Equestrian camping near Starksboro, Vermont encompasses several state parks and campgrounds in this Green Mountain region, where elevations range from 800 to 3,000 feet across Addison County. The camping season typically runs from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during the day and dropping into the 50s at night. Fall campers should prepare for temperatures that can dip below freezing overnight.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Branbury State Park Campground offers a beach area on Lake Dunmore with rental equipment for water recreation. As camper Nicole E. notes: "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."
Hiking trails: Branbury State Park Campground connects to multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. One camper reports: "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."
Mountain biking: AuSable Chasm Campground offers extensive biking trails suitable for various skill levels. A recent visitor commented: "I wish I had my bike!!! I didn't know that this was a biking campground and there were SO MANY trails. Made the most of them with running, but overall, a fantastic campground."
Horseback riding trails: Within a 60-mile radius of Starksboro, horse owners can access trail systems near North Hudson. The equestrian-focused camping area at Frontier Town features spacious sites that accommodate trailers. According to a visitor: "We stayed in site 33 which is in the equestrian camping area. It's really open with little tree cover which is perfect for those who work remote using Starlink. The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean."
What campers like
Spacious sites: New Discovery State Park Campground offers well-separated sites with good privacy. A reviewer noted: "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!"
Clean facilities: Horse camping areas at Frontier Town Campground maintain exceptionally clean facilities. One camper states: "The bathrooms are the cleanest I've seen so far and we do this full time. The sites in the equestrian camping area are huge and so clean."
Natural features: Many campsites throughout the Starksboro region offer unique natural elements. At Branbury, a camper observed: "We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground."
Lean-to options: For those seeking alternative accommodations near horse trails, shelters provide protection from the elements. A visitor to New Discovery mentioned: "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in. They have food compost bins here, but the rangers keep forgetting to unlock the bin, so you just have to ask them."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds in the Starksboro region operate primarily between late May and mid-October. A Branbury camper advises: "Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
Wildlife awareness: Frontier Town Campground and surrounding areas have active wildlife. Visitors to Branbury are warned: "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!"
Facility limitations: Some campgrounds have limited shower facilities. A visitor to Branbury noted: "Bathrooms are flushing compost. However, there are only four showers for the whole campground."
Reservation requirements: Popular horse camping areas fill quickly during peak seasons. A visitor to New Discovery remarked: "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. Camp fees are $28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Groton Forest Road Campground provides family-friendly amenities near riding trails. A reviewer shared: "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."
Nature programs: Family educational activities are available at several campgrounds. A Branbury visitor mentioned: "Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits."
Swimming options: Family-friendly water access points exist throughout the region. According to one camper at Groton Forest Road: "Great for Campers and tenters. Good fishing and plenty of hiking."
Site selection for families: Choose sites with natural features that entertain children. A reviewer at Branbury commented: "We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups for RVs transporting horses. At Frontier Town, a visitor noted: "Stayed twice - first time at site 59 with a 28' travel trailer and second time at 56 with a tent. This is a great home base to explore from the Lake George region to Ticonderoga to day hikes or cycling."
Site layout challenges: Some equestrian-focused campgrounds have unique layouts. A Frontier Town camper observed: "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."
Water access: AuSable Chasm Campground provides water hookups, but be prepared for variations in availability. One RVer explained: "Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van. These sites were $13 more per night and we really did not need the hookups. We were finally able to convince the staff that we could take a standard tent site, which was more than big enough."
RV size considerations: Note maximum lengths when booking sites for horse trailers with living quarters. A Frontier Town camper mentioned: "I was in site 43, it was long enough it could have fit two of the biggest RVs I have ever seen. My 75 foot starling cable did not even reach all the way back out to the road."
