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New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield, Vermont provides several sites with dedicated horse stalls for equestrian campers. Located within Groton State Forest, the campground accommodates tent and RV camping with facilities that support visitors traveling with horses. The main camping area features drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, and flush toilets with shower facilities. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Sites throughout the park offer varying levels of privacy, with some positioned in wooded areas and others in more open, grassy fields. Bathroom facilities are cleaned daily but may occasionally run out of supplies during busy periods.
The extensive trail system surrounding New Discovery State Park connects riders to multiple ponds and natural areas within Groton State Forest. Horseback riders can access trails directly from the campground, making it convenient for daily rides without trailering. The nearby rail trail provides additional miles of riding opportunities on relatively flat terrain. Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond are all accessible via short rides from the campground. Visitors should note that while the campground accommodates horses, proper manure management is expected, and all food must be secured as bears are present in the area. The campground's location makes it an excellent base for exploring the diverse terrain of central Vermont, with both wooded and open field riding options available throughout the state forest.
"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."
"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."
"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 camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"
"Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors."
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.
TravelerThe workers are very accomodating. They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river , raft, rock climb , adventure course. They have a small store and rec room for kids. I think they are making improvements always. This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe
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.
GuideUpon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like. Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors. Showers and restrooms were nearby and it being a weekday, there really wasn’t much traffic of campers or hikers. It was cozy and tucked into the woods with town only being a few miles away!
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.
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.
LegendThis state park has a little bit of everything. 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. Site size various pretty vastly as you travel through the campground. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other. The campground loops have bath houses, complete with coin operated showers. Park staff were attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency.
There are more remote walk-in shelters on the Osmore Pond, located within New Discovery State Park. The shelters are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables. The remote sites are spaced nicely around the pond along a hiking trail that skirts the perimeter. 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(or other large/luxury car camping items) be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area. It would be a challenge to get some of those larger, heavier items to sites across the pond from the parking lot.
New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield offers specialized accommodations for horseback riders and trail enthusiasts. Located at an elevation of around 1,100 feet in central Vermont's hardwood forests, this campground provides equestrian-focused facilities during its operational season from late May through mid-October. The variable weather conditions in this region can bring cool nights even in summer, with temperatures often dropping into the 50s after sunset.
Trail riding network: Access miles of interconnected trails from New Discovery State Park Campground where "the extensive 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, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning rides offer the best chance to spot moose, deer and other wildlife. Visitors should "be bear smart when camping here" as black bears are active throughout the region, particularly during berry season from July through September.
Swimming access: Cool off at multiple swimming areas near equestrian trails. At Branbury State Park Campground, "the day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available."
Remote camping options: For those seeking solitude, certain areas offer exceptional privacy. One camper at New Discovery noted they "had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful!"
Field camping alternatives: Not all equestrian sites are wooded. At Groton Forest Road Campground, riders appreciate the "spacious spots with enough privacy between sites. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use."
Natural features: The landscape around Roxbury includes unique geological formations. "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."
Bathroom facilities: While most campgrounds offer facilities, maintenance can vary. One New Discovery camper reported that "the Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend."
Water access limitations: Fill water tanks carefully when camping with horses. At AuSable Chasm Campground, campers noted "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."
Site selection importance: Sites vary significantly in size and slope. "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."
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Many locations offer activities beyond horse trails. One visitor reported their campground had "a large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits. Definitely will be returning! Also, bathrooms were always clean and well maintained."
Lean-to options for convenience: Families with younger children appreciate the shelter options. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in."
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature programs. "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities" at Branbury State Park, making it ideal for families exploring equestrian camping near Roxbury.
Size restrictions apply: Many equestrian sites can't accommodate larger rigs. Campers at Groton Forest Road report "spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites" but some locations may not be accessible to all vehicles.
Limited hookups: Most horse-friendly campgrounds prioritize trail access over amenities. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded" which can complicate tank filling for RVs.
Seasonal challenges: RVers should prepare for variable conditions. "Even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time" but early and late season camping may require heating capability for comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Roxbury, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Roxbury, VT is Branbury State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Roxbury, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Roxbury, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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