Equestrian campers can find two horse campgrounds near Assonet, Massachusetts within a 45-mile drive. The region features a mix of coastal and forest terrain with elevations ranging from sea level to 350 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring temperatures between 50-70°F.
What to do
Trail riding: At Frog Hollow Horse Camp in Pachaug State Forest, riders can access three horseback riding loops directly from the campground. "Three horseback riding loops leave from the campground. There's also fishing and hiking available in the forest," notes Jean C. The camp lies about 43 miles from Assonet.
Fishing: Normandy Farms Campground offers a fishing pond for campers looking to cast a line without traveling far from their site. "There is a really long list of amenities for this campground... fishing pond, horse shoe pits, baseball diamond, volleyball," explains SANDIE B. The campground is located approximately 25 miles from Assonet.
Hiking: Trails at Charge Pond Campground in Myles Standish State Forest provide varied terrain for day hikes. "In the middle of a huge state forest, Miles Standish campground is perfect for low maintenance campers! Swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, trails, boating and more await," says Katie D. This natural area sits about 20 miles southeast of Assonet.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: The Preserve Club and Residences receives praise for its upkeep and variety of outdoor activities. "The Preserve Club and Residences is a members/owners only community which is New England's most amenity rich properties," reports Chris M. Located approximately 38 miles from Assonet, this private club offers camping options.
Privacy between sites: Many sites at Ponkapoag Camp provide separation between campers. "The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake. There are about 25 rustic cabins, and a few tent sites dispersed throughout the camping area," explains Rita M. This camp is located about 38 miles from Assonet.
Proximity to local attractions: Myles Standish State Forest serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. "Myles Standish State Park is located just this side of the Cape Cod canal so your not actually 'on the cape'. The park is a great staging area for day trips to Plymouth and all its history as well as being and easy bike ride to the upper cape," writes Joe B.
What you should know
Equestrian accommodations: LeGrand Reynolds Horsemen's Camping Area offers primitive campsites with some hookups for equestrians. While no permanent horse corrals are available, trailer parking is provided. The camp connects to Arcadia's bridle trail network approximately 38 miles from Assonet.
Alcohol regulations: Some Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption. At Myles Standish State Forest, a camper notes: "When you are sitting by the campfire, sometimes, chilling with a beer or another adult beverage is nice. Not in Massachusetts State Parks. No alcohol allowed. Too bad. The place has nice level sites and close to the Cape," according to Randy R.
Water availability: Wolf Den Campground offers running water, but campers should verify which section they're booking. "This small state park campground offers basic campsites with running water and showers, open Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Be aware there are 2 campgrounds at this State Park; the other one, Mashamoquet Brook, does not offer running water/showers," cautions Jean C.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Normandy Farms provides extensive recreational facilities for children. "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool," notes Liz W.
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas for family enjoyment. At Ponkapoag Camp, "The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot. Lots of hiking trails," mentions stacy.
Off-season visits: Wolf Den Campground offers family-friendly camping with fewer crowds outside peak seasons. "Son and I stayed from Friday to Sunday. Easy to find the camp and the plot, well marked. Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night," shares 175 P.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Myles Standish State Forest, RVers should consider which loop best meets their needs. "The campgrounds themselves are really nice, but considering there are about 400 spots, you may find that some area's are more to your liking when it comes to things like more sun or more shade," advises kyle C.
Big rig accessibility: Normandy Farms Campground accommodates large RVs with appropriate sites. "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio (Site E1). Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car. All utilities were well-placed and functioned properly," reports Nancy W.
Seasonal occupancy patterns: Weekday stays often provide a more peaceful experience. "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity, like it was when we stayed. But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves," observes kyle C.