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New Discovery State Park Campground offers specialized equestrian sites with horse stalls for campers traveling with horses. Located in Marshfield, Vermont, this campground provides dedicated facilities for equestrians within Groton State Forest. The campground features both standard campsites and specialized areas for horses, with accommodation options including tent and RV camping. Some sites include stalls specifically designed for horses, making it convenient for riders exploring the surrounding forest trails. The campground remains open from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day weekend, with amenities including drinking water, fire pits, picnic tables, and toilets. Sites with horse stalls require advance reservations to ensure availability.
For those seeking horse camping near West Newbury, trail access directly from the campground connects riders to the extensive network of bridle paths throughout Groton State Forest. Equestrians appreciate the well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels, from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging terrain. The campground's location provides strategic access to multiple trailheads, allowing for different riding experiences each day. Horse owners should bring their own feed and water buckets, as these are not provided at the campground. Manure disposal areas are available near the equestrian sites, and campers are expected to clean up after their horses. The campground's layout allows for convenient trailer parking near the horse sites, eliminating long walks between camping areas and equestrian facilities. Riders report the trails are well-marked and regularly maintained, making navigation straightforward even for first-time visitors to the area.
"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 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
"It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."
"They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."
"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."
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.
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.
LegendHancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.
We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.
Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.
New Discovery State Park Campground offers equestrian facilities within Groton State Forest near West Newbury, Vermont. Located at an elevation of about 1,200 feet, the campground experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys, with summer highs averaging in the mid-70s. Sites with horse stalls are available from May through October, accommodating riders looking to explore the forest's extensive trail system.
Trail riding access: Riders at New Discovery State Park Campground appreciate the direct access to riding 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.
Swimming opportunities: Cool off after riding at nearby ponds. "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," shares Rick S., highlighting the multiple water options available within short riding distance.
Winter hiking: While the equestrian facilities close for winter, Hancock Campground in nearby New Hampshire offers year-round access. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," reports Heather B., making it a good option for cold-weather trail exploration.
Diverse site options: The campground layout accommodates various preferences. "There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other," Sarah C. explains about New Discovery, adding that "some sites are in the middle of a grassy field while others are tucked in the trees."
Privacy between sites: Groton Forest Road Campground, located near the equestrian facilities, offers good separation. "The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites," notes Reid B., making it suitable for those who prefer more seclusion while still being near riding trails.
Pond access by canoe: "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 New Discovery State Park, highlighting the unique water access options beyond the equestrian areas.
Seasonal considerations: New Discovery's equestrian sites are operational only during specific months. "Camp fees are $28/night, plus $5/day per adult for state park fees," reports Laura M., providing current pricing information.
Bathroom maintenance: Facilities quality can vary. "The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," notes Robin B. from a summer visit, suggesting riders might want to bring personal supplies.
Water access limitations: Branbury State Park Campground, another option for horse camping near West Newbury, has specific water connection challenges. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results," shares Laura M., suggesting riders bring appropriate adapters for water tanks.
Bear safety education: Wildlife awareness is important when horse camping with children. "There are bears in the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," advises Laura M. about New Discovery, reinforcing the importance of proper food storage for both human and horse supplies.
Lean-to options: "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," suggests Laura M., noting these structures provide good shelter options for families with children who might prefer more protection than standard tent sites.
Beach access: Branbury State Park offers water recreation alongside camping. "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," explains Lisa S., making it a good option for families wanting to combine riding with swimming.
Dump station access: Equestrian sites with RV accommodation have specific utilities. "There is a dump station and drinking water on site, but the spigots for the water are not threaded," reports Laura M. about New Discovery, adding, "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."
Site selection considerations: "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," warns Laura M., emphasizing the importance of researching specific site dimensions before booking, especially when traveling with horse trailers.
Shower facilities: "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only," notes Laura M. about New Discovery, reminding RVers to bring quarters if planning to use the shower facilities after a day of riding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near West Newbury, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near West Newbury, VT is Hancock Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 27 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near West Newbury, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near West Newbury, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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