New Discovery State Park Campground provides horseback riding opportunities in Vermont's northern Green Mountains. The surrounding Groton State Forest contains over 26,000 acres of mixed hardwood and softwood forest with a network of trails suited for equestrian use. Trail terrain varies from gentle forest paths to more challenging routes with elevation changes. These trails connect multiple water features throughout the forest.
What to do
Trail riding: Riders can access multiple interconnected paths throughout Groton State Forest directly from New Discovery State Park Campground. The rail trail offers a particularly smooth riding surface. "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.
Swimming access: After a day of riding, cool off at one of several ponds within riding distance. Branbury State Park Campground offers similar water access with "a beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available," according to Lisa S.
Hiking options: When not riding, explore the numerous foot trails throughout the region. "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," reports Laura M. about New Discovery State Park.
What campers like
Private campsites: Many sites provide good separation from neighboring campers. Sites at Ausable Chasm Campground offer similar privacy. "Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors. Sites were cozy and tucked into the woods with town only being a few miles away," mentions Levi M.
Water features: Multiple ponds within the forest provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. "We had the most perfect spot in a private site on Osmore Pond that was accessible only by canoe! Quiet, serene, beautiful!" shares Sambath T. about their experience at New Discovery State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The forest hosts various wildlife including moose and bears. "We saw fresh moose poop on a hike but sadly no moose or other wildlife. There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," Laura M. advises about the New Discovery area.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Filling water tanks can be challenging. "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," explains Laura M. about New Discovery State Park.
Site variation: Campsite terrain and size vary significantly throughout the campground. Some sites accommodate large horse trailers while others are more suitable for tent camping. "Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you," Laura M. notes.
Facility maintenance: During peak season, bathroom facilities may have maintenance issues. At Groton Forest Road Campground, campers report better maintenance with "bathrooms well maintained along with the showers," according to Reid B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children can enjoy the playground facilities at the campground. "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," notes J L. about Branbury State Park Campground.
Wildlife education: Teach children about proper food storage and wildlife safety. Bears are active in the region, making proper storage essential. "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly. My family loves camping here," advises Lisa S. about Branbury State Park.
Remote shelter options: For a unique family experience, consider the remote shelters around Osmore Pond. "The remote sites are spaced nicely around the pond along a hiking trail that skirts the perimeter. The walk from the parking area to the shelters varies, depending what side of the pond you are camping on," explains Sarah C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully as not all accommodate larger rigs. "Each site is so different and may or may not fit an RV," Laura M. cautions about New Discovery State Park. At Ausable Chasm Campground, Lee D. notes, "We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van. We were finally able to convince the staff that we could take a standard tent site, which was more than big enough."
Dump station access: A dump station is available on site, but plan for potential waiting times during busy checkout periods. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site," confirms Laura M. about the facilities at New Discovery.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads may be unpaved and rough in sections. "The road through the campground is dirt and rutted but the speed limit is 5 mph, so it wasn't that bad, but it would be a mess if it was raining," observes Lee D. about similar conditions at Ausable Chasm Campground.
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