3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins offers camping accommodations for horse enthusiasts near Townshend, Vermont. The property permits pets including horses, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals on site. Campers can access the grounds via hike-in or walk-in methods and choose between tent sites, cabins, or glamping options. The campground provides basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, showers, and toilets. Fires are permitted with firewood available for purchase at the on-site market. Horse owners should note that trailer parking may be limited due to the walk-in nature of the campground, making this location better suited for those arriving with horses via local transportation or shorter stays.
Located across the state border in New Hampshire, Tippicanoe Campground offers an alternative for equestrians seeking more developed facilities. This campground features full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections that can accommodate RVs and tent campers who bring horses. The grounds are meticulously maintained with immaculate bathrooms, showers, and common areas. The campground sits adjacent to Rand Pond, a spring-fed, sandy-bottomed body of water stocked with rainbow trout by the state of New Hampshire. Horse owners should verify current equestrian policies before arrival as the campground primarily caters to family campers and RV users rather than specifically marketing itself as an equestrian facility.
from $125 - $500 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $45 / 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!
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
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.
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.
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!
TravelerI will start with the ONLY drawback, and it is dramatic at best. For like 30 minutes a day at around 5pm (I was there Thursday to Monday) you would hear (pistol) gun fire. Its most annoying the first day, then you get over it.
Moving on…
This is absolutely the best kept and cleanest campground I’ve ever been to.
The staff… ALL amazing, always cheerful, helpful and seemingly happy to be there! (I encountered cleaning, maintenance, desk, and store staff!)
The smaller loop is newest, and if you can handle camps being tightly spaced, you’ll get prime access to the seemingly brand new facilities which i always found to be clean and tidy (and bug free with decent toilet paper). The showers were nicely sized, immediately hot and the cost/time is generous!
The larger, upper loop has hugely spaced out spots that are more open due to less undergrowth, but still seem private as i walked by them on my way to the Appalachian trail access, halfway up the large loop.
Simply awesome easy-ish trails in both directions. Expect a 2 mile trip either direction to see cool stuff (see bottom for notes)
Wood is great, slow burning, large pieces for $6 a bundle, which are generous in size.
NOTES I came across (polite and private) families and happy dogs (surprisingly mostly well behaved, one off leash on a trail but still friendly).
Edit: Turns out my battery died while i was here AND THEY HELPED ME JUMPSTART IT! 🥰🥰🥰
LegendThe campground at Gifford Woods State Park is a hiker's campground for sure. The sites are large, private, and wooded, and there are clean restrooms with hot showers. The highlight is the hiking, both in the park and just outside of it.
The Appalachian Trail runs right through the park and you can hike up to Deer Leep, around Kent Pond, or to Thundering Falls right from the campground. Nearby hikes include the Bucklin Trail to the top of Killington, Sherburne Pass to Pico Peak, and Canty Trail to Blue Ridge Mountain. So many choices!
We stayed in the Elm lean-to, which sits up on a wooded hill. The only down side is that the lean-to opening faces the road instead of the woods, which would have been better for privacy. A minor issue, though.
Apple and Hemlock are awesome lean-tos if you can get them!
Townshend, Vermont offers several options for equestrian camping, with locations ranging from primitive to full-service sites. The region sits within the southern Green Mountains at approximately 600 feet elevation, surrounded by rolling hills that provide diverse terrain for horse riding. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-82°F, while spring and fall can bring variable conditions requiring proper preparation for both riders and horses.
Trail riding near Jamaica State Park: Several campgrounds provide quick access to the West River Trail, a converted railroad bed that offers level terrain suitable for novice riders and horses. The trail extends 16 miles through the West River Valley with multiple access points.
Explore mountain terrain: Horse owners can access portions of the Green Mountain National Forest trail systems when staying at established equestrian campgrounds. Many trails climb to elevations of 2,000+ feet with views across the Connecticut River Valley.
Seasonal events: During summer months, the Townshend area hosts several equestrian-focused events, including small shows and trail riding meetups. NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins occasionally arranges group rides for guests who bring their own horses.
Riverside access: The West River provides natural water access at several points near camping areas, though riders should verify which sections permit horses to drink or cool off. Water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on dam release schedules.
Community atmosphere: Equestrian campers note the camaraderie among horse owners at specialized camping areas. Tippicanoe Campground attracts a mix of families and outdoor enthusiasts. As one camper noted, "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds so you can relax and know that the kids are safe."
Flexible accommodation options: Horse owners appreciate sites that offer both primitive camping and more developed options for longer stays. The region provides everything from basic tent sites to cabins with nearby space for temporary corrals.
Advance reservations essential: Most established equestrian camping in the region requires booking 2-3 months ahead, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons. This applies particularly to facilities with dedicated horse amenities.
Trailer access limitations: Many campgrounds have limited turning radius for larger rigs. Most accommodations can handle standard two-horse trailers, but those with living quarters or larger capacity may face challenges on smaller access roads and campground entrances.
Water availability: Not all equestrian camping areas provide reliable water sources for horses. Campers should confirm water access before arrival and be prepared to haul water to their sites if necessary. During drier periods, some natural water sources may be restricted or unsuitable.
Beginner-friendly trail options: Families with varying riding experience can find suitable terrain near most equestrian campgrounds. The West River Trail offers a gentle grade appropriate for young riders or nervous horses.
Mixed activities: For families where not everyone rides, campgrounds near Townshend offer alternative recreation. Swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities exist within short distances of most equestrian-friendly sites.
Safety considerations: When camping with children and horses, select sites with adequate separation between equestrian areas and general camping. Some locations provide designated horse camping sections to minimize interaction between horses and non-equestrian campers.
Hookup availability: RVers with horse trailers should note that full-hookup sites suitable for larger rigs are limited near Townshend. Most dedicated equestrian camping areas offer primitive or partial hookups only.
Site configuration: When reserving, confirm that sites can accommodate both living vehicles and appropriate space for horses. Many campgrounds require separate reservations for horse paddocks or corrals beyond the RV site itself.
Seasonal access: Spring conditions can make some campground roads challenging for larger rigs, particularly after periods of heavy rain or during mud season. Fall offers more stable ground conditions but requires earlier daily departure times due to limited daylight hours for safe trailering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Townshend, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Townshend, VT is NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Townshend, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Townshend, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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