Equestrian Camping near Cataumet, MA

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    Myles Standish State Forest offers horse-friendly camping options in South Carver, approximately 23 miles northwest of Cataumet, Massachusetts. The forest features equestrian campsites where horses are welcome, as confirmed by visitors who have observed horses throughout the campground. Charge Pond Campground within the forest provides accommodation for tent campers, RV users, and those with horses. Sites are spacious and level, set among pine trees and cranberry bogs. The campground maintains multiple loops with varying levels of privacy between sites. Bathroom facilities include showers, though cleanliness can vary during busy weekends. The forest's natural setting smells of fresh pine trees and blueberries, creating an authentic outdoor experience.

    The extensive trail system throughout Myles Standish State Forest serves as the primary attraction for equestrians. Numerous hiking and biking paths double as bridle trails, allowing for varied riding experiences through diverse terrain. The trails connect to multiple kettle ponds within the 12,000-acre forest, providing water access for horses and riders. Equestrians particularly appreciate the forest's size, which allows for longer rides without leaving the property. The campground's location also provides convenient access to Plymouth and upper Cape Cod for additional riding opportunities. While the park restricts alcohol consumption, the natural environment and trail connectivity make it a popular destination for horse enthusiasts seeking weekend or extended stays. Campsites require reservations, particularly during the mid-May through late September operating season.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Cataumet (4)

      1. Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

      4.1(20)11mi from Cataumet210 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."

      "Trails can be used summer and winter.it also has many equestrian sites."

      from $17 - $35 / night

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      2. Sweetwater Forest

      4.6(16)28mi from CataumetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent. The camp store was well stocked and offered hot coffee and a variety of grocery items."

      "There is also a horse farm in the front of the grounds. The bike trails are a short ride away as well."

      3. Normandy Farms Campground

      4.7(40)43mi from CataumetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."

      "Not knowing how long we would be away from the campground that service was a great option. "

      from $50 - $200 / night

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      4. Ponkapoag Camp

      4.7(6)44mi from CataumetRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw."

      "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."

      from $20 - $65 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Cataumet, MA

    82 Reviews of 4 Cataumet Campgrounds


    • G
      Aug. 5, 2020

      Sweetwater Forest

      Quiet, clean, and in a lovely location

      Sweetwater Forest has pleasant, secluded sites. 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. The camp store was well stocked and offered hot coffee and a variety of grocery items. There are a lot of touristy Cape spots a short drive away. It sits adjacent to a small horse farm, so that adds to the ambiance.

    • D
      Feb. 10, 2020

      Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

      Campgrounds that sure are : in "charge"

      My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here. Love how you can choose from a variety of different ponds to camp next to, the place is huge, and smells of fresh pine trees and blueberries. I always loved seeing the horses out and about as there is not only options for tent sights, but equine and also cabin sites. My favorite ponds to camp off of are Barrett's, Curlew, and Charge pond sites. Forever will be one of my favorite places on this earth!

    • Randy R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 6, 2020

      Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

      Nice place, but Mass 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. Too bad. The place has nice level sites and close to the Cape.

    • Lori-Ann D.
      Aug. 5, 2018

      Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

      In the Pines of Southeastern Massachusetts

      This campground is well maintained by the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation. It has everything from Isolated sites to groups of sites where families and friends can take multiple sites and stay together. Scrub pines and cranberry bogs abound! Trails can be used summer and winter.it also has many equestrian sites.

    • Kiye A.
      Sep. 10, 2018

      Ponkapoag Camp

      Quick shot at this

      The guy above me gave you most of the skinny, so I can keep this short and sweet. This campsite is superlatively convenient if you live in the Boston area, especially so if you’re like me and you’re one of those “Boston kids who don’t cross the bridge,” both proverbial and otherwise. The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw. Why spend a summer weekend baking like a sausage next to a big of townies when you can chill in the bog with bogey-bogmen?

      Highlights:

      serviceable and cheap campground with limited amenities

      some natural peace and quite close to the city

      lots of good berry picking and trails

      not far from the blue hills

      good family fun

      swimming

      Lowlights:

      bogmen

    • Michelle D.
      Sep. 21, 2016

      Sweetwater Forest

      This Campground has been passed down through the generations

      This campground is one that my father camped at with his brothers when they were young. There is a pond, but it is not swimmable due to the snappers, but when you are on the cape, there is always the ocean to find. The snapper pond is great for fishing too. It is a clean campground, with many different playgrounds. There is also a horse farm in the front of the grounds. The bike trails are a short ride away as well.

