The Cumberland Hill area offers camping options in heavily wooded terrain at elevations ranging from 400-500 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests provide shade during summer months when temperatures typically reach 80-85°F. Horse camping facilities in this region cater specifically to equestrians with direct trail access and specialized amenities not commonly found at standard campgrounds.
What to do
Trail riding access: Frog Hollow Horse Camp at Pachaug State Forest provides direct access to three horseback riding loops from the campground. "There's space for your camping gear as well as a trailer and horseline. About half the sites were occupied in late October," notes camper Jean C. The 27,000-acre forest also offers fishing and hiking opportunities.
Swimming options: Charge Pond Campground at Myles Standish State Forest features multiple spring-fed ponds with clear water. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," reports Kyle C. The beach areas include sandy sections and bathhouses for changing.
Explore historic sites: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park connects to hiking trails and historical points of interest. "There's a small brook with an old mill and blacksmith shop that is sometimes open on weekends for tours. It's a nice place to explore and have a picnic," shares Jean C. The park includes a playground and geocaching opportunities along its trail network.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Normandy Farms Campground offers convenient access to regional destinations. "Normandy Farms is approximately 35 miles from Boston. If you don't want to drive to the city, you can park at the nearby train or subway station and ride into the city. You are just five miles from Gillette Stadium (home of the New England Patriots)," explains Nancy W. This location works well for campers wanting to combine outdoor experiences with urban activities.
Quiet weekday camping: Myles Standish State Forest campgrounds transform during weekdays. "The one thing you may notice is that if you stay on a Friday or Saturday night, the campground may be to capacity. But Sunday and Monday nights, the 7 closest spots to us were empty, it was like having the woods to ourselves," notes Kyle C. Off-peak camping provides a more secluded experience with fewer neighbors.
Rustic camping near urban areas: Ponkapoag Camp offers primitive camping surprisingly close to Boston. "Ponky is a hidden gem! Minutes from Boston, feels miles away. Love the cabins! Spending Friday & Saturday in one of the cabins (w/woodstove) is deal for a winter weekend adventure!" explains Stu L. This AMC-managed property allows campers to experience rustic conditions without traveling far from urban areas.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Equestrian campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Frog Hollow Horse Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis unlike many other facilities. "It's hard to find much information about this equestrian, first come, first serve campground in Connecticut's Pachaug State Forest," notes Jean C. Always call ahead to check availability.
Alcohol policies vary: State parks in Massachusetts prohibit alcohol consumption. "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," advises Randy R. Check regulations before packing alcoholic beverages.
Bathroom facilities differ significantly: Campgrounds near Cumberland Hill range from full-service to primitive. "The bathhouses are clean and accessible," says Stephanie B. about Myles Standish, while Ponkapoag Camp offers minimal facilities: "There is no electricity or running water. We brought all our water from home, and it worked well. Make sure you bring campsuds or other eco-friendly soap since the toilets are just outhouses without running water much of the year," advises Rita M.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated recreational facilities: Normandy Farms Campground features extensive family amenities. "There is a really long list of amenities for this campground...four pools (include an indoor heated one), 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," details Nancy W. Families benefit from having multiple activity options.
Consider campground capacity: Wolf Den Campground at Mashamoquet Brook State Park offers a smaller, more manageable environment. "This is a small state park campground...This small state park campground offers basic campsites with running water and showers, open Memorial Day to Columbus Day," writes Jean C. Smaller campgrounds can be easier to monitor children.
Pack appropriate water supplies: When camping at more primitive horse campgrounds near Cumberland Hill, Rhode Island, water planning becomes essential. "We brought all our water from home, and it worked well," shares Rita M. about Ponkapoag Camp. Families should calculate daily water needs (approximately one gallon per person per day) and bring appropriate containers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Normandy Farms Campground, RVers have multiple site options. "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 as are sites with shade and full sun. Premium sites have paved patios while other sites are gravel," explains Nancy W. Sites E1-E20 offer the most level surfaces with full hookups.
Capacity fluctuations affect experience: Weekday camping offers significant advantages. "We stayed in the Charged Pond area, in loop F. The campground doesn't have hook ups, but there is a dump station with water and water available around the loops," notes Kim R. about Myles Standish. "I was surprised that it was fairly quiet and not busier on a holiday weekend. We felt most people respected quiet hours and there were even empty sites in our loop."
Legend
