New Discovery State Park Campground offers dedicated horse camping sites with stalls, making it a preferred destination for equestrian camping near Thetford, Vermont. The campground sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation within Vermont's second-largest state forest. Water access points throughout the campground aren't threaded for RV hookups, requiring campers with larger tanks to fill at the dump station instead.
What to do
Trail exploration with horses: The rail trail running through New Discovery State Park Campground connects to multiple destinations. "Awesome state park. 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," notes Rick S.
Paddling opportunities: Several ponds within Groton State Forest offer water recreation within short distance of the campground. At Branbury State Park Campground, "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. The concession stand is open during day use hours," according to Lisa S.
Winter camping: Some campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, unlike New Discovery's seasonal operation. At Hancock Campground, Heather B. reports, "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. The campgrounds were well cared for and the staff was friendly."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: While New Discovery offers sites in both open fields and wooded areas, other nearby campgrounds provide unique water-adjacent options. Sambath T. describes their experience: "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-safe storage: With wildlife being a consideration in the area, some campgrounds provide secure storage options. Tara S. from Hancock Campground mentions, "It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course."
Equestrian-friendly atmosphere: Riders appreciate the dedicated horse facilities at New Discovery State Park. Miccal M. observed during a drive-through: "This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay... There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses."
What you should know
Facility maintenance varies: Some campers report inconsistent upkeep of bathrooms and facilities. Robin B. noted about New Discovery: "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend. At a time like this hand washing is more important than ever!"
Site characteristics vary significantly: The layout at New Discovery includes distinctly different camping areas. Sarah C. explains: "This state park has a little bit of everything... 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."
Insects can be problematic: Be prepared for potential insect issues during warm months. At Gunstock Campground, Sara D. mentions: "So many roots all over the sites, the platform did not fit our tent for 12 on it. More of the sites have very little separation from the neighboring campers near you."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with recreational amenities: Branbury State Park Campground offers numerous family activities. J L. describes: "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits."
Choose sites based on noise preferences: Consider proximity to activity areas when selecting sites. At Gunstock Campground, Melissa B. advises: "There is a zip line course and a metal 'slide' or coaster behind the Breezy Knolls area which can get kind of noisy between the sounds of the gear and the kids screaming. Lol. But it didn't really bother me personally."
Reserve waterfront sites early: Popular waterfront locations fill quickly, especially during peak season. Catherine M. shares her experience: "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they aren't super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are."
Tips from RVers
Check water access options: RVers staying at New Discovery should note the water access limitations. Laura M. explains: "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. Luckily, we found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station and had no problem filling our tank with potable water."
Plan for varied site terrain: The topography at some sites may present leveling challenges. According to Laura M., "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."
Consider seasonal camping options: For those interested in longer-term arrangements, Groton Forest Road Campground near Marshfield offers seasonal options, though experiences vary. One review cautions about carefully evaluating management policies before committing to seasonal arrangements.
