Camping options near Plainville, Massachusetts offer varied terrains within a 35-mile radius, including woodland sites, pond-adjacent spots, and island retreats. The region features multiple kettle ponds formed by glacial activity, providing freshwater swimming opportunities during the warm summer months when temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. Several campgrounds in the area remain open from mid-April through October, with limited availability during the shoulder seasons.
What to do
Explore freshwater swimming spots: At Myles Standish State Forest, visitors can enjoy clean, spring-fed kettle ponds. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," notes one camper. Multiple pond beaches with sandy sections provide alternatives to oceanside swimming.
Hike forest trails: George Washington State Campground offers extensive hiking options around its lake. "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe," reports a visitor. The interconnected trail system accommodates various skill levels and provides opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Try disc golf courses: Several campgrounds feature dedicated disc golf courses with full 18-hole layouts. One visitor to West Thompson Lake Campground mentioned, "We were able to see some boat races and played a round of disc golf on property." Equipment rental may be available at select locations or bring your own discs.
Visit historical sites: The region's proximity to Plymouth and Boston makes day trips practical for history enthusiasts. A camper staying at Boston/Cape Cod KOA shared, "Stayed here visiting Cape Cod and Boston," showcasing the convenient location for exploring New England historical attractions like Plymouth Rock and Freedom Trail.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Sutton Falls Camping Area offers secluded spots with natural barriers. "We were delighted when we learned we had the little peninsula of site P1 all to ourselves. Stunning views across the large pond," wrote one visitor appreciating the privacy. Many campsites feature pine-needle floors that provide natural cushioning for tents.
Pond views and fishing access: Pinewood Lodge Campground receives praise for its waterfront sites. "We were lucky enough to get a site by the pond. There was great views from our site of the pond. On the site there was also a path down to a little dock on the pond that you could sit and relax on," shared a camper. Fishing licenses are required but can be purchased locally.
Covered bridges and natural features: Unique landscape elements enhance several campgrounds in the region. A visitor to Sutton Falls described, "Lovely picnic dining area alongside covered bridge and waterfall. Completely picturesque and, mostly, totally peaceful!" These features provide scenic backdrops for photographs and peaceful spots for relaxation.
Clean facilities: Maintaining hygiene standards ranks high on camper priorities. "Bathrooms were very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins). Staff was friendly and helpful, with park rangers making regular rounds," mentioned a visitor to George Washington State Campground.
What you should know
Variable shower availability: Bathroom facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. A camper at Burlingame State Park Campground advised, "Avoid holiday weekends and the heat of August if you can. Be prepared for dirty restrooms and come armed with hand soap (they no longer provide any), paper towels, and Clorox wipes." Many campgrounds operate coin-operated showers requiring quarters.
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-April through October, with peak season falling between Memorial Day and Labor Day. During July and August, temperatures can reach the high 80s with significant humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with occasional rain.
Reservation windows: Popular glamping sites near Plainville, Massachusetts book quickly, especially for weekend stays. "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings," recommended a visitor to Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground regarding their yurt rentals.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across campgrounds. One camper at Sutton Falls noted, "Without our antenna we we only had 1 bar of both Verizon and AT&T. No signal at all on T-Mobile/Sprint. With our antenna we got two bars of Verizon and AT&T but it wasn't enough to not drop a few calls."
Tips for camping with families
Look for designated activity areas: Campgrounds with structured recreation spaces provide entertainment options. "The staff were very nice and helpful. They had a big store and plenty of supplies and souvenirs, from sweatshirts to stickers. As we pulled around the office we saw all kinds of activities for kids. Bouncy 'pillow', pool, bounce pad, sluice, miniature golf, and a playground," shared a visitor to Boston/Cape Cod KOA.
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly atmosphere means different things to different campers. "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," noted one visitor to Normandy Farms about the busier resort-style campgrounds that offer glamping options near Plainville.
Check swimming restrictions: Not all water features permit swimming. A camper at West Thompson Lake Campground reported, "The lake is pretty but you cannot swim or eat the fish. There are a lot of choices for hiking including a disc golf course." Always verify current water conditions and rules before planning water activities.
Evaluate bathhouse proximity: Bathroom location can significantly impact family camping convenience. "Each loop has one bathhouse. Ours, unfortunately, did not have hot water. We were told if we wanted it, we could go to any of the other loops," shared a Myles Standish visitor, highlighting the importance of site selection relative to facilities.
Tips from RVers
Entry access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow entrance points. One RVer at Sutton Falls mentioned, "Theres a covered bridge that scared me a little due to size concerns but its quite tall and wide enough. Our rig is 11'9" to the top of the A/C and we had no issues." Always verify clearance heights before arrival.
Site leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Our site was level," reported a visitor to Pinewood Lodge Campground, but others noted challenges: "Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard," warned a Myles Standish camper. Bring leveling blocks even for sites advertised as level.
Space between sites: Site spacing varies dramatically between campgrounds. A Boston/Cape Cod KOA visitor advised, "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. With that being said I did not take my own advice and I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to."
Dump station access: Multiple campgrounds offer dump stations, but availability and convenience differ. George Washington State Campground visitors noted, "Nice, but pricey for anyone but RI residents," regarding the amenities including dump station access, which typically closes at sunset.
