Myles Standish State Forest offers additional opportunities for campers with horses beyond the equestrian campsites at Charge Pond. The forest's 12,000 acres include over 35 miles of horse-suitable trails winding through pine barrens and kettle ponds. Located approximately 30 miles south of Lynn, Massachusetts, this state forest sits in a region shaped by glacial activity, creating a unique landscape of small ponds and sandy soil that provides good drainage for horse trails.
What to do
Pond swimming and kayaking: Charge Pond at Myles Standish State Forest offers clear spring-fed water for swimming and boating. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," reports one camper. The pond has "a nice sandy section and a bathhouse" for changing.
Bicycling on forest trails: The forest maintains extensive bike trails, both paved and unpaved. "The bike trails through the park are great and we enjoyed them. Paved and mountain bike trails," notes a visitor. Pick up a printed map at the Plymouth visitor center for better trail navigation than the basic campground map.
Golf while camping: Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park in Derry offers a unique combination of camping and golfing on its 1300-acre property. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc," explains one reviewer who appreciated this recreational option.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites at Myles Standish. "Vegetation between sites for privacy," notes one visitor. Another mentions their site was "wooded and pretty private for a state campground."
Peaceful weekday stays: Charge Pond Campground offers a different experience depending on when you visit. "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity... But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
Resort-style amenities: Normandy Farms Campground provides extensive facilities not commonly found at standard campgrounds. "Four pools (include an indoor heated one), fitness room (with elliptical, treadmills, bikes, machine and free weights), creative arts center, camp store, 20,000 square-foot activities building," lists one impressed visitor.
What you should know
Alcohol restrictions: Massachusetts state parks prohibit alcohol consumption. "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 one Myles Standish camper.
Limited water access: Some campgrounds have minimal water hookups. At Myles Standish, sites "don't have water or electric. The bath houses are clean and accessible," explains a visitor. Another mentions there is "one water spout per every few sites."
Reservation systems vary: Ponkapoag Camp in Milton uses an unusual booking method. "Reservations are by mail only, although you can call the caretaker to confirm availability," explains a camper. This differs from state parks which use online reservation systems.
Tips for camping with families
Rustic options for kids: Ponkapoag Camp offers a basic but engaging environment for children. "The kids can hang out in the clubhouse if it's raining or swim in the pond if it's hot. Lots of hiking trails," shares a parent. The absence of electronics creates opportunities for traditional camping activities.
Safety considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds near Lynn, Massachusetts provide enhanced security measures. At Normandy Farms, "the park is gated and a code is needed to enter and leave giving you a sense of security," which gives parents peace of mind when camping with children.
Cabin camping alternative: Normandy Farms Campground offers varied accommodation options beyond tent sites. "We offer anything you could want. Spotlessly clean and wonderful employees. The pool is also great. The yurts are beautiful," writes a visitor, noting these alternatives can make camping more accessible for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: RV campers should research specific site locations before booking. At Myles Standish, "Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots," making leveling difficult. Another camper notes that at Hidden Valley, "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer."
Big rig accessibility: For larger RVs, Normandy Farms provides suitable sites. "We chose a paved full hook-up pull thru with paved patio. 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."
Seasonal considerations: Many Massachusetts campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Myles Standish operates from "mid-May through late September," while Normandy Farms has a longer season from "April 1 to November 30," allowing more flexibility for RV travelers seeking horse-friendly camping options near Lynn.
