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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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!"
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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."
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