Myles Standish State Forest offers equestrian camping in South Carver, Massachusetts, approximately 17 miles southwest of Sagamore Beach. The forest features dedicated areas for horse owners camping with their animals, with multiple campground sections including equestrian-specific sites. Riders access miles of trails throughout the 12,000+ acre forest with terrain suitable for various skill levels. Camping options include both tent and RV sites with spacious, tree-lined plots providing natural separation between neighbors. The forest maintains multiple ponds for fishing and swimming adjacent to camping areas. Equestrian sites include ample space for horse trailers with proper parking areas. Some of the fondest visitor memories include seeing horses out and about throughout the forest.
Trails in Myles Standish connect equestrians to a network of riding paths through pine forests and around kettle ponds. The forest features scrub pines and cranberry bogs with trails that can be used in both summer and winter seasons. Equestrians appreciate the combination of flat terrain and varied woodland scenery. Water access is available at multiple locations throughout the forest. Camping rates are reasonable compared to other state parks in the region, making this a cost-effective option for horse owners seeking multi-day riding experiences. Most sites lack hookups but include fire pits and picnic tables. The forest serves as an excellent staging area for day trips to Plymouth and provides easy access to Cape Cod for extended riding adventures. Bathroom facilities are available but cleanliness varies depending on the time of year and visitation levels.
"My home away from home, I have been going to Myles Standish state forest to camp swim and critter catch since I was a little girl. Some of my fondest memories were made here."
"Trails can be used summer and winter.it also has many equestrian sites."
from $17 - $35 / night
"Walking my dog late at night or early in the morning was absolutely silent. The camp store was well stocked and offered hot coffee and a variety of grocery items."
"There is also a horse farm in the front of the grounds. The bike trails are a short ride away as well."
"The staff was positive and helpful and that made a difference for me. I traditionally dry camp or go for semi hooked up on purpose, I just like the quieter camping."
"Not knowing how long we would be away from the campground that service was a great option. "
from $50 - $200 / night
"The area around Ponkapog is beautiful, showcasing a wetland climate that, while common, is an integral part of the Massachusetts ecosystem that many people don’t even realize is within a stones throw."
"The camp is on a beautiful piece of wooded land surrounding a large pond/lake. There are about 25 rustic cabins, and a few tent sites dispersed throughout the camping area."
from $20 - $65 / night
ScoutAmazing amenities and activities here. Staff is great. Lots of room for big rigs. Tent spots are shady while other ones are sunnier. They have rentals such as log cabins/ A-frames to rent also. Hot tubs and pools too!
GuideThis property is huge and the staff is very accommodating. Restrooms with showers are clean. And there is a pickleball court!
GuideI can understand why this place is rated one of the best campgrounds in the country. This was my first time camping here with my own RV and it did not disappoint. Our site was spacious, and centrally located within the campground, they have all the amenities you can imagine living up to that “resort” title. Ranging from multiple pools, hot tubs, courts, pavilions, playgrounds, etc. the cell service was great, they offer WiFi, and much more. I love the store, it gives off that Great Wolf Lodge feel, and it has everything inside you may need. Including a little hidden café that surprisingly made good lattes. This place is massive, and I’ve never seen a campground that had as many million dollar RV’s in one place. That atmosphere is just great here. There is so much to do. It’s so big you need an e-bike just to get around. Resort-style campgrounds like this come at a steeper price compared to others, but in my opinion, Normandy was well worth the cost. We look forward to revisiting, often!
TravelerWe came in the day after Labor Day ~ after 280 rv’s checked out ~ so it may not have been as peaceful over the weekend, but I heard everyone had lots of fun. The grounds are beautiful!
GuideI've been three times, twice with a tent and once with a trailer, I highly recommend it.
Scoutno laundry or swimming other than that very beautiful
ScoutMe and my girl spent 2 weeks and had an amazing time the people are friendly they dont bother you about drinking only problem was the cell service is trash out ghere
ScoutKnow what you are getting... This is a family resort that charges$20/per night, per person, OVER the two people rate. It is loud, crowded, with golf carts and kids running around. It is a resort campground with pools, frisbee court and etc... This is not a quiet, restful place to stay to visit Boston and the surrounding area or to visit family in town. Entry is gated and controlled. Want to bring your college daughter back after dinner- forget it,$20 for her and$20 her friend, for 1-2 hour visit after 7:00 PM at night! When we return, we will stay at Spacious Skies CG or the state park. The cost and inconvenience is not worth it!
