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New Discovery State Park Campground accommodates equestrians with dedicated horse stalls at select campsites. Located within Groton State Forest, this campground offers tent and RV sites with access to drinking water, firewood, and picnic tables. The bathrooms and shower facilities are regularly maintained, though occasionally supplies run low during peak season. Sites vary between wooded areas providing natural shade and open grassy fields, allowing campers to choose their preferred environment. Trails surrounding the campground are well-maintained for hiking and riding. The park maintains a range of amenities including fire pits, trash disposal, and shower facilities that operate with quarters.
Direct access to the extensive trail network in Groton State Forest provides horse riders with multiple route options. The campground's location connects to several ponds including Osmore Pond, where some remote shelters are accessible via hiking trails or by canoe. Reservations are recommended, especially for equestrian sites which fill quickly during summer months. Park fees include a $28 nightly rate plus $5 per adult daily state park fee. The nearby rail trail offers additional riding opportunities with level terrain suitable for longer excursions. Water access points throughout the forest allow horses to drink and cool off during rides. Sites with horse accommodations should be booked well in advance as they are limited in number and highly sought after by equestrian campers.
"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 offers equestrian camping opportunities in Vermont's Groton State Forest. Located at 4,239 feet elevation, the campground sits within a mixed hardwood forest that transforms with vibrant colors during autumn. The area experiences cool nights even in summer, with temperatures often dropping into the 50s after sunset. Camping options range from rustic tent sites to sites with horse stalls for equestrian campers.
Hiking trails: Access numerous hiking paths directly from New Discovery State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "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."
Water activities: Visit multiple ponds within a short drive of the campgrounds. A camper at Branbury State Park Campground shared, "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."
Rail trail riding: Take horses or bikes on the converted rail trail that runs through the forest. A camper mentioned, "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."
Private sites: Many campsites offer good separation from neighbors. A visitor noted, "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest."
Diverse camping options: Choose between wooded or open field sites based on preference. As one reviewer observed, "This 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."
Remote shelters: For a more secluded experience, book one of the shelters at Groton Forest Road Campground. A camper enthusiastically shared, "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on osmore pond that was accessible only by canoe! quiet, serene. beautiful! can't wait to go back!"
Bear safety: Store food properly as black bears frequent the area. One reviewer at Hancock Campground advised, "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."
Bathroom maintenance: During peak season, bathroom facilities may need more frequent attention. A camper noted, "My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the facilities. The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend."
Water access: Getting potable water can require some planning. A visitor explained, "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."
Beach activities: Take advantage of the beaches at nearby ponds for swimming. A visitor to Tippicanoe Campground shared, "Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds where you are not far from the beautiful beach, trout stocked pond and all ammenities."
Playground access: Look for campgrounds with play areas for children. One Branbury State Park visitor mentioned, "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."
Leanto sites: Consider booking a leanto for a fun family shelter option. A camper recommended, "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in."
Site selection: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. A camper observed, "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."
Hookup availability: Verify which hookups are available at your specific campground. At Groton Forest Road Campground, "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."
Dump station access: Plan for waste management as many horse campgrounds near South Royalton, Vermont have dump stations but limited sewer hookups. One reviewer noted, "Camp fees are $28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Royalton, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near South Royalton, 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 Royalton, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near South Royalton, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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