrian-accessible trails within driving distance of Reading. Branbury State Park Campground visitors can access nearby trails, though as one camper notes, "There was hiking nearby, but with the rain we weren't able to go." Proper planning is essential as weather conditions can quickly affect trail quality.
Swimming and water activities: Lake access provides refreshment after riding. At Branbury State Park Campground, "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," according to Nicole E.
Wildlife observation: The Reading area hosts diverse wildlife including black bears. Lisa S. from Branbury State Park advises, "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly." This is particularly important for horse campers who must secure both human food and horse feed.
Spacious campsites: Sites large enough to potentially accommodate horse trailers are available. Catherine M. from Tippicanoe Campground notes, "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they aren't super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are." This extra space proves valuable for those traveling with horses.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained facilities enhance the camping experience. David G. describes Tippicanoe as having "Everything immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds so you can relax." Clean restrooms are particularly appreciated after long days on horseback.
Natural features: The region's landscape offers natural beauty year-round. Stephen T. from Ramblewood Cabins and Campground appreciates the "secluded camping" and mentions that "even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time," which benefits both humans and horses during summer stays.
Limited dedicated equestrian facilities: None of the campgrounds in the Reading area specifically advertise horse corrals or dedicated equestrian accommodations. Horse owners should bring portable containment systems.
Seasonal considerations: Fall attracts significant visitation. Ryan from NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins simply states, "Fall in New England can't be beat," highlighting the need for advance reservations during peak foliage season.
Water availability: Access to water sources for horses varies by location. M.A.D. P. notes that Branbury State Park "has access to some of the best hiking and paddling in the state," but horse owners should confirm water access specifically for equestrian needs before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Reading, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Reading, 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 Reading, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Reading, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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