Equestrian facilities near Revere, Massachusetts are limited with no dedicated horse campgrounds available directly in the city. While traditional corrals are absent, Charge Pond Campground in Myles Standish State Forest provides spacious wooded sites approximately 45 miles south where some trails permit horseback riding. Most campgrounds in the region serve general campers rather than specifically catering to those traveling with horses, though several offer ample parking suitable for horse trailers.
What to do
Hiking through diverse terrain: At Charge Pond Campground, visitors can access both paved and unpaved trails throughout Myles Standish State Forest. "There are several miles of bile trails that were very enjoyable," notes camper Kyle C. The trail system accommodates different experience levels and connects multiple kettle ponds.
Golfing between camping sessions: At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, campers can enjoy a round of golf without leaving the property. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc," explains Christy C. This 1300-acre facility combines outdoor recreation with camping convenience.
Water activities at kettle ponds: Fishing and kayaking opportunities abound at the natural spring-fed ponds in Myles Standish State Forest. "We also enjoyed the various kettle ponds. We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us," shares Kim R., who appreciated the clear water quality at these natural formations.
What campers like
Peaceful weekday stays: At Charge Pond Campground, crowds fluctuate predictably. "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity... But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves," explains Kyle C. This pattern allows visitors seeking solitude to plan accordingly.
Proximity to historic sites: The location of Myles Standish State Forest provides strategic access to regional attractions. "The park is a great staging area for day trips to Plymouth and all its history as well as being an easy bike ride to the upper cape," notes Joe B., highlighting the campground's convenient position for exploring New England history.
Rustic cabins with woodstoves: Ponkapoag Camp offers basic but comfortable cabins for those who prefer solid shelter. "The cabins have assorted dressers and shelves for storage, and a table for dining on those bad weather days. The floors are wooden. Many cabins have wood stoves, which is great for the cooler parts of the year," reports a camper who appreciated these amenities during a chilly Memorial Day weekend.
What you should know
No alcohol policy: Massachusetts state parks enforce specific regulations worth noting. "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," warns Randy R. about Myles Standish State Forest. This restriction applies throughout the state park system.
Limited utilities at some sites: Normandy Farms Campground offers various site types with different amenity levels. "There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between," explains Nancy W., noting the wide range of options available to match camping preferences.
Reservation processes vary: Each campground has different booking systems. Ponkapoag Camp uses an uncommon reservation method: "Reservations are by mail only, although you can call the caretaker to confirm availability," explains a camper who discovered this unique process. This differs significantly from the online reservation systems used by many other campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Consider off-peak timing: Scheduling affects campground atmosphere significantly. "It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town," notes Kathleen S. about weekend crowds at Normandy Farms Campground, suggesting weekdays for a calmer experience.
Verify bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms vary widely in quality and amenities. "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," shares Kim R. about Myles Standish State Forest. Families with small children should check which loops offer the best facilities.
Pack extra water supplies: Some campgrounds have minimal utilities. "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 without running water much of the year," advises a Ponkapoag Camp visitor, noting the importance of water planning for family comfort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters for utilities: At Ponkapoag Camp, RVers face specific challenges. "THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY OR RUNNING WATER," emphasizes a camper, highlighting the importance of generator planning or selecting alternative campgrounds for RVs requiring hookups.
Check road quality for accessibility: Normandy Farms provides excellent infrastructure for larger vehicles. "Roads are paved and plenty wide enough for big RV's to navigate... Our site was easy to navigate in and out of and was definitely big rig-friendly with ample space for our motorhome and tow car," shares Nancy W., noting features that make the campground accessible for larger rigs.
Leveling challenges at some sites: Terrain varies between campgrounds and even within the same property. "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services," notes Carry M. about Hidden Valley RV Park, emphasizing the importance of leveling equipment.
Traveler
