Myles Standish State Forest features approximately 16 miles of designated equestrian trails through pine forests and around kettle ponds. Located 35 miles southwest of Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, the forest's sandy soil creates firm footing that drains well after rain. The relatively flat terrain ranges from 200-300 feet in elevation, making it accessible for beginning riders while still offering enough variety for experienced equestrians.
What to do
Bike the trails: At Myles Standish State Forest, the extensive trail system accommodates both road and mountain biking. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," notes Mike M. The paved trails are well-maintained, but maps can be confusing, so pick up a printed version at the visitor center.
Explore kettle ponds: The forest contains several glacial kettle ponds for fishing and kayaking. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us," explains Kim R. Many ponds have small beach areas with designated swimming sections, though sandy shorelines are limited.
Hike the trails: For visitors seeking equestrian alternatives, Ponkapoag Camp offers hiking trails through wetland ecosystems just 45 minutes north of Buzzards Bay. "Hiking trails abound on the property. While none of the trails are steep, they all go through beautiful areas, with views of the pond, and interesting rock formations," writes Rita M., highlighting the varied terrain.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers at Sweetwater Forest appreciate the natural separation between campsites. "We were on site B17 and it was perfect. Complete 360 privacy, well wooded, and just what was needed," reports Christina M. Many sites feature dense vegetation that creates natural barriers between neighbors.
Pond access: Water features rank high on camper satisfaction lists. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," observes Kyle C. about Myles Standish State Forest. Most ponds have small parking areas and access trails leading to shorelines.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude near horse trails, timing matters. "The campground experiences heavy use during summer weekends but remains relatively quiet on weekdays," says Kyle C. about Myles Standish, adding, "the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
What you should know
No alcohol policy: State park regulations affect campground rules. "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," cautions Randy R. about Myles Standish State Forest. Private campgrounds like Normandy Farms Campground do permit alcohol.
Site selection matters: Campgrounds near Buzzards Bay feature varied terrain. "Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard," warns Desiree M. Check campground maps for site-specific details when booking.
Bathroom facilities vary: Facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "Bathrooms were not cleaned during our stay but it was nice to have bathroom stalls and showers. Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots," mentions Desiree M. Some campgrounds offer full shower facilities while others provide only basic vault toilets.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple swimming options: The numerous ponds near equestrian camping areas provide natural swimming spots. "The beach (at least at Charged Pond) had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," notes Kim R. about Myles Standish State Forest. Ponds typically have designated swimming areas with roped boundaries.
Playgrounds and activities: Sweetwater Forest offers multiple recreation options for families. "This isn't a camping resort but they have clean restrooms and a game room with a pool table, puzzles, and board games. Plus multiple playgrounds and a pond that's good for boating but not swimming," explains Domenico B.
Quiet hours enforcement: Family-friendly campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. "This was the quietest campground during 'quiet hours' that I've ever visited. Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent," reports Grace M. Quiet hours typically run from 10pm to 7am at most campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup sites: RVers seeking equestrian-friendly campgrounds should book early. "Only drawbacks are that there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance," warns Paul H. about Sweetwater Forest. Most equestrian campgrounds offer primarily water/electric sites with centralized dump stations.
Check site dimensions: RVers should verify site specifications before booking. At Normandy Farms Campground, "Campsites are big and well spaced. Bathrooms are best of any campground," according to Matt T. Premium sites typically have paved pads while standard sites may be gravel or dirt.
Water and electric hookups: Most equestrian-focused campgrounds offer partial hookups. "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops," explains Kim R. about Myles Standish State Forest. Pump-out services are sometimes available for extended stays.
