Equestrian campgrounds near Waitsfield, Vermont offer specialized facilities for travelers with horses. Located 45 minutes from Waitsfield in Marshfield, New Discovery State Park Campground has two main loops with varying site types. Some sites sit in wooded areas while others occupy open fields. The campground maintains facilities with coin-operated showers and regularly cleaned bathrooms. Sites vary in size and setting throughout the park. Another option for those traveling with horses is Frontier Town Campground in North Hudson, NY, though it requires a longer drive from Waitsfield.
What to do
Trail riding access: At Branbury State Park Campground, riders can access nearby hiking and biking trails for day excursions. According to one visitor, the park offers "hiking trails, biking trails" and is located on Lake Dunmore which provides additional recreation options when not riding.
Swimming after rides: When temperatures rise during summer months, cool off at nearby swimming areas. A camper notes that AuSable Chasm Campground has "terrific location to hike the different trails" and a "raft tour" where riders can refresh after a day on horseback.
Explore state forest: The entire Groton State Forest offers extensive trail networks ideal for horse riding. One visitor to New Discovery State Park Campground mentions: "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."
Fall foliage rides: Plan autumn visits for spectacular seasonal views while horseback riding. A camper simply stated about Branbury State Park: "Fall in New England can't be beat," highlighting the prime viewing season for riders wanting colorful backdrops.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Horse owners appreciate larger campsites for their equipment. At Groton Forest Road Campground, visitors mentioned: "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."
Clean facilities: After long days riding, clean bathrooms and showers matter. Campers at Branbury State Park Campground noted: "Bathrooms were always clean and well maintained. Park staff very friendly!" Another mentioned: "The camp staff was so nice. They kept the bathrooms and areas so clean."
Natural features: Sites with nearby water access provide additional recreation. One camper at New Discovery described: "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!"
Wildlife viewing: Horse riders often appreciate natural surroundings. A visitor to New Discovery noted: "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."
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Proper food storage is essential at horse campgrounds. A camper at Branbury State Park reported: "Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!"
Seasonal considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. One visitor noted about Frontier Town Campground: "The young man at the check in station said there were very few people there except on the weekends. I only saw three or four other rVs."
Site variations: Horse-friendly sites differ significantly in size and layout. A camper at New Discovery observed: "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."
Water connections: Filling water tanks can require special adaptations. A visitor to New Discovery mentioned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children need entertainment between rides. A camper at Branbury State Park Campground noted: "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. A large playground."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer nature programs for young riders. A visitor 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."
Family-friendly layouts: Look for sites that accommodate multiple tents. One camper at AuSable Chasm Campground recalled: "3 night stay, tent camping on a site with water and electric. The site we had was quite large, I had booked an end site (#73) hoping it would be big!"
Insect preparation: Bug protection is crucial in certain seasons. A visitor to Frontier Town warned: "I saw the bugs, some of them clearly mosquitoes and I never saw one get away with biting me. But I ended up with two lower legs and two forearms that constantly itch like mad. I will never go back in June."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some equestrian campgrounds have uneven sites. A visitor to AuSable Chasm complained: "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."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds can be rough. One RVer noted: "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."
Site layout considerations: Horse-friendly sites may have special configurations. A camper at Frontier Town 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."
Length capabilities: Bring the right size rig for your selected campground. A visitor to Frontier Town 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."
Ranger
