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New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield provides equestrian camping with dedicated horse stalls. The campground features two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with mature trees, others in an open field, and several in between. Sites with horse stalls accommodate riders traveling with their animals. The campground offers clean bathhouse facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Cell service is limited but available in certain areas. The park provides easy access to a lake and picnic pavilion. The sites are well separated and private, creating a peaceful camping environment for both horses and riders.
Located within Groton State Forest, New Discovery offers direct access to numerous bridle trails and horseback riding opportunities. Hiking trails connect directly from the campground, allowing for convenient exploration on horseback. The park maintains water access for horses at Osmore Pond, which is accessible by trail from the main camping area. Remote walk-in shelters around the pond provide additional camping options, though these may be less suitable for those with horses. Trail riders should note that the campground is open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months. The campground charges $28 per night plus a $5 daily state park fee per adult. Bears are present in the area, so proper food storage is essential when camping with horses.
"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 accommodates equestrian travelers through a network of bridle paths and designated facilities for horses. Located in Marshfield near Waterbury, Vermont, this state park sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation within Groton State Forest's 26,000 acres. The park's equestrian focus includes multiple camping options, with sites generally available from late May through mid-October when Vermont's cool autumn temperatures begin to arrive.
Trail riding and horse excursions: At New Discovery State Park Campground, equestrians can explore miles of bridle paths. "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.
Enjoy multiple ponds: Horse campgrounds near Waterbury provide water access for both humans and horses. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," shares Rick S. from New Discovery State Park.
Wildlife watching: The forests around equestrian camping areas support diverse wildlife. "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.
Spacious, private sites: The equestrian camping areas offer good separation between sites. "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest," explains Robin B. about New Discovery State Park.
Remote water access options: Branbury State Park Campground offers alternatives for those seeking lakeside options within driving distance of Waterbury's horse trails. "The day use section has a wonderful beach with a swimming area and boat launch. Large trees provide shade on a grassy lawn, and grills are available," says Lisa S.
Unique shelters: Many equestrian-friendly campgrounds feature rustic structures. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," notes Laura M. about the shelters at New Discovery.
Bear safety essential: Horse campgrounds require special attention to food storage. "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly. My family loves camping here," warns Lisa S. about Branbury State Park.
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities at equestrian campgrounds may have inconsistent upkeep. "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 her experience at New Discovery.
Water spigot challenges: Some horse camping areas have non-standard water fixtures. "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," explains Laura M.
Explore accessible nature programs: Groton Forest Road Campground offers family-friendly activities near horse trails. "My girlfriend and I visited last year for a nice getaway and absolutely loved the park. The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," shares Reid B.
Check for playgrounds: Look for horse-friendly campgrounds with play areas. "The campground has a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," notes J L. about recreation options near equestrian camping areas.
Book early for lean-tos: Shelters provide good options for families with young children. "Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!" advises Nicole E., noting these popular structures fill quickly at Vermont's horse-friendly parks.
Site selection crucial: At AuSable Chasm Campground, which offers additional camping options within driving distance of Waterbury's horse trails, site selection matters. "Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van. These sites were $13 more per night," reports Lee D., who eventually convinced staff they could use a standard tent site.
Expect rustic road conditions: Access roads to horse campgrounds may be challenging. "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.
Check site leveling: RV sites at equestrian camping areas vary significantly in grading. "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," notes Laura M. about the terrain at New Discovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Waterbury, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Waterbury, 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, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Waterbury, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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