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New Discovery State Park Campground in Marshfield, Vermont includes sites with horse stalls, providing one of the few equestrian camping options near West Hartford. Located within Groton State Forest, the campground features two main loops with varying levels of tree coverage and site privacy. Some equestrian sites are situated in grassy fields while others are tucked among the trees. The campground maintains bathroom facilities with coin-operated showers that are cleaned regularly. Drinking water is available throughout the property, and each site includes a fire pit for evening warmth. Sites without electricity are available for tent camping, while electric hookup spots accommodate horse trailers with living quarters. Spacious sites allow proper separation between horses and neighboring campers.
The extensive trail network surrounding New Discovery provides excellent riding opportunities directly from the campground. Riders can access miles of designated bridle paths through Groton State Forest's mixed hardwood terrain. Multiple ponds within the state forest offer natural water sources for horses during trail rides. The rail trail near the campground allows for easy miles without significant elevation changes, making it suitable for horses of varying fitness levels. Trail access points are well-marked and maintenance is consistent throughout the riding season, which runs from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. The campground's location within the larger 26,000-acre state forest creates opportunities for extended rides without leaving public land. Proper food storage is essential as bears are present in the area.
"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."
"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 would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
from $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $125 - $500 / night
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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.
GuideNice campground near Killington, VT. Water and dump station. Not for big rigs we have a 21 ft TT. Things were tight but doable. One of the few Vermont state campgrounds that is still open. Most close from second Monday in October until Memorial Day.
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.
RangerThis would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.
FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.
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.
TravelerMost amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.
LegendI haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.
If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.
Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.
If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.
Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.
Campers seeking equestrian adventures near West Hartford, Vermont find the Groton State Forest area particularly suitable. Located in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,500 feet, this region offers cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, especially during summer evenings when temperatures typically drop into the 50s. The abundant national forest and state park land creates opportunities for extended outdoor recreation without leaving public spaces.
Trail riding and hiking: New Discovery State Park Campground has direct access to extensive trail systems. "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. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Swimming in natural ponds: Multiple water access points are available throughout the state forest. "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.
Visiting historic sites: The area surrounding Branbury State Park Campground offers cultural exploration options. "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. The concession stand is open during day use hours," mentions Lisa S.
Seasonal camping: Most horse campgrounds near West Hartford operate from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend. Winter options are limited to primitive camping at select sites.
Well-maintained facilities: Equestrian campers appreciate accessible amenities. "The bathhouse looks typical and clean. Not much cell service, but some in places. Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion," reports Miccal M. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Diverse campsite options: Horse campgrounds around West Hartford feature varied site layouts. "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," Miccal M. adds.
Affordability: State parks maintain reasonable rates despite offering quality facilities. "Camp fees are $28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees," notes Laura M.
Access to water features: Multiple water recreation options exist near Hancock Campground. "There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area," writes Tara S., adding "Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails."
Bear safety requirements: Proper food management is essential throughout the region. "There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," warns Laura M. Another camper mentions, "Each site had a picnic table, fire pit with a grill, and bear boxes."
Water sources: While water is available, hookup configurations vary. "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," explains Laura M. from her experience at New Discovery.
Seasonal considerations: Groton Forest Road Campground can be busy during peak times. "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend," advises Saige V.
Insect activity: Equestrian campers should prepare for occasional insect issues. One camper reported, "We camped here Wednesday-Friday on one of the riverfront tent sites... Big negative: Our site was completely swarmed with bees."
Choose remote sites thoughtfully: Remote sites require careful planning. "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... If bringing a full-sized cooler be sure you are heading to a site closer to the parking area," advises Sarah C. about Tippicanoe Campground.
Utilize lean-to shelters: Covered options provide additional comfort. "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.
Pack for variable weather: Weather changes quickly in Vermont's higher elevations. "Even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time," observes Stephen T.
Consider bathroom access: Bathroom facilities vary by site location. "The campground loops have bath houses, complete with coin operated showers. Park staff were attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency," reports Sarah C.
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose sites with adequate space for equestrian equipment. "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property... The sites all have water, 50amp and sewer hookups," notes David G. about Ramblewood Cabins and Campground, adding, "Very few tenting, mostly RVs on the well laid out grounds where you are not far from the beautiful beach."
Water and electrical considerations: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "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," explains Sarah C.
Site grading challenges: Be aware of terrain variations. "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," cautions Laura M.
Dump station protocol: Plan for proper waste management. "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," advises Laura M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Hartford, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Hartford, VT is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near West Hartford, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near West Hartford, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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