Myles Standish State Forest provides additional equestrian camping options beyond the dedicated horse sites in their main campground. The forest spans 12,000+ acres with several camping areas including Charge Pond, where non-electric sites cater to campers seeking a more primitive experience. Located approximately 20 miles from Hanson, the forest doesn't have dedicated horse corrals, but sites are spacious enough for portable corrals and horse trailers.
What to do
Trail Riding Outside the State Forest: Horseback riders seeking alternatives to Myles Standish can find options at Normandy Farms Campground, which is about 35 miles from Boston. "There is a really long list of amenities for this campground... horse shoe pits, baseball diamond, volleyball, fishing pond, shuffleboard, disk golf, and playground, and probably a few more things I missed," notes Nancy W. The surrounding area offers trails suitable for day rides.
Pond Exploration: Multiple kettle ponds throughout the region provide scenic riding destinations. At Charge Pond Campground, "There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at the pond. The sites are large and shady but don't have water or electric," says Stephanie B. The ponds are spring-fed with exceptionally clear water, making them attractive rest stops during trail rides.
Seasonal Activities: Winter horseback riding offers a different perspective on the landscape. "Spending Friday & Saturday in one of the cabins (w/woodstove) is deal for a winter weekend adventure!" mentions Stu L. about Ponkapoag Camp, noting its proximity to Boston while feeling miles away.
What campers like
Privacy and Space: Horse campers appreciate sites with adequate separation. At Sweetwater Forest, "We were on site B17 and it was perfect. Complete 360 privacy, well wooded, and just what was needed," reports Christina M. The campground offers spacious sites without feeling crowded, important for those traveling with horses and trailers.
Trail System Accessibility: The network of trails connecting camping areas to riding paths ranks high among equestrian campers. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds. The dept. of conservation and recreation drives around several times a day in case you have any issues. There are several miles of bile trails that were very enjoyable," explains Kyle C. about his experience camping in the region.
Natural Surroundings: The diverse ecosystem supports varied riding experiences. "Came here while in college at Brandeis University with my field Biology class. We explored all over the bog looking for interesting species of plants and animals and found so many amazing things," shares Asher K., highlighting the educational aspects of the natural environment at Ponkapoag.
What you should know
Alcohol Restrictions: Unlike private campgrounds near Hanson, Massachusetts state parks have strict regulations. "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. This is an important consideration for horseback riders planning evening activities after trail rides.
Water Sources: Water access varies significantly between horse-friendly campgrounds. Some sites have central water spigots for every few campsites, while others require bringing your own water for both people and horses. "We brought all our water from home, and it worked well. Make sure you bring campsuds or other eco-friendly soap since the toilets are just outhouses without running water much of the year," advises Rita M.
Seasonal Crowds: Weekend occupancy rates fluctuate dramatically at equestrian campsites. "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.
Tips for camping with families
Activity Planning: Horse-friendly campgrounds with family amenities provide balanced options. "It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town," explains Kathleen S. about Normandy Farms Campground, highlighting the importance of matching campground style to family preferences.
Bathroom Facilities: When traveling with children and horses, comfort station quality becomes especially important. "Our daughters rate campgrounds by their bathrooms. I was pleasantly surprised that they received at least one cleaning during our time there. But regardless, the bathrooms weren't that clean," shares Kim R. The campground still received a "not so bad that we'd never come back" rating from her daughters.
Weather Considerations: New England weather affects horse camping comfort significantly. "We were there Memorial Day weekend, and needed the stove when it dipped to 40 degrees," notes Rita M., emphasizing the importance of preparing for temperature fluctuations even during warmer seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site Selection: For RVers traveling with horses, finding appropriate sites requires research. "Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy," mentions Amie C. about Charge Pond. RVers should note that many equestrian-friendly sites throughout the region lack hookups, with dump stations available at centralized locations.
Reservation Timing: Horse camping with RVs requires advance planning. "The downside really is the price and how many sites there are. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful getaway this is not it," cautions Kathleen S. Especially for horse-friendly sites, which are limited in number, reservations can fill months in advance during peak summer weekends.
