Myles Standish State Forest encompasses over 12,400 acres of protected woodland in Plymouth County, with several campgrounds positioned around natural kettle ponds. Camping areas are typically open from mid-May through late September, with temperatures ranging from 50°F nights to 80°F days during peak season. Most campsites have fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between individual camping areas.
What to do
Bike trail exploration: Paved and mountain bike trails wind throughout Myles Standish State Forest, connecting multiple campgrounds and recreation areas. "The bike trails through the part are great and we enjoyed them. Paved and mountain bike trails. The map they give you at check in isn't very good - hard to read and a little blurry," notes Kim R. from Myles Standish State Forest.
Fishing opportunities: The Cape Cod Canal provides excellent fishing access for campers staying at Bourne Scenic Park. "If you like fishing this is your place," reports Rick R. Many visitors report catching sizeable fish in the kettle ponds as well, with one reviewer noting, "We also enjoyed the various kettle ponds. We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us."
Cranberry bog exploration: Unique to this region, cranberry bogs can be found near several campgrounds and provide educational opportunities. Jean C. explains about Fearing Pond Campground: "The forest has miles of biking trails, ponds for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even cranberry bogs to explore (though harvest is late in the camping season and this section is not open at that time)."
What campers like
Pond swimming: Natural kettle ponds offer swim areas with sandy beaches at multiple campgrounds. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," mentions Kyle C. about Curlew Pond Campground. Sites positioned near the water are particularly valued, as Tim S. explains: "All the sites are basically on the water. It's great."
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the larger sites available at certain campgrounds. At Wompatuck State Park, "Sites have enough privacy and are great sizes," according to Tori H. Similarly, Amie C. notes about Myles Standish: "Very quiet, and we were the only people in the loop for a couple of days. Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy."
Off-season tranquility: Visiting outside peak summer season provides a significantly different experience with fewer crowds. "Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves," reports Kyle C. This sentiment is echoed at other campgrounds, with Jean C. noting, "The fact that it didn't open in 2020 helped" with site restoration at Fearing Pond.
What you should know
Variable bathroom conditions: Bathroom facilities differ dramatically between campgrounds. At Pinewood Lodge Campground, "Hot showers were awesome (.25 cents per 3 minutes)," according to Chris P., while Michael LeBoeuf warns about Wompatuck: "Bathrooms are out dated showers have tiles falling off very small showers."
Tight spacing in some areas: Site proximity varies significantly between camping areas. At Bourne Scenic Park, Douglas L. notes, "Sites are way too close together. Felt like I was camping with the people on the next site." Curlew Pond experiences similar issues, with Tim S. observing: "The sites are VERY close to each other with almost no privacy/trees to your left or right."
Highway noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience traffic noise due to their proximity to major roads. Tim C. warns about Shawme Crowell State Forest: "It is also very close to Rt 6 so the traffic noise is almost constant especially Friday nights. Not recommended for light sleepers but very convenient." Chris P. similarly notes that Pinewood Lodge campers "will be in close proximity to a shooting range and municipal airport (be wary of noise levels)."
Tips for camping with families
Activity-focused campgrounds: Some campgrounds offer extensive organized events for children. About Boston/Cape Cod KOA, Samantha S. reports: "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." Amy G. adds, "My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts."
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds of varying sizes and conditions. Mike K. notes that Ellis-Haven Family Campground has a "very nice beach on the pond, with lots of docks and rafts to swim out to." At Shawme Crowell, a reviewer mentions, "The playground is being revamped and looks awesome so far."
Loop selection strategy: Choosing the right camping loop within larger campgrounds significantly impacts family experience. For Curlew Pond, Heatherly S. advises: "Because the map is deceptive when it comes to the locations and spacing of sites, I definitely recommend driving around and looking at the different areas if you have the opportunity."
Tips from RVers
Booking premium sites: At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, Janet P. recommends, "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. I'll pay the few extra dollars to have a bigger site it's so worth it." This sentiment is echoed at other facilities where standard sites may be cramped.
Dump station locations: While many campgrounds lack sewer connections, alternatives exist. Our Greight Escape notes about Bourne Scenic Park: "No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote." Similarly, Jean C. reports, "There are no hookups, but there is a dump station available" at Fearing Pond.
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate seasonally with limited shoulder-season facilities. Kirk S. notes about Boston/Cape Cod KOA: "I recommend having reservations if you want to stay at this campground, between Memorial Day and Labor Day." For pet-friendly camping near Plymouth, Massachusetts, be aware that some campgrounds like Jellystone Park have specific restrictions, with Michael M. noting: "There's a new policy that states if you have a dog YOU MUST HAVE A CAMPER. I only have a tent so for me it's a deal breaker."
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