    • Jordyn T.
      Jul. 1, 2019

      Normandy Farms Campground

      Busy but worth it

      Mostly geared toward families, especially with kids. Most of the campground is RV sites. There a a handful of tent sites in the back (no hookups). Bathrooms and showers are very clean, general store and pools are nice and convenient. It’s a perfect distance away from Gillette (a couple miles) if you’re looking for an alternative to staying in a pricey hotel. Definitely not a place I would go to “get away from it all.” You can hear the highway from the sites.

    • Andrew P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 21, 2020

      Normandy Farms Campground

      Glamping to the max

      I wasn’t sure I would like this level of glamping, but I was pleasantly surprised. The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping. Maybe it’s covid, but it felt good to be “near” other people trying to find peace in a crazy world. So much positive about the resort, the snack bar has an awesome menu and cost is reasonable. Beer at the store wasn’t unreasonable priced. The clothing/swag was fairly priced. The facility is big enough to walk, bike, short run, the frisbee golf is the best set up I’ve ever used. I went recently(mid October) so the pools were shut down, but there was still lots of activities. The bath houses were very clean and there was music playing, another detail that sets this resort apart. The grounds, for a packed campground were actually well done with trees, and large stones around. You will hear other people at nearby sites, it didn’t bother me, in fact listening to all the various dogs barking at each other from their respective sites made me laugh. You can hear cars from 495, but once again, somehow it did not bother me. I’ve stayed at campgrounds up in NH that are dry camping, and I can hear cars on Rt 16 or on the Kanc. There is a catch, sites probably average $100/night or more, when all the amenities are up and running, it is well wort it. Shoot, I’ve stayed in hotels for $150/night with no amenities. This place has so much to do, or just sit by the campfire and drink beer and relax, or borrow a movie for free. Remember to return it or they will process the $20.00 hold. I’m definitely going back, kids had fun, I had fun. Pay ahead and get your gate codes, and you can drive right to your site, that was super convenient, see the positives keep showing up. Thanks for reading


    Guide to Cataumet

    Cataumet sits along the northeastern edge of Buzzards Bay in Massachusetts, roughly 60 miles south of Boston. The area maintains a typical maritime climate with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F and winter lows around 20-30°F. Most campgrounds near Cataumet operate seasonally from April through October due to the New England weather patterns, though a few remain open year-round.

    What to do

    Biking on local trails: Sweetwater Forest in Brewster provides easy access to the Cape Cod Rail Trail. "Campground is lovely, with many trees (birds) and close proximity to the bike trail and town of Brewster," notes Kristine B. The paved paths offer 22 miles of scenic riding.

    Fishing at multiple kettle ponds: Myles Standish State Forest features several spring-fed ponds for fishing. One visitor mentioned, "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us." These ponds support various fish species including trout and bass.

    Horse trails beyond the campground: For equestrians seeking options beyond Myles Standish, multiple trails extend through surrounding towns. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," shares Mike M. Local stables sometimes offer guided trail rides for visitors without their own horses.

    What campers like

    Private, wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the spacious sites at Sweetwater Forest in Brewster. As Christina M. describes, "We were on site B17 and it was perfect. Complete 360 privacy, well wooded, and just what was needed. Listen to the sounds of frogs at night was kinda awesome."

    Multiple camping loops: Charge Pond Campground offers various camping experiences through different sections. "There are many loops here... nice ponds. Decent place," explains Desiree M. Each loop has its own character and proximity to amenities.

    Well-maintained facilities: Normandy Farms Campground receives high marks for cleanliness. One camper stated, "Bathrooms are best of any campground. Highly recommend." The campground maintains stringent standards even during busy periods.

    What you should know

    Alcohol restrictions vary by park: Massachusetts state parks have strict policies regarding alcohol. "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," notes Randy R. about Myles Standish. However, private campgrounds like Sweetwater Forest permit alcohol consumption.

    Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A camper at Ponkapoag Camp advises, "Reservations are by mail only, although you can call the caretaker to confirm availability." Plan 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends.

    Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots," mentions Desiree M. about Myles Standish. Consider downloading offline maps before arrival.

    Tips for camping with families

    Multiple playground options: Sweetwater Forest provides various play areas. "They have many options of places to explore and things to do," says Katie R. The campground includes multiple playgrounds distributed throughout the property.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Cataumet, MA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Cataumet, MA is Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Cataumet, MA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Cataumet, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.