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Best Equestrian Camping in Massachusetts

81 Reviews

Sweetwater Forest offers limited horse-friendly camping accommodations in Brewster, Massachusetts. Located adjacent to a small horse farm, the campground features secluded, wooded sites that provide a quiet retreat for equestrians and their horses. Sites are positioned to maintain privacy, with natural tree buffers creating separation between camping areas. The campground remains one of the quietest during designated quiet hours, providing a peaceful environment for both riders and horses after trail excursions. While Sweetwater Forest doesn't offer dedicated horse corrals, the proximity to the neighboring horse farm enhances the equestrian-friendly atmosphere.

The Cape Cod region surrounding Sweetwater Forest provides several bridle trails within driving distance of the campground. Trail riders access nearby riding routes through arrangements with local stables and horse farms. The central location in Brewster positions equestrians within reasonable driving distance to multiple riding opportunities throughout Cape Cod. Horse owners appreciate the campground's well-maintained access roads which accommodate trailers, though advance reservations are recommended for larger rigs. Camp staff demonstrate helpfulness when campers encounter issues with vehicles or equipment, providing assistance with everything from battery problems to vehicles becoming stuck on roads. Massachusetts generally offers limited developed equestrian camping facilities, making advance planning essential when traveling with horses to this region.

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Best Equestrian Sites in Massachusetts (5)

    1. Normandy Farms Campground

    40 Reviews
    Foxborough, MA
    Website
    +1 (866) 673-2767

    $50 - $200 / 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. "

    2. Charge Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    19 Reviews
    South Carver, MA
    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."

    3. Sweetwater Forest

    16 Reviews
    Brewster, MA
    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."

    4. Ponkapoag Camp

    6 Reviews
    Randolph, MA
    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."

    5. Jelena's Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Sudbury, MA

    $20 - $50 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews in Massachusetts

81 Reviews of 5 Massachusetts Campgrounds

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • P
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Sweetwater Forest

    Been coming here for 18 yrs

    And its great every time. Nothing but positive things to say, if you haven’t tried it, defintely do. C loop sites our favorite, but really not a terrible site in the place, depending on what you camp in. Only drawbacks are that there are limited full hookup big rig sites, and they book up in advance; also water view sites down at the pond also book up in advance. Shower/bath facilities extremely well kept and accessible. Just a great family campground in a great location on The Cape.

Guide to Massachusetts

Horse camping in Massachusetts offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, with several well-reviewed spots catering to horse enthusiasts.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • At Normandy Farms Campground, you'll find ample space for your horse and accommodations that include features like electric hookups and sanitary dump stations.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Ponkapoag Camp provides a rustic experience with access to trails, making it a great choice for those looking to ride in a natural setting.

Tips for equestrian camping in Massachusetts

  • When visiting Sweetwater Forest, be sure to bring plenty of leveling blocks for your rig, as some sites may require adjustments for a comfortable stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities do horse campgrounds in Massachusetts offer?

Horse campgrounds in Massachusetts typically provide essential equestrian-focused amenities. Normandy Farms Campground offers well-maintained facilities with clean bathrooms and showers, a general store for supplies, and spacious campsites that can accommodate trailers. Some campgrounds provide designated hitching posts, water troughs, and manure disposal areas. Sweetwater Forest features pleasant, secluded sites with a well-stocked camp store offering necessities for both riders and horses. Most horse-friendly campgrounds maintain access to riding trails directly from the campsites, allowing for convenient daily excursions without having to trailer your horse to riding locations.

When is the best season for horse camping in Massachusetts?

The optimal season for horse camping in Massachusetts is late spring through early fall (May to October). During this period, the state's trails are typically dry and well-maintained. Summer offers longer daylight hours for riding, though July and August can be hot and buggy. Early fall is particularly stunning with colorful foliage creating picturesque trail experiences. Many campers consider September the ideal month, with moderate temperatures and fewer insects. Jelena's Campground and other horse-friendly locations maintain accessibility during these months. Most Massachusetts horse campgrounds close for winter due to harsh conditions and frozen ground that can be hazardous for riding.

Where are the horse campgrounds in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts offers several horse-friendly camping options across the state. Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth provides extensive trails suitable for horseback riding with nearby camping areas. The forest spans 12,000+ acres with scrub pines and cranberry bogs, making it ideal for trail riding. Another notable location is Ponkapoag Camp, which is conveniently located near Boston and offers access to surrounding wooded areas perfect for day rides. Horse campgrounds are typically located in areas with access to multiple trail systems and open spaces suitable for equestrian activities.

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