LegendWe were here a couple years ago and told everyone we knew about it in the PNW never knowing if our big road trips would have us near Foxboro again. Imagine our surprise and delight when our quest to hit all the MLB parks showed Normandy as proximal to Fenway. Yahoo! Red Sox win and we get to be here again. Kids and adults alike love it. What’s not to love. It’s the kind of place summer camping trip memories are made of. 4 pools, fishing pond, lodge, trivia night, soccer, baseball, softball and frisbee golf and so much more. Full hook ups. Super long sites.
Myles Standish State Forest provides equestrian camping 17 miles southwest of Sagamore Beach in southeastern Massachusetts. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, this area averages winter lows between -5°F to 0°F and summer temperatures averaging 80°F. The coastal climate influences camping conditions with moderate humidity in summer months and cool, damp springs with periodic frost risk through early May.
Trail riding from campgrounds: At Myles Standish State Forest, equestrian campers access over 35 miles of mixed-use trails. "The bike trails through the part are great and we enjoyed them. Paved and mountain bike trails," notes Kim R., who recommends getting a proper trail map since "the map they give you at check in isn't very good - hard to read and a little blurry."
Pond exploration: Kettle ponds throughout the forest offer calm water activities. "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," shares a camper about Myles Standish.
Day trips to historic sites: Use your campsite as a base for regional exploration. "The park itself is quite large and has several distinct campgrounds within it, including an excellent dedicated area for groups. The park is a great staging area for day trips to Plymouth and all its history," explains Joe B. from Sweetwater Forest.
Birdwatching in wetlands: The Blue Hills area offers diverse bird habitats. "We explored all over the bog looking for interesting species of plants and animals and found so many amazing things," shares Asher K. who visited with a field biology class.
Private, wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. At Charge Pond Campground, Amie C. reports, "We stayed in loop b south, which is really not a loop but a dead end. 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."
Reasonably priced camping: State forests offer affordable options compared to private campgrounds. "Fees are reasonable and in line with other state parks," notes a Myles Standish camper, though some amenities may be limited.
Family-friendly facilities: Most campgrounds in the region provide amenities for children. At Ponkapoag Camp, one reviewer shares, "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."
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, plan a mid-week stay. Kyle C. observed at Myles Standish: "The Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
Alcohol restrictions: Massachusetts state parks have specific rules. "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," notes Randy R. about Myles Standish State Forest.
Variable cell coverage: Reception can be spotty throughout the region. "Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots," reports Desiree M. about Myles Standish, which may affect navigation apps or emergency communications.
Limited hookups at state facilities: Many state campgrounds have basic amenities only. Katie D. explains that Myles Standish is "perfect for low maintenance campers! No electric, one water spout per every few sites, and multiple loops with different features."
Rustic facilities: Some campgrounds have minimal infrastructure. At Ponkapoag Camp, "It is rustic camping, no water or electricity and the bathroom is an outhouse and no showers," explains stacy.
Reserve early for summer weekends: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. About Myles Standish, Kyle C. observed, "if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity, like it was when we stayed."
Choose campgrounds with swimming options: Ponds provide relief from summer heat. Stephanie B. recommends Charge Pond at Myles Standish: "We stay at the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean. There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at fhe pond."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. Gordon C. reports about Normandy Farms Campground, "Had an amazing stay, cabin was perfect and comfortable. Water was nice and fish were biting."
Pack for variable weather: Coastal Massachusetts experiences temperature fluctuations. Rita M. notes about Ponkapoag Camp, "We were there Memorial Day weekend, and needed the stove when it dipped to 40 degrees."
Select campgrounds with proper RV facilities: Full hookup sites are limited in the region. Paul H. advises about Sweetwater Forest, "Only drawbacks are that there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance."
Consider site terrain: Some campgrounds have challenging topography. Desiree M. notes about Myles Standish, "Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard."
Use dump stations strategically: When staying at parks without sewer hookups, plan accordingly. At Myles Standish, "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops," explains Kim R.
Check road conditions: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. About Sweetwater Forest, Kristine B. mentions it can be "a little dusty because of the sand lot and roads," which may affect larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sagamore Beach, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sagamore Beach, MA is Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sagamore Beach, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Sagamore Beach, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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