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New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield, Vermont includes facilities for equestrians seeking camping with horse access. The campground features sites specifically designed with stalls for those traveling with horses, according to campers who have visited the area. Located within Groton State Forest, this park offers tent and RV camping options with access to drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. The bathhouse facilities include showers and toilets that are regularly maintained, though some visitors note occasional maintenance issues during peak periods.
Connected to an extensive network of trails within Groton State Forest, New Discovery provides riders with multiple route options directly from the campground. The nearby Osmore Pond offers water access, and the rail trail system allows for long-distance riding without encountering vehicle traffic. Trailheads are accessible from the camping area, eliminating the need to trailer horses to riding locations. The campground operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with campsite fees of $28 per night plus a $5 daily state park fee per adult. Horse owners should note that reservations are recommended, especially for equestrian sites which are limited compared to standard camping spots. The campground's proximity to multiple ponds and natural areas makes it particularly suitable for riders interested in exploring Vermont's wooded landscapes.
"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."
"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability
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.
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.
RangerThis would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.
FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.
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.
TravelerMost amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.
LegendI haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.
If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.
Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.
If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.
Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.
LegendHancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.
We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.
Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.
New Discovery State Park Campground in Vermont features dedicated equestrian camping sites that connect directly to Groton State Forest's trail network. The campground sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation within the forests of central Vermont, where summer temperatures typically range from 50-80°F. Horse owners can access multiple trail options directly from their campsites without needing to trailer their horses to different locations.
Trail riding access: The rail trail system near New Discovery State Park Campground provides extensive options for equestrian activities. According to one visitor, "Right along a long 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."
Swimming at multiple ponds: Riders can take their horses to several water access points within short distances. A camper noted that "You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers," making it possible to combine horseback riding with water activities on the same day.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest surrounding the campground hosts various wildlife species. One camper mentioned, "We saw fresh moose poop on a hike but sadly no moose or other wildlife. There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here."
Private sites with natural separation: At Branbury State Park Campground, campers appreciate the spacious layout. One visitor commented, "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they arent super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are."
Accessible water features: Many campgrounds in the Sharon region offer direct water access. A camper at Branbury State Park mentioned, "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."
Lean-to camping options: For those seeking unique shelter options during their equestrian camping trip, several parks offer covered structures. According to a visitor at Hancock Campground, "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in."
Seasonal availability: Most equestrian camping facilities near Sharon operate on limited schedules. New Discovery State Park is open "Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend" with standard campsite fees of $28/night plus $5 daily state park fees per adult.
Variable bathroom facilities: Campground bathroom quality can differ significantly. One camper at Groton Forest Road Campground noted, "The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers," while others reported maintenance issues during busy periods.
Wildlife precautions required: Bears are present throughout the region, requiring proper food storage. A camper advised, "They have food compost bins here, but the rangers keep forgetting to unlock the bin, so you just have to ask them."
Playground and beach access: Families seeking equestrian camping near Sharon can find sites with additional recreational amenities. A visitor to Branbury State Park shared, "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."
Reservation timing: Secure your spot well in advance, especially for sites with horse facilities. According to a camper at Tippicanoe, "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculatefrom the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds so you can relax and know that the kids are safe."
Varied site selections: Choose carefully based on your specific needs. One camper at New Discovery observed, "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."
Water access considerations: RVers should note potential filling challenges at some locations. A camper at New Discovery State Park reported, "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but 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 and had no problem filling our tank with potable water."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all equestrian camping sites accommodate RVs equally. A visitor noted, "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. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sharon, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sharon, 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 Sharon, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Sharon, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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