Assonet sits at the northern edge of Bristol County, Massachusetts, about 20 miles from Cape Cod Bay. The area features wooded terrain with numerous kettle ponds formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago. Fall camping temperatures typically range from 45°F to 65°F, while summer averages 70-85°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Hiking at Myles Standish State Forest: Explore the extensive trail system with over 15 miles of hiking paths through pine forests. "Miles Standish campground is perfect for low maintenance campers! No electric, one water spout per every few sites, and multiple loops with different features, it's perfect for all. Swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, trails, boating and more await," shares Katie D. from Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest.
Biking along the Cape Cod Canal: The paved Canal Bikeway runs for 7 miles alongside the waterway. "Beautiful location right along the canal that you can bike down to the beach or just to watch some fisherman reel in some massive fish," notes Jaclyn P. from Bourne Scenic Park. Rental bikes are available in nearby Buzzards Bay.
Pond swimming and fishing: The kettle ponds throughout the region offer clean, spring-fed swimming. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," explains Kyle C. about Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest. Most ponds allow fishing with Massachusetts fishing licenses.
What campers like
Easy access to regional attractions: Located just off major highways, Assonet provides a convenient basecamp. According to Kirk S. from Boston/Cape Cod KOA, it's an "easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Plymouth, Newport, and many more attractions."
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the area typically have clean bathhouses and functional amenities. "Bathrooms are best of any campground. Highly recommend," reports Matt T. about Normandy Farms Campground, while another camper notes, "This state forest campground is located just over the Sagamore bridge, across the Cape Cod canal. It's a basic, no-frills campground."
Pond-front camping options: Several sites offer direct water access. Laurie from Pinewood Lodge Campground shares, "We were lucky enough to get a site by the pond. There was great views from our site of the pond. On the site there was also a path down to a little dock on the pond that you could sit and relax on."
What you should know
Yurt camping near Assonet: For those seeking yurt accommodations in the Assonet vicinity, Normandy Farms Campground offers premium options. "The yurts are beautiful," states Jean T. Myles Standish State Forest also features yurts with bunks at Barrett's Pond loop, though "approaches to Yurt JC and J5, J26, J27 are sloped."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. "This campground is on the banks of the Cape Cod Canal and owned and operated by the Bourne Recreational Authority. The park has a 'state park' kind of feel but with amenities you would find at a private park," notes Nancy W.
Variable noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise or weekend crowds. "If you are looking for any sort of peace and quiet this is NOT the place for you. The first night we were here it sounded like a massive stadium tailgate party," writes Mary V. about Cape Cod Campresort, while others note highway noise near Shawme Crowell.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Several locations offer structured family programming. "We stayed here over the 4th of July this summer. Overall we had a nice time and our 3 kids really enjoyed it... The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts," reports Amy G.
Check playground availability: Different campground loops have varying amenities. "I would not recommend the first area if you have small children for this reason. The playground is being revamped and looks awesome so far," explains Kim R. about Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground.
Consider pond safety features: Not all swimming areas have lifeguards. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," notes Mike M. Families should bring life vests for younger swimmers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection varies by size: Larger RVs require specific areas. "I have belong to KOA's for quite a few years and I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay," advises Janet P. from Boston/Cape Cod KOA.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. "Leveling was not an issue for us in our site (C-25) but the majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks. In fact, some sites were ridiculously unlevel and took a scary amount of blocks," warns Nancy W. about Bourne Scenic Park.
Utility considerations: Not all sites have full hookups. "Sites that appear to be near the pond are pond view rather than pondside. Approaches to Yurt JC and J5, J 26, J27 are sloped. J14 is a little awkward. J33 is probably among the largest and nicest with a pond view," details Jean C. about yurt camping options near Assonet at Barretts Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest.
