New Discovery State Park Campground provides specialized accommodations for horse enthusiasts within Groton State Forest. The campground operates two distinct camping areas including sites with dedicated horse stalls. Sites range from $28/night plus a $5/day per adult state park fee. During peak season, equestrian sites fill quickly, requiring advance planning for those traveling with horses. The temperature drops significantly at night even during summer months, requiring appropriate gear for comfortable camping.
What to do
Trail riding access: Direct connections to Groton State Forest's extensive trail network make New Discovery State Park Campground ideal for equestrian camping. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it," notes Rick S.
Swimming options: Multiple water bodies within 5-10 minutes of the campground provide cooling relief. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," shares Rick S.
Hiking from campsites: Several trail options begin directly from the campground. "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," notes Laura M.
What campers like
Private, well-separated sites: Branbury State Park Campground offers generous spacing between campsites. "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," reports Catherine M.
Varied terrain options: New Discovery offers both wooded seclusion and open field camping. "There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other," explains Sarah C. about the campground layout.
Remote water access sites: For those seeking privacy, "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 New Discovery experience.
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Proper food storage is essential in this region. "Just make sure you put your food and trash away - there are black bears in the area!" warns Nicole E. about AuSable Chasm Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness varies by location and timing. "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," reports Robin B. from New Discovery.
Water access challenges: RV owners should note potential filling difficulties. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results," explains Laura M., though they found a solution at the dump station.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Groton Forest Road Campground provides family-friendly recreation areas. "The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," notes Reid B.
Book lean-tos early: These popular shelters provide weather protection for families. "Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!" advises Nicole E., as these sites are particularly sought after.
Trail difficulty considerations: Not all trails are suitable for young children. "A five minute hike - though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike - from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole," explains Nicole E.
Tips from RVers
Site selection importance: Many campgrounds have significant variations in site quality. "RV site 8 is so out of level that we couldn't get our Airstream level unless we put 10" of blocking under both axles," warns Brian P. at AuSable Chasm.
Road conditions: Access roads may challenge larger rigs. "The 'road' into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt," reports Brian P., highlighting the importance of researching access routes.
Seasonal considerations: Most Vermont campgrounds close after Columbus Day weekend. Vermont weather becomes unpredictable in fall, with freezing temperatures possible from late September onward.
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