Myles Standish State Forest offers additional camping options beyond its equestrian facilities. Located 12 miles southwest of Duxbury, Massachusetts at an elevation of approximately 150 feet above sea level, the forest encompasses over 12,000 acres of pine barrens and kettle ponds. Many camping loops feature sandy soil and scrub pine vegetation characteristic of southeastern Massachusetts coastal woodlands.
What to do
Bike riding opportunities: The forest trail system at Myles Standish State Forest provides paved and off-road routes for cyclists. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," notes Mike M., who regularly uses the park as a cycling base.
Pond swimming and fishing: Multiple kettle ponds throughout the forest offer swimming and fishing. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," explains Kyle C., who spent time at several of the water access points during his stay.
Paddling and boating: Several ponds permit non-motorized watercraft like kayaks and canoes. At Sweetwater Forest on Cape Cod, campers can enjoy similar water activities. "There are a lot of touristy Cape spots a short drive away," notes Grace M., who found the camp's pond added to the outdoor experience.
Hiking and nature exploration: Extensive trail networks connect campground areas to diverse habitats. At Ponkapoag Camp near Boston, visitors discover unique ecosystems: "We explored all over the bog looking for interesting species of plants and animals and found so many amazing things," reports Asher K., who visited with a biology class.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites. "Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy," describes Amie C. about her stay at Myles Standish, particularly mentioning the quieter dead-end loop areas.
Variety of camping styles: Options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV locations. Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough offers diverse accommodations: "Both back-in and pull thrus are available as are sites with shade and full sun. Premium sites have paved patios while other sites are gravel," explains Nancy W., who appreciated the range of options.
Peaceful weekday camping: Many campgrounds in the region are significantly quieter midweek. "But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves," notes Kyle C. about his experience at Myles Standish State Forest.
Accessible horse facilities: For equestrians looking for horse campgrounds near Duxbury, Massachusetts, several nearby options accommodate trail riders. The equestrian camping area at Myles Standish provides specific amenities for those traveling with horses.
What you should know
Alcohol regulations: Massachusetts state parks prohibit 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," mentions Randy R. about his experience at Myles Standish.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance bookings, especially for equestrian camping near Duxbury, Massachusetts. At Ponkapoag Camp, "Reservations are by mail only, although you can call the caretaker to confirm availability," explains Rita M., who discovered this unique reservation system.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate from spring through fall. "We stay at Myles Standish every June. We stay in the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean," shares Stephanie B., highlighting the popular summer camping season.
Varying amenities: Facilities range from rustic to resort-style. "There is no electricity or running water. We brought all our water from home, and it worked well," notes Rita M. about Ponkapoag Camp's more primitive setup.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds and activities: Family-oriented campgrounds provide various recreation options. At Sweetwater Forest, "They have many options of places to explore and things to do," according to Katie R., who found the campground perfect for a family getaway.
Swimming options: Kettle ponds offer swimming opportunities throughout the region. "The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot," mentions Stacy about Ponkapoag Camp, appreciating the options for children during different weather conditions.
Equestrian-friendly activities: Several horse campgrounds near Duxbury provide family-friendly trail riding experiences. These specialized sites accommodate both horses and families looking to combine camping with equestrian activities.
Organized recreation: Some campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities," shares Liz W. about her Halloween weekend at Normandy Farms, noting the organized holiday celebrations for families.
Tips from RVers
Loop selection matters: Different camping loops offer varying experiences. "The lower part of the camp ground is set up in different loops. While this is a large campground, it didn't feel that large as the loop probably had 50 sites," explains Kim R. about Myles Standish State Forest, noting how loop design affects the camping experience.
Hook-up availability: RVers should research utility connections before booking. "Our site was a little above the other sites near me and the foot path to the bathroom was clearly marked and clear," notes Kelly R. about Sweetwater Forest, appreciating the thoughtful site design.
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds offer dump stations even when sites lack sewer hookups. "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops," shares Kim R. about her experience at Myles Standish.
Big rig considerations: Larger RVs may need to select specific sites or campgrounds. "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," reports Nancy W., who successfully parked her large RV at Normandy Farms.
