3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Myles Standish State Forest campgrounds welcome pets in all camping loops with multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots, and yurts. The forest's Charge Pond, Fearing Pond, and Curlew Pond campground areas maintain pet-friendly policies requiring dogs to remain leashed throughout the camping areas and on trails. Some campers note that while dogs aren't permitted to swim in Barrett's Pond, they are welcome at nearby East Pond which features a 3-mile trail circumnavigating the water. Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres in South Carver also accommodates pets but has implemented a policy requiring dog owners to have a camper rather than just a tent, potentially limiting options for tent campers with dogs.
The extensive trail network throughout Myles Standish State Forest provides excellent opportunities for dog walking, with miles of relatively flat hiking paths winding through pine forests and cranberry bogs. Sites vary significantly in size and privacy, with some loops offering more secluded spots than others. The campground may become noisy on weekends but tends to quiet down during weekdays. All camping areas enforce quiet hours from 10pm to 7am, though enforcement can be inconsistent during busy periods. Boston/Cape Cod KOA in nearby Middleboro offers additional pet-friendly options with full-service sites including picnic tables and trash service, providing convenient alternatives for RV campers with dogs seeking more amenities than the state forest facilities.
"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."
"Good access to surrounding new England towns."
from $17 - $35 / night
"Decent dog park & common play areas (horseshoes, ladder ball, cornhole, basketball). Lots for kids to do. We went to Plimoth Plantation about 20 min away but not much else in the area."
"Site 309 Pull thru with fire-pit , cement pad gas grill , chairs and table ,level site with grass for dog not all sandy Lots shade trees"
"I like this campground because it is close to home. There isn't much to do here within the campground. It has two areas. The one nearer the camp entrance is smaller than the second. "
"We have stayed here during our exploration around cape cod. It's a but farther away from the main location, but we loved the quiet and tranquility of this campground."
Available next weekend
from $17 - $55 / night
"We loved site 47 which was long and level with nice grass around it. The next site (46) was pretty close, but luckily nobody was in it while we visited."
"Nice and quiet, here for a 3 night stay. 4 star because there are signs posted No dogs allowed on the road to the beach or other areas in the campground, limits walking. There is a dog park, though."
from $50 - $110 / night
"We were located in the no electric no water area and even though every site was taken, it was surprisingly more private than you'd expect."
"Other than the bees, it was peaceful, and nobody bothered you. i would recommend lots of bee spray and a screen house, but hopefully it was an isolation situation."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $27 / night
"There is a dump station located close to the park exit. "
"Bike path along the canal, easy access. Lots of playgrounds for different ages
Bounce pad (in-ground)
Pool
Stair access to canal bike path."
"There’s a new policy that states if you have a dog YOU MUST HAVE A CAMPER. I only have a tent so for me it’s a deal breaker. I will miss it though."
from $70 / night
"The pond is walking distance with a little beach area, we would absolutely bring our kayaks next time we visit. Beautiful walking trails right outside of the camping area."
"The H loop entrance is closer to the Charge Pond loops and is higher above pond."
from $17 / night
"Because the map is deceptive when it comes to the locations and spacing of sites, I definitely recommend driving around and looking at the different areas if you have the opportunity."
"Awesome location for family’s lots of space and things to do friendly service."
from $17 / night
from $32 - $60 / 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!
LegendI’m not going to lie this was a little tricky for big rigs to get to, but with lots of patience and skillful driving, it is doable. Salem is an old New England town so there are many narrow streets and some low clearances. Follow the directions on the parks website as they are designed for RVs– don’t use Google Maps unless you are a small camper. Even getting into the park is kind of challenging because of the way the entrance is laid out with the entrance booth and some low hanging trees. This campground is in a municipal park with a marina, beach, a short walking trail, and picnic areas. The campground has different sections and totally different feels to them. We arrived on a weekend and section we were in the section which is in the parking lot of a busy marina. The parking lot was half full which made for navigating our 45’ bus into our site pretty hard.
No sites have fire pits but you can have a fire if you bring your own above ground pit. Tent sites have picnic tables but nothing else. Some sites you can drive to and have a car onsite and others are non-vehicle access sites (11, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27& 38) in which you have to park in a parking lot. Some RV sites have great water views and others are in a back gravel lot. In my opinion, the best RV sites are 12-16(A-D) because they have a water view. Sites 16B-D are a little tricky for big-rigs to get into because of the tight space. Our site (#13) had a slight downhill slope. We pulled in forward so we could have a view of the harbor which meant the utilities (water electric only) were in the front of our site but we were able to reach without an extension cord. We loved watching the action in the harbor. There is a gazebo by the water which we enjoyed siting under and watching boats go in and out of the harbor while it rained.
There is a nice sandy beach onsite which attracts a lot of day use vistors. The grounds are interesting to walk around as the water views are nice and there is an old fort to explore. Nearby town of Salem Willows is(about½ mile away) is a cute old seaside town with restaurants and arcades. They have a Bluebike rental station which is an easy way to get downtown and explore the area if you don’t have a car.
GuideHard to beat being right on the water with a lighthouse! But it's kind of a kooky campground.
Pros:
- Gorgeous views.
