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New Discovery State Park Campground provides horse-friendly campsites within Groton State Forest. The campground features sites with stalls specifically designed for horses, making it suitable for equestrian camping. Park facilities include flush toilets, coin-operated showers, and drinking water access. Sites vary between open grassy fields and wooded areas, offering different environments based on preference. The fresh moose tracks observed on nearby trails indicate the diverse wildlife in the area. Sites are well-separated with enough privacy between camping areas, though site sizes vary considerably throughout the campground.
The campground connects to an extensive network of trails ideal for horseback riding through the Vermont wilderness. Riders can access multiple ponds within short riding distance, including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond, allowing for varied terrain and scenic views. A rail trail accessible from the campground provides miles of consistent riding surface for horses. The park operates seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with limited cell service throughout most of the grounds. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekends when the campground tends to fill quickly. Daily park fees of $5 per adult apply in addition to the standard camping rate of $28 per night.
"There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses. The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion."
"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."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use. The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers."
from $35 / night
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
"This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe"
"Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors."
"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."
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!
LegendThis easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay.
There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses.
The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.
Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at.
TravelerThe workers are very accomodating. They are across the road from the Chasm to hike, Tube down the river , raft, rock climb , adventure course. They have a small store and rec room for kids. I think they are making improvements always. This camp ground is a short drive to Lake Placid, Plattsburgh, Vermont State and so much more. The Chasm has their own store and cafe
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.
GuideUpon arrival, the front desk clerk was very nice and helpful. We found our way to the tent sites, nestled in the very back corner which for us was exactly what we like. Sites were a medium distance apart but still spacious enough to not be close to neighbors. Showers and restrooms were nearby and it being a weekday, there really wasn’t much traffic of campers or hikers. It was cozy and tucked into the woods with town only being a few miles away!
ScoutIf I could leave a no star rating, I would. To anyone who is looking to park there camper for the season, I recommend going elsewhere. The previous owner was a more reasonable guy and well respected. Save yourself the time and energy and do not sign a contract here, unless you want to later be told you have to leave for a reason that will not be discussed. The current owner is a dictator who likes to show favoritism. Please save yourself the trouble and try a different campground, there are plenty in the state of Vermont.
LegendThis state park has a little bit of everything. There are sites with electric hookups as well as some without. 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. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other. The campground loops have bath houses, complete with coin operated showers. Park staff were attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency.
There are more remote walk-in shelters on the Osmore Pond, located within New Discovery State Park. The shelters are rustic, have shared outhouses between a few sites, fire pits and small picnic tables. 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. If bringing a full-sized cooler(or other large/luxury car camping items) be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area. It would be a challenge to get some of those larger, heavier items to sites across the pond from the parking lot.
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.
New Discovery State Park Campground provides specialized equestrian facilities within Vermont's scenic Groton State Forest. Located approximately 23 miles east of Waterbury Center, this campground sits at an elevation of around 1,100 feet in the northern Green Mountains. The campground remains open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with nighttime temperatures that can drop significantly even during summer months.
Trail riding opportunities: The extensive network of trails accessible from New Discovery State Park Campground connects riders to multiple water features. "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: Several ponds within the Groton State Forest system offer swimming opportunities within riding or hiking distance. "The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," shares Reid B. about nearby Groton Forest Road Campground.
Hiking exploration: Multiple hiking trails wind through the forest surrounding the campgrounds. "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," explains Laura M.
Site privacy: The spacing between campsites provides a feeling of seclusion in most areas. "This easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay. There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between," reports Miccal M. about New Discovery State Park.
Nature observation: Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area. "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," advises Laura M.
Beach amenities: Lake access points feature additional recreational facilities. "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," writes J L. about Branbury State Park Campground.
Bathroom maintenance: Facility upkeep can vary throughout the season. "I camped at New Discovery this weekend, the sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest. My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the facilities. The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced," reports Robin B.
Water access limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on water connections. "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," notes Laura M.
Reservation requirements: Securing a spot can be challenging during peak times. "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," advises Saige V. about Groton Forest Road Campground.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits. Definitely will be returning! Also, bathrooms were always clean and well maintained. Park staff very friendly!" shares J L. about Branbury State Park.
Food storage precautions: Proper food management is essential in bear country. "Just make sure you put your food and trash away—there are black bears in the area!" warns Nicole E. about Branbury State Park.
Activity centers: Some campgrounds offer educational opportunities for children. "There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground," notes J L. Another camper mentions, "There's also a book exchange library and adorable little gnome habitats set up in the campground," adds Laura M.
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles, so research is essential. "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. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you," explains Laura M.
Water fill procedures: Alternative methods for accessing water may be necessary. "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," shares Laura M. about New Discovery State Park.
Specialized equestrian sites: For those bringing horses to Waterbury Center, Vermont area campgrounds, dedicated facilities are available. "This easy-to-access campground has two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses," notes Miccal M. about AuSable Chasm Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waterbury Center, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waterbury Center, VT is New Discovery State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Waterbury Center, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Waterbury Center, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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