New Discovery State Park Campground sits within the extensive Groton State Forest in Vermont, part of an interconnected trail system spanning over 26,000 acres with eight designated state parks. The campground features specialized equestrian accommodations at 44.32° N latitude and 72.29° W longitude, with an elevation of approximately 1,300 feet. Weather conditions vary seasonally with summer temperatures typically ranging from 50-80°F, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for overnight temperatures that can drop into the 30s.
What to do
Trail riding: Access Groton State Forest's extensive network directly from New Discovery State Park Campground, which offers sites with dedicated horse stalls. Riders can enjoy routes for various skill levels. One visitor 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."
Swimming and boating: Multiple water bodies within short distance provide recreation options. A camper at New Discovery mentioned, "Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond."
Hiking from camp: Walk directly to trails from your site at Branbury State Park Campground. According to a reviewer, "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."
Nature exploration: Look for wildlife throughout Groton State Forest. One camper shared, "There were squirrels that would spend lots of time throughout the day sending loose the green pine cones and then come down and chew them up. Pretty entertaining except for when they drop them on your tarps."
What campers like
Private sites: Many equestrian campgrounds near Westford, Vermont feature well-spaced sites. A visitor to New Discovery State Park noted, "The sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest."
Water access: AuSable Chasm Campground offers proximity to water recreation. One camper shared, "Terrific location to hike the different trails of ausable chasm. Good sized site with electric and water. Shady but also had sun to dry our shoes from the raft tour."
Diverse site options: Campgrounds in this region offer variety from wooded to open areas. According to one visitor, "This 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."
Secluded camping: For those seeking more isolation, remote sites are available. 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!"
What you should know
Bear awareness: The Groton State Forest area has black bears. Store food properly, especially when camping with horses that require feed. One camper mentioned, "There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly. My family loves camping here."
Bathroom facilities: Maintenance varies by campground and time of season. A visitor to Groton Forest Road Campground reported, "The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers," while another camper noted inconsistent supplies at New Discovery.
Reservation requirements: Book early for horse-friendly sites, especially during peak season. One camper advised, "Reservations are def a plus. Can be difficult to get into on the weekend."
Campground roads: Some access roads may present challenges. At AuSable Chasm, a camper reported, "The 'road' into the campground is more like a goat trail, with numerous washouts and uneven rocks and dirt."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A visitor to Branbury State Park mentioned, "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."
Lean-to options: Groton Forest Road Campground and others offer lean-to sites ideal for family camping. One camper observed, "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in."
Water activities: Lakes and ponds provide family-friendly recreation. According to a visitor, "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."
Educational opportunities: Look for nature centers with programs. One family noted, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At horse campgrounds near Westford, Vermont, carefully research individual sites before booking. A camper warned, "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 access challenges: Be prepared for non-standard water connections. One RVer shared, "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."
Electric hookup availability: AuSable Chasm Campground offers powered sites, but clarify what you need. As one camper explained, "We travel in a 17-foot camper van, but no one ever believes that we are no bigger than a standard cargo van and can easily fit in a regular size parking space. Upon arrival at Ausable Chasm, we were told we had to take a site with water and electric since we had a camper van."
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