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New Discovery State Park Campground provides limited equestrian access within the Groton State Forest area. The campground features two main loops with varying site types, including some sites specifically designed with stalls for horses. Campsites are situated across wooded areas and open fields, offering different levels of privacy and shade. The camping area connects directly to forest trails suitable for horseback riding. Bathhouse facilities are available with coin-operated showers, though visitors note these facilities are sometimes poorly maintained.
Located within the larger Groton State Forest network, New Discovery offers access to multiple interconnected trails appropriate for horseback riding. The park connects to a rail trail system where riders can cover significant distances through the forest. Multiple water bodies are accessible nearby, including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond. Trailer parking is available at designated areas within the campground. The basic campsite fee is $28 per night plus a $5 daily state park fee per adult. Reservations are recommended, especially for the equestrian-specific sites. Park staff maintain the grounds but occasional issues with facility maintenance have been reported. While bears are present in the area, proper food storage prevents wildlife encounters during equestrian camping trips.
"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."
from $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 Availabilityfrom $25 - $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $125 - $500 / night
Check Availability
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.
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.
GuideThis campsite was amazing. Each site had a fair amount of isolation and trees surrounding it, and the mosquitoes aren't too bad there either. 10 minutes away is the trail head for the Bucklin Trail (one of the most difficult trails for Mt. Killington).
Also, the campsite lies directly on the Appalachian trail, so for a shorter or less-intensive hike, walk about 2.5 miles to the Deer Leap Overlook for some incredible views of the mountain ranges nearby.
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.
RangerGreat campground with many hiking trails and a peaceful pond with fishing across the street. Clean bathrooms and showers and great cell service for people working while camping! Stayed at site 15 in the lower campground for a few nights and it was level and spacious but pretty close to neighbors compared to other sites. Then we moved to lean to ELM in the upper campground and it was a nice private site. It was perched on a hill but we were still able to park and sleep in our van next to the lean to. Highly recommend!
TravelerI will start with the ONLY drawback, and it is dramatic at best. For like 30 minutes a day at around 5pm (I was there Thursday to Monday) you would hear (pistol) gun fire. Its most annoying the first day, then you get over it.
Moving on…
This is absolutely the best kept and cleanest campground I’ve ever been to.
The staff… ALL amazing, always cheerful, helpful and seemingly happy to be there! (I encountered cleaning, maintenance, desk, and store staff!)
The smaller loop is newest, and if you can handle camps being tightly spaced, you’ll get prime access to the seemingly brand new facilities which i always found to be clean and tidy (and bug free with decent toilet paper). The showers were nicely sized, immediately hot and the cost/time is generous!
The larger, upper loop has hugely spaced out spots that are more open due to less undergrowth, but still seem private as i walked by them on my way to the Appalachian trail access, halfway up the large loop.
Simply awesome easy-ish trails in both directions. Expect a 2 mile trip either direction to see cool stuff (see bottom for notes)
Wood is great, slow burning, large pieces for $6 a bundle, which are generous in size.
NOTES I came across (polite and private) families and happy dogs (surprisingly mostly well behaved, one off leash on a trail but still friendly).
Edit: Turns out my battery died while i was here AND THEY HELPED ME JUMPSTART IT! 🥰🥰🥰
New Discovery State Park Campground serves as an equestrian-focused destination within Vermont's extensive trail network. Sites with horse stalls are available across two camping loops that provide direct access to miles of forest riding paths. The campground connects to broader riding opportunities throughout Groton State Forest, including rail trails and routes to multiple ponds. Equestrians seeking similar camping options near Woodstock can find additional facilities within a reasonable driving distance.
Trail riding access points: The rail trail system at New Discovery State Park offers extensive mileage for riders without encountering vehicle traffic. "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. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Multiple water bodies provide cooling options after trail rides. Branbury State Park offers lake access with beach facilities. "Across the street from the campground was access to the lake with plenty of grassy areas to hang out. And beautiful sunsets at night! A five minute hike from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole," reports Nicole E. from Branbury State Park Campground.
Nature exploration: Groton State Forest contains diverse ecosystems accessible on horseback or foot. "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. about the activities beyond horseback riding.
Secluded waterfront sites: Some areas provide exceptional privacy for campers with or without horses. "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," shares Sambath T. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Spacious campsites: Branbury State Park provides generous camping areas. "I couldn't believe how large the lots were. While they aren't super far from one another, they are large enough that they seem further than they are. Nice beautiful wooded area, we were able to put a tent and hang a hammock for sleeping," describes Catherine M. from Branbury State Park Campground.
Site variety: Horse campgrounds near Woodstock Vermont offer diverse site types. "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," explains Sarah C.
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is essential at horse campgrounds near Woodstock. "There are bears in the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," advises Laura M. about camping in Vermont state parks.
Facility maintenance concerns: Bathroom facilities require attention. "My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the facilities. The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend. At a time like this hand washing is more important than ever," reports Robin B. from New Discovery State Park Campground.
Water access limitations: RV campers face specific challenges at some facilities. "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. 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," notes Laura M.
Beach activities: Branbury provides family-friendly water recreation. "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," describes Lisa S. from Branbury State Park Campground.
Nature center programs: Educational resources engage children. "Theres a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground. Volleyball and horseshoe pits," notes J L. about amenities beyond the equestrian facilities.
Lean-to options: Protected sleeping areas benefit family campers. "The lean-to sites are really cool, and if I was tent camping I think they'd be so fun to sleep in," mentions Laura M. when describing alternative accommodations at Vermont equestrian campgrounds.
Site selection crucial: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. "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," observes Laura M. about the variable terrain at New Discovery.
Shower facilities: Coin-operated showers require planning. "Showers are something like $1 for 8 minutes, quarters only," notes Laura M. about the paid facilities at equestrian camping areas.
Hospitality factors: Staff attention affects camping experience. "This campground is run by a very pleasant couple who take great pride in this property. Everything is immaculate from the bathrooms, shower, clubhouse, store and grounds so you can relax and know that the kids are safe," reports David G. from Tippicanoe Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Woodstock, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Woodstock, VT is Gifford Woods State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Woodstock, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Woodstock, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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