Best Equestrian Camping near Sandwich, MA

Myles Standish State Forest offers equestrian campsites within its 12,000-acre natural reserve near Sandwich, Massachusetts. The forest features multiple camping loops, including areas that accommodate horses and riders at Charge Pond Campground. Sites are spacious, level, and shaded by pine trees, providing natural separation between campers. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the amenities, the extensive trail network throughout the forest makes this a practical destination for trail riders. Multiple reviews note excellent riding opportunities throughout the forested landscape, with one regular visitor specifically mentioning seeing horses out and about within the park. The campground allows tent, RV, glamping, and yurt accommodations with various access types including drive-in and walk-in options.

The extensive trail system within Myles Standish State Forest offers numerous bridle paths and riding routes suitable for equestrians. Riders particularly appreciate the flat, accessible terrain that provides good riding conditions for various experience levels. The campground operates seasonally from mid-May through late September, with proper trail and campsite reservations recommended during peak summer months. No alcohol is permitted in this Massachusetts state park, though fires are allowed with permits and firewood available for purchase. Bathroom facilities including showers are available in most camping loops, though reviews indicate cleanliness varies. The park's location provides convenient access to both Plymouth's historic sites and Cape Cod destinations, making it a strategic base camp for riders looking to explore Southeastern Massachusetts on day trips while maintaining a home base for their horses.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Sandwich, Massachusetts (4)

    1. Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    19 Reviews
    South Carver, MA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 866-2526

    $17 - $35 / night

    "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."

    2. Sweetwater Forest

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (508) 896-3773

    "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."

    3. Normandy Farms Campground

    39 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / night

    "There are 3 really nice outdoor pools and one indoor pool, lots of outdoor games, playgrounds and a snack bar that serves delicious food (from egg sandwiches to ice cream sundaes to lobster!)."

    "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."

    4. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (781) 961-7007

    $20 - $65 / 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."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Sandwich, MA

80 Reviews of 4 Sandwich Campgrounds


  • G
    Aug. 5, 2020

    Sweetwater Forest

    Quiet, clean, and in a lovely location

    Sweetwater Forest has pleasant, secluded sites. This was the quietest campground during "quiet hours" that I've ever visited. 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 are a lot of touristy Cape spots a short drive away. It sits adjacent to a small horse farm, so that adds to the ambiance.

  • D
    Feb. 10, 2020

    Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Campgrounds that sure are : in "charge"

    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. Love how you can choose from a variety of different ponds to camp next to, the place is huge, and smells of fresh pine trees and blueberries. I always loved seeing the horses out and about as there is not only options for tent sights, but equine and also cabin sites. My favorite ponds to camp off of are Barrett's, Curlew, and Charge pond sites. Forever will be one of my favorite places on this earth!

  • Lori-Ann D.
    Aug. 5, 2018

    Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    In the Pines of Southeastern Massachusetts

    This campground is well maintained by the Mass Department of Conservation and Recreation. It has everything from Isolated sites to groups of sites where families and friends can take multiple sites and stay together. Scrub pines and cranberry bogs abound! Trails can be used summer and winter.it also has many equestrian sites.

  • Randy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 6, 2020

    Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Nice place, but Mass 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. Too bad. The place has nice level sites and close to the Cape.

  • Kiye A.
    Sep. 10, 2018

    Ponkapoag Camp

    Quick shot at this

    The guy above me gave you most of the skinny, so I can keep this short and sweet. This campsite is superlatively convenient if you live in the Boston area, especially so if you’re like me and you’re one of those “Boston kids who don’t cross the bridge,” both proverbial and otherwise. 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. Why spend a summer weekend baking like a sausage next to a big of townies when you can chill in the bog with bogey-bogmen?

    Highlights:

    serviceable and cheap campground with limited amenities

    some natural peace and quite close to the city

    lots of good berry picking and trails

    not far from the blue hills

    good family fun

    swimming

    Lowlights:

    bogmen

  • Michelle D.
    Sep. 21, 2016

    Sweetwater Forest

    This Campground has been passed down through the generations

    This campground is one that my father camped at with his brothers when they were young. There is a pond, but it is not swimmable due to the snappers, but when you are on the cape, there is always the ocean to find. The snapper pond is great for fishing too. It is a clean campground, with many different playgrounds. There is also a horse farm in the front of the grounds. The bike trails are a short ride away as well.

  • S
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Family oriented resort style

    Normandy Farms is beautifully maintained and has tons of things going on for families. There are 3 really nice outdoor pools and one indoor pool, lots of outdoor games, playgrounds and a snack bar that serves delicious food (from egg sandwiches to ice cream sundaes to lobster!). They have a packed schedule of activities such as ceramic painting, dancing and yoga. They even have a spa with massages! The bathrooms and showers were clean and the staff was friendly. The campground was very quiet at night and even during the day which was amazing considering all that is going on there! We were in a tent site and loved it!

  • Andrew P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2020

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Glamping to the max

    I wasn’t sure I would like this level of glamping, but I was pleasantly surprised. 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. Maybe it’s covid, but it felt good to be “near” other people trying to find peace in a crazy world. So much positive about the resort, the snack bar has an awesome menu and cost is reasonable. Beer at the store wasn’t unreasonable priced. The clothing/swag was fairly priced. The facility is big enough to walk, bike, short run, the frisbee golf is the best set up I’ve ever used. I went recently(mid October) so the pools were shut down, but there was still lots of activities. The bath houses were very clean and there was music playing, another detail that sets this resort apart. The grounds, for a packed campground were actually well done with trees, and large stones around. You will hear other people at nearby sites, it didn’t bother me, in fact listening to all the various dogs barking at each other from their respective sites made me laugh. You can hear cars from 495, but once again, somehow it did not bother me. I’ve stayed at campgrounds up in NH that are dry camping, and I can hear cars on Rt 16 or on the Kanc. There is a catch, sites probably average $100/night or more, when all the amenities are up and running, it is well wort it. Shoot, I’ve stayed in hotels for $150/night with no amenities. This place has so much to do, or just sit by the campfire and drink beer and relax, or borrow a movie for free. Remember to return it or they will process the $20.00 hold. I’m definitely going back, kids had fun, I had fun. Pay ahead and get your gate codes, and you can drive right to your site, that was super convenient, see the positives keep showing up. Thanks for reading

  • Jordyn T.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Normandy Farms Campground

    Busy but worth it

    Mostly geared toward families, especially with kids. Most of the campground is RV sites. There a a handful of tent sites in the back (no hookups). Bathrooms and showers are very clean, general store and pools are nice and convenient. It’s a perfect distance away from Gillette (a couple miles) if you’re looking for an alternative to staying in a pricey hotel. Definitely not a place I would go to “get away from it all.” You can hear the highway from the sites.


Guide to Sandwich

Horse camping in Massachusetts offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed spots catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect place to saddle up and enjoy nature.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Sweetwater Forest provides a welcoming environment with features like electric hookups and sanitary dump stations, making it a convenient choice for horse camping.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample activities

  • Ponkapoag Camp is known for its rustic charm and offers plenty of hiking trails, perfect for adventurous riders looking to explore the surrounding nature.

Tips for equestrian camping near Sandwich, Massachusetts

  • Normandy Farms Campground is a great option, featuring large campsites and a variety of activities for families, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience while enjoying horseback riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sandwich, MA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sandwich, MA is Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest with a 4.1-star rating from 19 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sandwich, MA?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Sandwich, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.