Myles Standish State Forest features equestrian-accessible camping in the Charge Pond Campground area, with several sites suitable for visitors traveling with horses. The campground provides room for horse trailers and access to the forest's extensive trail system. While the campground doesn't have dedicated horse corrals, riders appreciate the spacious camping loops that accommodate vehicles with horse trailers. The facilities include clean bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site. Several loops in the campground have different layouts, offering varying degrees of privacy and access to amenities. The equestrian trails throughout the 12,000+ acre forest allow for extensive riding opportunities, with many campers specifically noting the quality of road riding from this location.
The forest's network of paved and mountain bike trails doubles as excellent bridle paths, connecting riders to various destinations throughout the property. Trail maps are available at the visitor center in town, providing clearer navigation than the campground-issued maps. Riders should bring their own water and feed storage solutions as the campground doesn't offer dedicated equestrian amenities. The camping season runs from mid-May through late September, with weekdays notably quieter than busy weekend periods. Riders particularly value the forest's pine-dominated landscape and cranberry bogs which create diverse riding terrain. Several kettle ponds throughout the property provide scenic spots for breaks during trail rides. The campground's proximity to Plymouth (about 10 minutes away) allows for easy access to additional supplies if needed during longer stays.
"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
"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
"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 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 offers equestrian camping options beyond the main campground areas, with trails that connect to a broader network throughout Plymouth County. Located on glacial deposits known as outwash plains and kames, the forest features sandy soil and rolling terrain that provides good drainage even after rain. Massachusetts state regulations prohibit alcohol consumption in all state park campgrounds, including the equestrian-friendly areas of Myles Standish.
Trail riding through pine forests: The extensive trail system at Myles Standish State Forest connects riders to various kettle ponds and cranberry bogs. "Big spot several ponds showers. There are many loops here. Some spots run closer to main road than others so you can hear the cars go by. Nice ponds," notes Desiree M., who appreciates the diverse terrain.
Day trips to Cape Cod: Using South Carver as a base camp lets riders access Cape attractions without Cape prices. Joe B. explains the strategic location of Myles Standish: "Myles Standish State Park is located just this side of the Cape Cod canal so your not actually 'on the cape'. The park is a great staging area for day trips to Plymouth and all its history."
Biking the paved trails: Many of the forest roads work well for both horses and bicycles, offering multiple recreation options. According to Mike M., Myles Standish is a "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns."
Explore Blue Hill: For riders looking for different terrain, Ponkapoag Camp offers trails with views of Boston on clear days. "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!" notes Rita M.
Private campsites: Many equestrian campers appreciate the separation between sites at Sweetwater Forest as an alternative to Myles Standish. "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," reports Christina M.
Pond access for horses: The kettle ponds provide natural water features and scenic rest spots during rides. Kyle C. observed, "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds. the dept. of conservation and recreation drives around several times a day in case you have any issues."
Campground loops: The layout of the campground allows for different experiences based on your needs. Amie C. notes, "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."
Rustic cabin options: For those seeking alternatives to tent camping with horses, Normandy Farms Campground offers diverse accommodations. Jean T. shares that "the yurts are beautiful" and the campground is "top notch!"
Seasonal considerations: The main equestrian camping season runs from mid-May through September, with significant differences in crowd levels. "The campgrounds themselves are really nice, but considering there are about 400 spots, you may find that some area's are more to your liking when it comes to things like more sun or more shade," advises Kyle C. He adds, "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."
Alcohol restrictions: Unlike private campgrounds, Massachusetts state forests prohibit alcohol. Randy R. notes, "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."
Bathroom facilities vary: Facilities can be inconsistent across different campground sections. Kim R. points out that "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."
Cell coverage limitations: Connectivity can be spotty throughout the forest. "Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots," warns Desiree M., making it important to download maps and information before arrival.
Pond swimming options: Several ponds offer swimming areas that kids enjoy after trail rides. Katie D. describes Myles Standish as "Beautiful, peaceful, and perfectly isolated! In the middle of a huge state forest, Miles Standish campground is perfect for low maintenance campers! No electric, one water spout per every few sites, and multiple loops with different features, it's perfect for all. Swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, trails, boating and more await."
Consider alternative locations: For families wanting more amenities, Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest offers various options. Stephanie B. shares, "We stay at Myles Standish every June. We stay in the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean. There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at fhe pond."
Bathhouse access: When camping with children, choose sites close to facilities. "The bath houses are clean and accessible," notes Stephanie B., though site selection matters for convenience.
Bring extra water containers: With limited water access at some sites, families should pack additional storage. Kim R. advises, "The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops."
Pull-through options: Some areas accommodate larger vehicles with horse trailers. Desiree M. notes that "Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard," highlighting the importance of site selection for RVs.
Utilities planning: Plan for limited hookups by bringing extra water and power solutions. "The park is a great staging area for day trips to Plymouth and all its history as well as being and easy bike ride to the upper cape. The park itself is quite large and has several distinct campgrounds within it, including an excellent dedicated area for groups," explains Joe B.
Dump station locations: Know where services are located for longer stays. As Kim R. explains, "There were at least three outlets in the women's room which was convenient for a quick cell phone charge," noting that restroom buildings can provide basic charging options when full hookups aren't available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near South Carver, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near South Carver, 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 South Carver, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near South Carver, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
