Myles Standish State Forest spans 12,000 acres of sandy soil and scrub pine forest, creating distinctive terrain for outdoor recreation near North Carver. Temperatures average 70-80°F in summer months, though mornings can be cool. The network of trails weaves through various ecosystems including kettle ponds formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago.
What to do
Bike the trails: The paved and unpaved paths through Myles Standish State Forest provide excellent cycling opportunities. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," notes Mike M. about Myles Standish State Forest.
Kayak the kettle ponds: The spring-fed ponds offer clear water perfect for paddling. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us," says Kim R., who appreciated the water activities at Myles Standish.
Fish in multiple locations: The ponds throughout the area support various fish species. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," explains Kyle C., highlighting the quality of the fishing environments.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between campsites. "Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy," reports Amie C. about Charge Pond Campground.
Swimming options: Several camping areas provide beach access for cooling off. "The beach (at least at Charged Pond) had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," notes Kim R., who enjoyed the swimming facilities at Myles Standish.
Wooded camping atmosphere: The forested setting creates a natural environment. "The tent area is in a woodsy hollow full of birds and interesting wildlife," writes Domenico B. about Sweetwater Forest, located about 45 minutes from North Carver.
What you should know
Alcohol restrictions: Massachusetts state parks have specific rules about 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," mentions Randy R. about Myles Standish State Forest.
Variable bathroom facilities: Comfort stations differ between campgrounds and loops. "Bathrooms were not cleaned during our stay but it was nice to have bathroom stalls and showers. Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots," reports Desiree M. about her experience at Myles Standish.
Weekday tranquility: For a quieter experience, consider non-weekend visits. "The Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves," shares Kyle C., noting the difference in crowd levels at Ponkapoag Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Families will find several recreation options for children. "There's an arcade, playground, basketball court and arcade," notes Kelly R. about Sweetwater Forest, mentioning the kid-friendly amenities.
Water activities for children: Many campgrounds feature swimming areas suitable for families. "There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at the pond. The sites are large and shady," explains Stephanie B. about Charge Pond area at Myles Standish.
Off-leash dog areas: Some facilities offer dedicated spaces for pets. "One of the really good features are the huge dog park which has a dog washing station, water fountains for dogs and humans, agility-type obstacles for them to play on," shares Nancy W. about Normandy Farms Campground.
Tips from RVers
Variable hookup options: RV sites range from basic to full-service. "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops," explains Kim R. about Myles Standish facilities.
Rustic alternatives nearby: For those seeking a more primitive experience with horses, consider options beyond standard RV parks. "It is rustic camping, no water or electricity and the bathroom is an outhouse and no showers," notes Stacy about Ponkapoag Camp, a less developed option for equestrian camping near North Carver.
Pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. "We had a nice pull through with a view of the pond. Staff were very friendly and helpful," shares Alyssa R. about her experience at Sweetwater Forest, mentioning the convenience for larger rigs.
