Myles Standish State Forest offers additional camping options beyond equestrian sites. Located approximately 45 miles south of Weston, this 12,000-acre forest provides camping experiences with varying levels of amenities and privacy. The forest contains multiple campground loops organized around several kettle ponds, with Charge Pond being a popular choice for families and casual campers.
What to do
Trail riding beyond bridle paths: At Myles Standish State Forest, riders can explore both paved and mountain bike trails throughout the park. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding new England towns," notes Mike M.
Fishing in spring-fed ponds: Cast your line in one of the clear kettle ponds that dot the landscape. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," explains Kyle C. "We kayaked one morning and enjoyed watching the people catching good sized fish around us."
Golf while camping: At Hidden Valley RV and Golf Park, campers can enjoy a round or two without leaving the grounds. "The main attraction of this campground is the golf course of 9 or 18 holes. There is a pro shop, golf cart rentals, etc," explains Christy C.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural screening between sites at Myles Standish. "Our site was wooded and pretty private for a state campground. We had plenty of room and the site had a fire pit and picnic table," writes Kim R.
Swimming beaches: Normandy Farms Campground offers multiple swimming options year-round. "They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean. I highly recommend staying here. It was a lot of fun," says Liz W., who visited during Halloween celebrations.
Proximity to Boston: Ponkapoag Camp provides rustic camping close to the city. "Feels like Vermont yet 20 minutes from Downtown Boston," says Stu L. "Ponky is a hidden jem! Minutes from Boston, feels Miles away."
What you should know
Alcohol regulations: Unlike private campgrounds near Weston, Massachusetts state parks have strict beverage policies. "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," warns Randy R. about Myles Standish.
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Equestrian campers seeking quieter experiences should consider timing. "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity," says Kyle C. "But the Sunday, and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves."
Limited services at rustic sites: Some campgrounds offer minimal amenities. "THERE IS NO ELECTRICITY OR RUNNING WATER," notes Rita M. about Wolf Den Campground. "We brought all our water from home, and it worked well."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playgrounds and recreation areas: Families appreciate designated activity spaces at campgrounds like Normandy Farms. "There is a really long list of amenities for this campground...fitness room, creative arts center, camp store, 20,000 square-foot activities building, restaurant, huge off-leash dog park, BMX bike park, horse shoe pits, baseball diamond, volleyball, fishing pond, shuffleboard, disk golf, and playground," shares Nancy W.
Consider seasonal programming: Many campgrounds offer organized activities during peak season. "During the busy summer months there is a long list of activities ranging from yoga to kids games," says a reviewer about Normandy Farms, making it easier to keep children entertained.
Choose sites near bathhouses: For families with young children, bathroom proximity matters. "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," notes Kim R. about Myles Standish.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort offers comprehensive services for larger rigs. "There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between. Both back-in and pull thrus are available," explains Nancy W.
Site terrain considerations: Be prepared for uneven ground at some campgrounds. "The water and electric were between our site and the next on one side and sewer between our site and the one on the other side. This made it difficult to place our trailer on the slanted site and reach all services," cautions Carry M. about Hidden Valley RV Park.
Check site length restrictions: Not all horse campgrounds near Weston, Massachusetts can accommodate larger RVs with trailers. Review campground information carefully to ensure your combined rig will fit comfortably at your chosen site.