- Cute little trails.
- Super friendly staff.
- The bathrooms were always being cleaned (which is nice), but the bathrooms are dilapidated, so it's kind of like putting lipstick on a pig.
Cons:
- It's just an odd arrangement of sites. The RV area is a parking lot. Some tent sites don't allow cars on them. Our site #37 was cool, but right by the busy entrance.
- As we stayed in October, the entire area is Halloween central. There were tour trolleys coming in all day, and since we were near the entrance we felt like animals in a zoo.
- As mentioned previously - the bathrooms could use a serious upgrade.
TravelerGood place to come for Halloween trick-or-treating for kids, lots of activities to keep you busy
GuideThis property is huge and the staff is very accommodating. Restrooms with showers are clean. And there is a pickleball court!
ScoutClose to town and beaches
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!
GuideBest part of our Salem trip by far. We spent Sunday evening out here after walking around downtown and this was a completely different experience. Kids loved the playground and just running around exploring the beach and rocks. Way more interesting than the shops.
Quiet, actual waterfront, old fort and lighthouse right there. The young lady in the office was really nice and super helpful too.
A couple things to know: the RV field spots are really close together. Like 15-20 feet from my trailer to the neighbor. In my opinion the parking lot spots with the ocean view are better. And when they warn you about the raccoons, they’re not joking. They shredded my trash.
If you’re in Salem with kids, still worth coming out here. This is the part they’ll remember.
TravelerWe booked this campground, as well as 2 others, to see how we liked them to visit our daughter and granddaughter. We are in section 2, site 016. Small site, did not get level. Beautiful beaches and homes in the area.
Myles Standish State Forest and the surrounding area offers several campground options within 30 minutes of South Carver, Massachusetts. The region sits atop a glacial outwash plain with elevations around 100-150 feet above sea level, creating its characteristic kettle hole ponds. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, with cooler nights providing comfortable sleeping conditions for tent campers.
Biking on paved trails: Myles Standish State Forest offers miles of paved trails for cyclists of all skill levels. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," notes Mike M. of Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest.
Kayaking on kettle ponds: Multiple spring-fed ponds provide clear water for paddling. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us," says Kim R. about her experience at Curlew Pond. Boat launches are available at most pond beaches.
Fishing opportunities: The Cape Cod Canal offers excellent saltwater fishing access. "If you like fishing this is your place," states Rick R. about Bourne Scenic Park, where campers can access the canal directly. Bring saltwater tackle for striped bass during summer months.
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy offered at certain sites. "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," reports Amie C. from her stay at Charge Pond.
Clean facilities: Updated shower buildings are appreciated throughout the region. "Good shower houses," notes Penny P. about Shawme Crowell State Forest Campground, adding that it makes "a great home base to explore the Cape."
Convenient location: Campers value proximity to major attractions. "Conveniently located near many of Cape Cod's attractions including beaches, golf courses, historic landmarks, restaurants and shopping. The park is approximately one hour from Boston, Providence and a 30 minute ride to the ferry terminal taking you to Martha's Vineyard or Nantucket," explains Nancy W. about Bourne Scenic Park.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate seasonally. "We stay at Myles Standish every June. We stay in the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean," says Stephanie B., highlighting the prime camping season. Most campgrounds close by late October.
Noise factors: Traffic noise can be an issue at some locations. "It is very hilly but many people enjoy riding their bikes here. When driving, be careful of them. The trails are right next to the main highway so you get car noise and can usually see them as well," warns Paula T. about Shawme Crowell.
Shower systems: Be prepared for different shower setups. At Pinewood Lodge Campground, "Didn't like that you have to pay for hot water though," comments Michael K. Bring quarters for pay showers at some locations.
Playground access: Ellis-Haven Family Campground features "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," according to Mike K., making it ideal for families with kids.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches at their ponds. "The beach (at least at Charged Pond) had a nice sandy section and a bathhouse," notes Kim R., providing a convenient option for keeping children entertained.
Activity planning: Some campgrounds offer organized events for children. "The activities for kids is the draw for this campground for sure. My kids loved the train rides, movie night, flash light candy hunt, and arts and crafts," shares Amy G. about her experience at Boston/Cape Cod KOA.
Site selection: RV campers should carefully consider site layout. "If you don't have camping gear, there are 6 yurts available for rent," notes Jean C. about Shawme Crowell, adding that "The tent sites tend to be on short spurs that may be hilly and uneven, so would be difficult to navigate with a trailer or larger vehicle."
Pet-friendly options: For those seeking dog-friendly camping near South Carver, Massachusetts, note that policies vary. "I used to come here every year with my girlfriend way back when it was shady acres... BUT I unfortunately will not return this year. There's a new policy that states if you have a dog YOU MUST HAVE A CAMPER. I only have a tent so for me it's a deal breaker," explains Michael M. about Jellystone Park Cranberry Acres.
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer limited hookup options. "The sites are large and shady but don't have water or electric. The bath houses are clean and accessible," explains Stephanie B. about Charge Pond, indicating that RVers should prepare for more primitive camping at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near South Carver, MA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly 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 dog-friendly camping near South Carver, MA?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near South Carver, MA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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