Equestrian camping near Manville, Rhode Island offers access to forested trails throughout the New England region. Nestled in the northeastern corner of the state, the area features mixed hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 250-400 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler 45-65°F temperatures with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking trails accessibility: At Ponkapoag Camp in Milton, Massachusetts, campers can access numerous trails within 40 minutes of Manville. "Hiking trails abound on the property. While none of the trails are steep, they all go through beautiful areas, with views of the pond, and interesting rock formations. Blue Hill is within hiking distance, and it is a favorite spot for seeing the sunrise," notes Rita M.
Swimming in kettle ponds: The ponds at Myles Standish State Forest provide clear water swimming opportunities within an hour's drive. "The pond water was very clear, seeing as they are fed from natural springs under the ponds," explains Kyle C. Stephanie B. confirms this experience: "We stay in the charge pond area which is a smaller pond but nice and clean. There are bbqs, tables and bathrooms at the pond."
Road cycling routes: The area offers excellent road cycling options for those who prefer two wheels to four hooves. "Great camping spot to road ride from. Nice park. Good access to surrounding New England towns," says Mike M. about his experience at Myles Standish State Forest. The paved bike trails throughout the forest provide varied terrain suitable for riders of different skill levels.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer good site separation. At Charge Pond Campground, "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," states Kim R. Amie C. confirms this trend: "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."
Proximity to Boston: Several camping options provide surprising seclusion despite being close to major metropolitan areas. Ponkapoag Camp is particularly noteworthy for this feature. Asher K. mentions, "It also doesn't hurt that it's so close to Boston," while Stu L. says it "feels like Vermont yet 20 minutes from Downtown Boston."
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds in the region often host special events during different seasons. At Normandy Farms Campground, Liz W. shares, "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
What you should know
Bathroom facilities vary widely: From basic to well-maintained, bathroom facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. Gary G. notes about Wolf Den Campground: "The park was completely cleaned up from any damage or debris, all in great shape." Meanwhile, Kim R. warns about another location: "The bathrooms weren't that clean. It wasn't the worst bathroom, but it could have been a little more attended to."
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially for horseback riders. The reservation system at Normandy Farms is particularly organized, as Nancy W. describes: "When you enter Normandy Farms it is more like checking into a hotel than campground complete with a concierge and express check-in."
Alcohol regulations: State parks in Massachusetts prohibit alcohol consumption. Randy R. mentions this limitation: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activity centers: Families benefit from organized activities, especially during inclement weather. "They have a really long list of amenities for this campground...four pools (include an indoor heated one), fitness room...creative arts center...20,000 square-foot activities building," explains SANDIE B. about Normandy Farms.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are better suited for families seeking quieter experiences. Kathleen S. cautions about Normandy Farms: "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."
Choose sites with playground access: When camping with children, proximity to play areas can be crucial. Jean C. notes that at Wolf Den Campground: "There's a small playground in the middle of the loop, a number of hiking trails throughout the park along with a few geocaches."
Tips from RVers
Verify site size and hookups: RV sites vary considerably in size and available connections. Matt T. recommends Normandy Farms: "Campsites are big and well spaced," while 175 P. values that Wolf Den has "Very nice sized lots. Large open areas for kids and adults to play during day and star gaze at night."
Check for levelness and surface type: RV campers should confirm pad conditions. Amie C. appreciates that at Myles Standish State Forest, "Sites are nice and level and large," though Kyle C. cautions, "Some sites are on slight inclines and have a lot of roots so it makes having more than one tent hard."
Plan for digital connectivity: Cell service and WiFi availability differ between locations. "Cell coverage is iffy in a lot of spots," mentions Desiree M. about Myles Standish State Forest, which is important information for those needing to stay connected.
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