6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield, Vermont features specialized horse facilities including stalls for horseback riders bringing their own animals. The campground offers dedicated sites with horse stalls where equestrians can stable their horses directly at their campsites. Campers access a network of trails within Groton State Forest directly from the campground. The sites vary from open field camping areas to more secluded wooded spots, all with access to drinking water and shared restroom facilities. Flushing toilets and coin-operated showers are available in the bathhouses. Sites are well-separated and private, allowing ample space for both campers and their horses.
The campground provides direct access to an extensive rail trail system where riders can put in many miles without even noticing the distance covered. Located within Groton State Forest, equestrians enjoy connections to multiple water features including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond, all within a short ride. Horse owners must follow proper manure management protocols and adhere to all park regulations regarding animals. The park operates seasonally, generally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are recommended as the horse-friendly sites are limited and in high demand during peak season. Trail conditions remain well-maintained throughout the operating season, though some seasonal closures may affect access to certain areas within the forest.
"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."
from $35 - $45 / 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 $125 - $500 / night
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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.
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.
GuideThis campsite was amazing. Each site had a fair amount of isolation and trees surrounding it, and the mosquitoes aren't too bad there either. 10 minutes away is the trail head for the Bucklin Trail (one of the most difficult trails for Mt. Killington).
Also, the campsite lies directly on the Appalachian trail, so for a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges 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.
RangerGreat campground with many hiking trails and a peaceful pond with fishing across the street. Clean bathrooms and showers and great cell service for people working while camping! Stayed at site 15 in the lower campground for a few nights and it was level and spacious but pretty close to neighbors compared to other sites. Then we moved to lean to ELM in the upper campground and it was a nice private site. It was perched on a hill but we were still able to park and sleep in our van next to the lean to. Highly recommend!
New Discovery State Park Campground provides specialized equestrian facilities for riders camping with their horses. The campground contains several stalls where equestrians can keep their horses directly at their campsites. Located in Groton State Forest, the campground operates seasonally from late May through mid-October. Winter conditions make the area inaccessible during colder months, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through April.
Trail riding opportunities: The rail trail system accessible from New Discovery State Park Campground offers extensive riding routes. "We stayed at the Eagle leanto and is perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. Close enough to the bathrooms too," notes Rick S. about the New Discovery State Park Campground.
Swimming with horses: Several ponds within riding distance provide water access. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," mentions a camper who enjoyed the diverse water features near this horse-friendly campground.
Remote camping options: Osmore Pond offers secluded sites. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene, beautiful!" writes Sambath T., highlighting the isolation available at some camping locations.
Hiking from camp: Trail networks connect directly to camping areas. "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," reports Laura M. at Branbury State Park Campground.
Well-separated campsites: Horse campgrounds near South Pomfret, Vermont offer privacy between sites. "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," notes Robin B. about New Discovery State Park.
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campgrounds maintain high standards. "The camp staff was so nice. They kept the bathrooms and areas so clean," writes Nicole E. about her experience at Groton Forest Road Campground.
Proximity to water features: Several campgrounds provide water access. "Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night!" shares a camper who enjoyed the lake views.
Horse-specific amenities: Dedicated equestrian areas enhance the experience. "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," notes Sarah C., describing the diversity of sites available.
Limited availability: Equestrian sites fill quickly. "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," advises Saige V. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Bear awareness required: Wildlife precautions are essential. "There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," warns Laura M., emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Seasonal considerations: Sites close during colder months. "Fall in New England can't be beat," notes Ryan about the optimal camping seasons, with most horse campgrounds operating from Memorial Day through Columbus Day.
Water supply limitations: Filling RV tanks requires adaptation. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results," explains a camper who found an alternative solution at the dump station.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly amenities. "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," reports J L. about NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide learning experiences. "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," describes Lisa S., noting the family-friendly amenities.
Child-safe environments: Campgrounds maintain secure settings. "You can relax and know that the kids are safe and you will be stress-free for your stay," shares a parent about their family camping experience.
Lean-to options: Shelters provide easier camping with children. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," suggests a camper about the alternative accommodation options.
Dump station locations: Most equestrian campgrounds provide waste disposal facilities. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded," notes a camper at Branbury State Park Campground.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Not all sites accommodate RVs. "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," warns a camper about the variable terrain.
Hookup availability: Electric connections exist at select sites. "There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without," explains a camper describing the amenities available to RVers bringing horses.
Shower facilities: Coin-operated showers serve all campers. "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only," advises Laura M. about the practical details of staying at horse-friendly campgrounds near South Pomfret.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Pomfret, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near South Pomfret, 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 South Pomfret, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near South Pomfret, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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