Equestrian camping near Provincetown, Massachusetts offers year-round trail access across thousands of acres of protected woodland. Cape Cod's moderate climate makes horseback riding possible during all seasons, though summer temperatures can reach the upper 80s with high humidity. Most horse-friendly sites require advance reservations, especially during the peak season from June through August when weekend availability becomes extremely limited.
What to do
Trail riding on Cape Cod Rail Trail: The 22-mile paved pathway connects to multiple campgrounds and offers a smooth riding surface with minimal elevation changes. According to Kristine B., Sweetwater Forest has "close proximity to the bike trail and town of Brewster," making it convenient for day trips.
Pond exploration: Multiple kettle ponds throughout the region offer excellent destinations for riders. Kim R. from Charge Pond Campground notes, "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us. The beach (at least at Charged Pond) had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse."
Blue Hill sunrise viewing: For early risers, this viewpoint offers spectacular morning vistas. Rita M. from Ponkapoag Camp explains, "Blue Hill is within hiking distance, and it is a favorite spot for seeing the sunrise. Apparently you can see all the way to Boston!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers between camping areas. Christina M. notes about Sweetwater Forest: "We were on site B17 and it was perfect. Complete 360 privacy, well wooded, and just what was needed. Listen to the sounds of frogs at night was kinda awesome."
Multiple camping loops: The various camping sections provide different experiences. Katie D. mentions that Charge Pond Campground has "multiple loops with different features, it's perfect for all. Swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, trails, boating and more await."
Off-season tranquility: Weekday and shoulder season camping offers a much quieter experience. Kyle C. explains, "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, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
What you should know
Alcohol regulations: Despite both facilities accommodating horses, rules differ regarding alcohol consumption. Randy R. notes about Charge Pond, "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."
Limited amenities at some locations: Rustic campgrounds may require additional preparation. Rita M. explains about Ponkapoag Camp: "THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY OR RUNNING WATER. We brought all our water from home, and it worked well. Make sure you bring campsuds or other eco-friendly soap since the toilets are just outhouses."
Reservation systems vary: Each equestrian camping area has different booking processes. For Ponkapoag Camp, "Reservations are by mail only, although you can call the caretaker to confirm availability," which differs from online systems at larger facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: Several campgrounds accommodate both horses and dogs. Kelly R. notes about Sweetwater Forest, "I camp with my dog and sometimes I want to explore places that he can't go. Sweetwater Forest has a small doggy day care where I can safely leave him and not worry. It's air conditioned and they have mellow music on."
Child-friendly facilities: Consider campgrounds with dedicated play areas. Domenico B. mentions that Sweetwater Forest has "multiple playgrounds and a pond that's good for boating but not swimming. The staff were super helpful when I had a dead car battery and when my car got stuck on a road."
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be significant. Stacy L. notes about Ponkapoag, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites can be limited during peak seasons. Paul H. mentions, "Only drawbacks are that there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance; also water view sites down at the pond also book up in advance."
Site layout considerations: Some locations have challenging terrain for larger rigs. Desiree M. notes, "Some spots are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard. Some nice pond views."
Camp store access: On-site supply availability varies between locations. According to Kim R., "The town of Plymouth is about a 10 min. drive if you need anything. We never saw a camp store or even a place to get ice."
