Best Equestrian Camping in Vermont

New Discovery State Park Campground provides dedicated horse stalls for equestrian campers in Vermont's Groton State Forest. This campground combines traditional camping facilities with specialized equestrian accommodations, allowing visitors to bring their horses during seasonal operation from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. The campground maintains two distinct loops of campsites with varying levels of privacy, some nestled deep in the woods and others situated in open fields. Sites are well separated, providing adequate space between camping neighbors. Bathroom facilities include coin-operated showers, though maintenance issues have occasionally been reported regarding supplies.

Direct trail access from New Discovery makes it particularly valuable for riders, offering immediate connections to the extensive network of paths throughout Groton State Forest. The campground's proximity to Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond provides diverse riding destinations and water access points. Horse-friendly amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water, with alcohol permitted and pets allowed at campsites. The remote location offers minimal cell service in most areas, providing a genuine wilderness experience. For campers seeking an even more secluded option, walk-in lean-to shelters around Osmore Pond offer rustic accommodations accessible via hiking trails that circumnavigate the water body, though these locations may not accommodate horses.

Best Equestrian Sites in Vermont (4)

    1. Branbury State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Salisbury, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 247-5925

    "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."

    2. New Discovery State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Marshfield, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 426-3042

    $20 - $38 / night

    "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."

    3. Groton Forest Road Campground

    4 Reviews
    Marshfield, VT
    +1 (802) 426-4122

    $35 / night

    "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."

    4. NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins

    Be the first to review!
    Townshend Lake, VT
    Website
    +1 (802) 289-1618

    $125 - $500 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews in Vermont

20 Reviews of 4 Vermont Campgrounds


  • Miccal  M.
    Aug. 25, 2024

    New Discovery State Park Campground

    Drove through on my way past

    This 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.

  • jonathan M.
    May. 18, 2022

    Groton Forest Road Campground

    Horrible

    If 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.

  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2021

    New Discovery State Park Campground

    Interesting State Park

    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. 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.

  • N
    Aug. 21, 2018

    Branbury State Park Campground

    Beautiful!

    Had an amazing time at Branbury. 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.

    There was plenty of space between sites so it didn’t feel like you were on top of each other. Bathrooms are flushing compost. However, there are only four showers for the whole campground.

    Book early if you want to get a site with a lean-to!

    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- though it is quite a rocky, boulder-y hike- from the sites leads to a small river and swimming hole.

    Just make sure you put your food and trash away- there are black bears in the area!

  • Stephen T.
    Oct. 20, 2021

    Branbury State Park Campground

    Mountainside Bliss

    I’ve been here dozens of times, grew up going here every year and hiking rattlesnake. We make the trip from RI. 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.

    I guess only negative thing to say is they changed the site numbers years back and we thought we booked the best site next to the River fro, past experiences but it was the one next to the bathrooms after they changed the site numbers without a warning.

  • R
    Jul. 19, 2020

    New Discovery State Park Campground

    Great site, poorly maintained facilities

    I camped at New Discovery this weekend, the sites are well separated and private. The grounds are beautiful and well situated to enjoy Groton State Forest. 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! It was very disappointing!

  • D
    Jun. 27, 2017

    Branbury State Park Campground

    Excellent campground

    Such a beautiful place to stay! We stayed in a wooded area surrounded by large rocks my daughter could climb on. The beach was nearby and included in the stay with horseshoes and a playground. There was hiking nearby, but with the rain we weren't able to go. Can't wait to go back again!

  • M.A.D. P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Branbury State Park Campground

    One of the more popular Vt State parks

    We showed up on a busy Memorial Day weekend without reservations and the staff was kind enough to give us their last leanto. This place has access to some of the best hiking and paddling in the state.

  • Lisa S.
    May. 22, 2022

    Branbury State Park Campground

    Great state park

    I’ve stayed here a few times, and I’ve enjoyed each visit. 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. The camp sites near the beach are in a large grassy field, and across the road, the campsites are wooded, and some have lean tos. The hiking trails nearby are very nice. There are bears in the area, so be aware and store all food properly. My family loves camping here.


Guide to Vermont

Vermont offers a unique experience for horse camping enthusiasts, with several campgrounds providing excellent amenities and access to beautiful trails.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like stalls and trails

Equestrian campers enjoy these nearby activities

Tips for equestrian camping in Vermont

Frequently Asked Questions

What trails and riding areas are available at Vermont horse camping sites?

Vermont horse camping sites offer access to diverse riding terrain. Branbury State Park Campground connects to excellent trail systems including the nearby Rattlesnake Cliffs trail, providing scenic overlooks and varied terrain suitable for different riding skill levels. The surrounding areas feature a mix of wooded paths and open meadows ideal for equestrians. Throughout Vermont, riders can typically access a network of multi-use trails that wind through state forests, alongside lakes, and across the picturesque Green Mountain landscape. Many trails connect to the extensive Vermont Trail System, offering opportunities for both short rides and longer excursions through the state's diverse natural settings.

Where can I find horse camping facilities in Vermont?

Vermont offers several campgrounds with equine-friendly facilities. New Discovery State Park Campground in Groton State Forest provides dedicated sites with horse stalls, making it an excellent choice for equestrians. The campground offers easy access to the surrounding forest for riding. For a more rustic experience, NV Farms Outfitters and Cabins provides horse-friendly accommodations with basic amenities. When planning your horse camping trip, it's advisable to make reservations in advance, especially during peak summer and fall seasons, as equestrian sites are limited throughout the state.

What amenities are typically provided at Vermont horse camping facilities?

Vermont horse camping facilities typically provide essential equestrian amenities to ensure comfortable stays. Groton Forest Road Campground and similar equine-friendly sites often include paddocks or hitching posts, access to water for horses, and parking space for trailers. Most horse-friendly campgrounds maintain clean bathroom facilities with flushing toilets and showers for campers. Many sites offer both primitive camping options and areas with electrical hookups. Additional amenities may include designated wash areas for horses, manure disposal areas, and proximity to riding trails. Some facilities provide communal fire rings, picnic tables, and access to nearby recreational opportunities like swimming and hiking to enhance the overall camping experience.