The Groton State Forest area offers several horse-friendly camping options near North Concord, Vermont. Located in the northeastern part of Vermont, this region features extensive trail networks through mixed hardwood forests at elevations between 900-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with cooler evenings, while fall brings vibrant foliage and temperatures between 40-65°F.
What to do
Trail riding on rail trails: The campgrounds near Groton State Forest connect to extensive rail trails. At Groton Forest Road Campground, campers appreciate the access to longer rides. One visitor noted, "Great for Campers and tenters. Good fishing and plenty of hiking."
Pond exploration with horses: Several ponds are accessible via horseback within the state forest. At Hancock Campground, campers enjoy water activities after riding. A reviewer mentions, "Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area" when describing the swimming hole.
Winter camping adventures: Some horse campgrounds remain open year-round, allowing for unique cold-weather riding experiences. One camper at Hancock shared, "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites."
What campers like
Private sites for horses and gear: Equestrian campers value space and privacy. At New Discovery State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest."
Proximity to multiple water bodies: Riders appreciate having several ponds within riding distance. One camper mentioned, "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."
Seasonal flexibility: The availability of some campgrounds outside peak season appeals to serious equestrians. A Hancock visitor shared, "We were the only ones in it and we picked the site right next to the rambling river. It was amazing. Only a pit toilet- but it's worth it for the beauty and seclusion."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (June-August), securing spots at horse campgrounds is challenging. One camper warned, "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend."
Facility maintenance concerns: Bathroom cleanliness can vary, especially during busy periods. A New Discovery camper reported, "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend."
Bear safety protocols: Proper food storage is essential for equestrian camping. A visitor to one campground noted, "We appreciated having a bear box on our site, especially since we couldn't keep anything in our car. It was big enough to fit our grill, cooler, trash, and bag of groceries."
Tips for camping with families
Look for riverside sites: Children enjoy water access when not riding. One reviewer at Hancock Campground recommends, "I recommend getting a site in the river side away from the street. Absolutely beautiful!"
Consider remote site accessibility: When bringing children and horses, site location matters. A camper observed, "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...be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area."
Check for wildlife observation opportunities: Children can learn about forest ecology. A 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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Not all sites accommodate both RVs and horse trailers. A visitor to New Discovery 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."
Water connections: Fill tanks before arrival as connections vary. One RVer shared, "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."
Electric options: Some horse campgrounds offer limited electrical hookups. A camper at Groton Forest Road Campground mentioned, "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use."
