Camping spots near Plympton, Massachusetts sit within Plymouth County's coastal plain at approximately 70 feet above sea level. This southeastern Massachusetts region experiences warm summers with average July temperatures of 71°F and cold winters dropping to 22°F in January. The camping season typically runs May through October when conditions are most favorable, with mid-summer humidity creating occasional afternoon thunderstorms that campers should prepare for.
What to do
Boating and paddling access: Multiple campgrounds near Plympton feature ponds for water activities. At Myles Standish State Forest, visitors appreciate the clear pond water: "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," notes one camper. The park has multiple kettle ponds suitable for kayaking and fishing.
Mountain biking trails: The region offers trail networks for cyclists of all abilities. Wompatuck State Park Campground provides "God access to some beginner flowy mountain bike trails," according to one visitor. The park contains numerous hidden trails known mostly to locals, making it ideal for low-traffic biking.
Beach swimming: While not all campgrounds offer swimming, some have designated beach areas. One visitor at Ellis-Haven Family Campground commented on the "very nice beach on the pond, with lots of docks and rafts to swim out to. They also rent paddle boats." Swimming beaches at some locations have lifeguards during peak summer months.
Historical exploration: The proximity to Plymouth (about 10-15 minutes from Plympton) allows for day trips to historical sites. The region's colonial history provides educational opportunities, with campgrounds serving as convenient bases. One camper noted that Myles Standish State Park is "a great staging area for day trips to Plymouth and all its history."
What campers like
Natural pond settings: Many campgrounds feature spring-fed ponds that campers consistently highlight. A reviewer at Pinewood Lodge Campground shared: "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."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention bathroom conditions in their reviews. At Charge Pond Campground, "The bathhouses are clean and accessible." Similarly, a visitor to Wompatuck State Park noted: "Bathrooms are nice and dumpsters available for trash."
Family-oriented activities: Organized events for children appear in many reviews. One camper at Boston/Cape Cod KOA said: "The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts." This focus on family entertainment is common at private campgrounds in the area.
Site privacy: State forest campgrounds generally offer more wooded separation between sites. A camper at Massasoit State Park mentioned: "We were located in the no electric no water area and even though every site was taken, it was surprisingly more private than you'd expect."
What you should know
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds require quarters for hot water showers. A reviewer at Pinewood Lodge noted: "Hot showers were awesome (.25 cents per 3 minutes) and the stone fire pits were a hit." Other campgrounds may have temperature issues, as one camper at Myles Standish reported: "They seem to have one temp setting (push button operation) and that setting is scalding hot."
Peak season crowding: Weekends during summer months often see full campgrounds. At Curlew Pond Campground, one camper observed: "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."
Pet restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific rules about pets. At Pinewood Lodge, a reviewer mentioned: "There are signs posted No dogs allowed on the road to the beach or other areas in the campground, limits walking. There is a dog park, though." Always check pet policies when booking.
Alcohol policies: State parks typically prohibit alcohol consumption. One camper at Myles Standish State Forest noted: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recently upgraded play areas. At Massasoit State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned: "Nice sites, great playground for the kids." Another camper noted: "The playground is fantastic. Hiking trails are great, bike trails are great."
Swimming safety: Look for campgrounds with monitored swimming areas. At Ellis-Haven Family Campground, "The beach house was clean and close bye so that was a plus with the amount of kids that we had with us."
Midweek visits: For a quieter experience with children, consider non-weekend stays. As one Curlew Pond camper observed: "The Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
Scheduled activities: Private campgrounds often offer organized programs. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, one parent shared: "My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts." These structured activities can help entertain children throughout your stay.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Review site dimensions carefully when booking. At Wompatuck State Park, one RVer mentioned: "Despite seeing several other sites that could have accommodated our rig size, K05 was the only option available when booking online. The site was small and tight."
Electric options: Many campgrounds offer hookups, but amperage varies. Most state parks provide 30-amp service, while private facilities like Boston/Cape Cod KOA offer 50-amp options: "I have belong to KOA's for quite a few years and I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay."
Dump station access: For longer stays, check dump station availability. Shawme Crowell State Forest provides "No hookups, but there is a dump station." Some campgrounds have limited dumping hours, so verify before arrival.
Level pads: Some sites in the region require significant leveling. A visitor to Curlew Pond noted sites are "nice and level," while at others "spots run closer to main road than others so you can hear the cars go by. Nice ponds. Decent place. Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots."
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