Equestrian camping near South Burlington, Vermont offers access to several campgrounds where riders can bring their horses and enjoy the verdant mountain landscape. The Adirondack and Green Mountain regions surrounding South Burlington feature elevations ranging from 300 to 4,000 feet, creating diverse terrain for trail riding. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F during the day, with cooler evenings that can drop into the 40s.
What to do
Trail riding in Groton State Forest: Located about an hour from South Burlington, Groton Forest Road Campground provides access to extensive trail networks. "Great for Campers and tenters. Good fishing and plenty of hiking," notes Chris H., who gave the campground five stars.
Swimming in Lake Dunmore: Branbury State Park Campground offers beach access with swimming areas during summer months. "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," reports Lisa S.
Adventure sports at AuSable Chasm: Try rafting, tubing, or rock climbing at AuSable Chasm Campground, about an hour west of South Burlington. "They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river, raft, rock climb, adventure course," explains Susan S., highlighting the variety of activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites that provide seclusion. At New Discovery State Park Campground, "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," according to Robin B.
Access to multiple water bodies: The region features numerous lakes and ponds for water activities. One camper at Branbury State Park notes, "I've stayed here a few times, and I've enjoyed each visit. The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch."
Natural wooded sites: The forest setting creates a true outdoor experience. At AuSable Chasm Campground, Levi M. describes, "Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors. Showers and restrooms were nearby... It was cozy and tucked into the woods with town only being a few miles away!"
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Insect activity varies throughout the camping season. A visitor to Frontier Town noted, "I saw the bugs, some of them clearly mosquitoes and I never saw one get away with biting me. But I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June."
Water hookup compatibility: Some campgrounds have non-standard water connections. At New Discovery State Park Campground, Laura M. explains, "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."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," advises Saige V. about Groton Forest Road Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several parks offer dedicated play areas for children. Camper J L. at Branbury State Park shares, "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds... A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits. Definitely will be returning!"
Consider lean-to sites for tent camping: These structures provide extra shelter and a unique experience. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," recommends Laura M. about New Discovery State Park.
Check bathroom facilities: Clean, well-maintained restrooms make family camping more comfortable. "The bathrooms were always clean and well maintained. Park staff very friendly!" reports J L., which can be particularly important when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have sites that require significant leveling equipment. A camper at Frontier Town Campground mentions, "Sites are built wrong so it is hard to get you camper into your site correct. It is definitely catered to the equestrian part of the camping."
Check site dimensions: RV sites vary greatly in size across the region. At AuSable Chasm, Lee D. describes, "We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van and can easily fit in a regular size parking space. Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may be challenging. At AuSable Chasm Campground, a reviewer noted, "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining."
