Somerset, Massachusetts offers convenient access to several glamping resorts within a 45-minute drive. The area sits at the confluence of the Taunton River and Mount Hope Bay, creating diverse camping microclimates throughout the year. Winter temperatures can dip below freezing, while summer often brings humid 80°F+ days that make water-based camping particularly appealing.
What to do
Fishing at freshwater ponds: Charge Pond at Myles Standish State Forest offers stocked fishing spots where campers regularly catch sizeable fish. "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," notes one visitor.
Canal biking opportunities: The Cape Cod Canal Bikeway near Bourne Scenic Park provides miles of paved trails. "Beautiful location right along the canal that you can bike down to the beach or just to watch some fisherman reel in some massive fish," explains a camper who gave the park five stars.
Educational excursions: Drive 35 miles from Somerset to visit historic sites. "The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum... is well-worth it," shares a reviewer who stayed at Normandy Farms while exploring Boston attractions.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground sites. "Sites are nice and level and large. Vegetation between sites for privacy," comments one visitor who stayed in the quieter loop B south section.
Clean swimming areas: The fresh spring-fed ponds at Myles Standish offer clear water for swimming. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," writes a camper who enjoyed multiple days at this location.
Affordable alternatives: For budget-conscious glampers near Somerset, Burlingame State Park in neighboring Rhode Island offers value. "Price - dirt cheap if you are a RI resident, but pricey if you aren't," notes a reviewer who highlighted the "spacious" nature of the campground despite its 700+ sites.
What you should know
Shower costs: Many campgrounds near Somerset charge for hot showers. At Pinewood Lodge Campground, "Didn't like that you have to pay for hot water," mentions one camper, while another specifies ".25 cents per 3 minutes" for hot showers.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Shawme Crowell, "It is very close to Rt 6 so the traffic noise is almost constant especially friday nights. Not recommended for light sleepers but very convenient," warns a frequent visitor.
Alcohol regulations: State parks have stricter rules than private campgrounds. "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," reports a visitor to Myles Standish.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ellis-Haven Family Campground offers water-based recreation for children. "Lots of scheduled activities for children. Very nice beach on the pond, with lots of docks and rafts to swim out to. They also rent paddle boats," shares a family camper.
Child-friendly glamping: Some glamping options near Somerset provide dedicated children's activities. "This camping experience was fantastic... The pool is also great. The yurts are beautiful," writes one camper who compared Normandy Farms to "Disneyland's Frontier Land."
Bicycle requirements: Massachusetts law requires helmets for cyclists. At Cape Cod Campresort, a visitor notes you "must bring a bicycle helmet if your riding bikes (state law)," an important consideration for family bike excursions on the numerous trails throughout the region.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV glamping near Somerset, choose sites carefully. At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, one experienced camper advises: "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay... I'll never book the basic campsite again I'll pay the few extra dollars to have a bigger site it's so worth it."
Grey water disposal: Some campgrounds offer innovative solutions for RV waste management. At Bourne Scenic Park, "grey water dump stations are randomly placed throughout the campground and can be accessed with a garden hose," eliminating frequent trips to the main dump station.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. A reviewer noted of Bourne Scenic Park: "Leveling was not an issue for us in our site but the majority of sites would be a problem for a motorhome to get level without the aid of blocks. In fact, some sites were ridiculously unlevel and took a scary amount of blocks."
Ranger
