Equestrian camping near Rutland, Vermont offers unique recreational opportunities within the Adirondack and Green Mountain regions. The area sits at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 feet, creating varied terrain ideal for horseback riding throughout the camping season. Most equestrian campgrounds in this region operate from mid-May through mid-October, with water access points available at designated horse-friendly beaches and crossings.
What to do
Trail riding access: Frontier Town Campground maintains well-marked and maintained trail systems directly accessible from the equestrian camping area. According to one visitor, "The trails are well marked and well maintained. Overall, this is a fantastic campsite" with direct access to miles of riding terrain.
Swimming options: Branbury State Park Campground offers both lake access and river swimming opportunities. One camper notes, "A five minute hike - though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike - from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole" while "across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out."
Evening entertainment: After a day of riding or hiking, Frontier Town Campground provides convenient options for relaxation. A camper mentioned, "There's even a brewery a ten minute walk down the road" making it easy to unwind after outdoor activities without driving anywhere.
Seasonal fishing: Luzerne Campground provides excellent fishing opportunities with boat rentals available on-site. A camper reports, "Great little lake for kayaking and fishing" with options to either bring your own equipment or rent at the campground office.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: The dedicated equestrian area at Frontier Town Campground features exceptionally large campsites designed specifically for those traveling with horses. As one camper described, "The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean" and another noted site 43 "was long enough it could have fit two of the biggest RVs I have ever seen."
Clean facilities: Moreau Lake State Park Campground maintains excellent bathroom and shower facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms and Showers are clean" and another praised the "superb facilities as far as state run campsites go" with "nice bathroom/shower buildings."
Private beaches: Luzerne Campground offers unique water access points. One regular visitor appreciates "being on the far side of the lake with the private beach and no motorboats allowed" creating a quieter experience for swimmers and paddlers.
Camping with horses: For equestrians, Luzerne Campground provides specialized accommodations. A visitor highlighted that it's "The only campground in all of New York that acquires to house back riders. There are campsites that also come with stalls for your horse!"
What you should know
Supply planning: When staying at Frontier Town Campground, one camper advises, "Get your supplies before you arrive! Not many places around to quickly grab charcoal if you need it" as convenience stores are limited in the immediate vicinity.
Wildlife awareness: At Branbury State Park Campground, campers need to take proper food storage precautions. As one visitor warns, "Just make sure you put your food and trash away - there are black bears in the area!" - an important safety consideration when camping in this region.
Site selection considerations: For optimal sun exposure at Frontier Town Campground, "a site on the west side of the road gives best Morning sun - sites 57 and 59 are good examples" according to a repeat visitor who has experienced different site options.
Seasonal pest considerations: Bug activity can be intense during certain periods. One Frontier Town camper reported, "I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June" - suggesting late summer or fall visits might be more comfortable.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Branbury State Park Campground provides excellent recreation facilities for children. A family camper noted, "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground."
Educational opportunities: Families visiting Branbury State Park appreciate the educational components. According to one visitor, there's "a nature center with all kinds of information and activities" where children can learn about local ecosystems while having fun.
Child-friendly climbing: Natural features at campgrounds provide built-in entertainment for kids. At Branbury State Park, one family stayed "in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on" offering natural play structures that keep children engaged.
Family traditions: Luzerne Campground fosters multi-generational camping traditions. One long-time visitor shared, "we have been going to this campground for almost 15 years and my husband went here as a kid with his family. We always get the same site, for 15 years. My daughter loves it here."
Tips from RVers
Site layout challenges: RV campers at Frontier Town Campground should note potential positioning difficulties. One RVer observed that "Sites are built wrong so it is hard to get you camper into your site correct" requiring extra maneuvering during setup.
Power connections: At Frontier Town Campground, some electrical pedestals are shared between sites in the equestrian area. A camper mentioned finding "lots of fences and shared pedestals" which requires coordination with neighboring campers in some cases.
Extended cable needs: For RVers at Frontier Town Campground, standard connections may not reach. One visitor noted, "My 75 foot starling cable did not even reach all the way back out to the road" suggesting packing extension cords or longer cables when camping here.
Big rig accommodation: Despite some layout challenges, Frontier Town Campground can accommodate large RVs. A camper staying in site 59 reported successfully parking "a 28' travel trailer" with plenty of room to spare, making it suitable for larger rigs when carefully positioned.
