Myles Standish State Forest extends across more than 12,000 acres in Plymouth County with over 15 miles of horse trails connecting various kettle ponds and camping areas. The forest sits on sandy soil formed by glacial deposits, creating a unique landscape of pitch pine and scrub oak vegetation. Winter temperatures drop to the 20s while summer days typically reach the 80s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding with bicyclists: Multiple bike trails at Myles Standish State Forest can be shared with horses when riders follow proper trail etiquette. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding New England towns," notes Mike M., highlighting the connectivity to nearby areas.
Pond exploration: Several kettle ponds throughout the forest offer clear water access points. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach (at least at Charged Pond) had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," explains Kim R., describing water activities beyond swimming.
Winter trail riding: Ponkapoag Camp offers year-round equestrian access when Myles Standish facilities close for the season. "Spending Friday & Saturday in one of the cabins (w/woodstove) is deal for a winter weekend adventure!" recommends stu L., noting its accessibility during colder months.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the natural separation between camping spots. "We stayed in loop b south, which is really not a loop but a dead end. Very quiet, and we were the only people in the loop for a couple of days. Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy," reports Amie C. at Myles Standish State Forest.
Lower crowds on weekdays: Visit midweek for a less crowded 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," shares kyle C.
Bird watching opportunities: The woodland and wetland ecosystems support diverse bird populations. At Sweetwater Forest, a camper describes "a woodsy hollow full of birds and interesting wildlife," making it appealing for nature observation while camping with horses.
What you should know
Alcohol restrictions: Unlike private campgrounds, Massachusetts state parks have strict 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.
Seasonal availability: Many equestrian camping facilities operate on limited schedules. Normandy Farms Campground runs "Apr 1 - Nov 30," providing a longer season than some state facilities but still closing during winter months.
Cell coverage challenges: Signal strength varies throughout the region. "Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots," warns Desiree M. about Myles Standish, which can affect communication and navigation when trail riding in remote areas.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple loop options: Choose your campsite location based on your needs. "The campgrounds themselves are really nice, but considering there are about 400 spots, you may find that some areas are more to your liking when it comes to things like more sun or more shade," advises kyle C.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Facilities vary between camping loops. "Each loop has one bathhouse. Ours, unfortunately, did not have hot water. We were told if we wanted it, we could go to any of the other loops," shares Kim R. from Charge Pond Campground.
Dog services for equestrians: When riding trails without your dog, some campgrounds offer pet care. At Sweetwater Forest, "a small doggy day care where I can safely leave him and not worry. It's air conditioned and they have mellow music on," explains Kelly R., providing a solution for riders who need pet care while trail riding.
Tips from RVers
Water and electric limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "The sites are large and shady but don't have water or electric. The bath houses are clean and accessible," notes Stephanie B. about Charge Pond areas, important for RVers planning longer stays with horses.
Dump station access: Plan accordingly for waste management. "Ponkapoag Camp is run by the AMC. The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake... THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY OR RUNNING WATER," warns Rita M. at Ponkapoag Camp, emphasizing the rustic conditions that require self-sufficiency.
Site selection for trailers: Some areas accommodate horse trailers better than others. "The trail system through Myles Standish connects to numerous kettle ponds and diverse terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels," with sites sized appropriately for equestrian camping needs.
