Myles Standish State Forest
RV Guide
Introduction
Covering roughly 12,500 acres towards the southern regions of Carver and Plymouth, Massachusetts, Myles Standish State Forest is a beautiful destination offering RV, tent, and equestrian camping alongside a broad spectrum of recreational activities. This public recreation area is a true manifestation of the marvels of nature with 16 pristine ponds and forested regions of pine, oak, and cranberry trees invite nature seekers to admire the brilliant art of nature.
The unusual natural features of the park, like its Pine Barren Ecosystem and kettle ponds, promise a worthy visit year-round. Campers mostly bring their RVs between April and October to enjoy a surreal camping experience in one of the park’s five campgrounds scattered around the ponds and lush forested region. The park usually remains closed for camping during the off-season lasting from late October to mid-April. There are camping opportunities for every sort of camper in Myles Standish State Forest’s nearly 400 campsites including tent, group, and equestrian campsites.
When it comes to outdoor adventure, Myles Standish State Forest has got everyone covered with its extensive offerings on recreation. From exploring beautiful trails on the back of your horse to enjoying water recreation and picnicking at the day-use area, there is so much fun to indulge in.
RV Rentals in Myles Standish State Forest
Transportation
Driving
Myles Standish State Forest is reputed to be the largest public recreation area in the southeastern region of Massachusetts. The forest covers about 15,000 acres towards the south of Plymouth and Carver, two small towns in Plymouth County. It takes less than fifteen minutes to arrive at the park from either of these towns in a car or RV. Just off of Cape Cod Bay, you can get to the forest from Highway 3, 6, 44, or 25, as well as from Interstate 495 or 195. Only one hour from Boston and less than an hour from Providence, you are not far from the big city while still being deep enough in the forest to keep out the noise and traffic.
You will have to drive a lot in getting from one part of the park to another. Luckily, there are no restrictions for driving on the roads. The roads are a little narrow and winding, but also well-paved. Use caution when driving during stormy weather or heavy rainfall. Many parking options can also be found inside several locations at the forest but be alert for narrow dirt and gravel roads that are typical in the campsites.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Myles Standish State Forest
Campsites in Myles Standish State Forest
Reservations camping
Barretts Pond Campground
Featuring 32 campsites near the 16-acre Barretts Pond and 86-acre East Head Reservoir, Barretts Pond Campground allows RV and tent to campers to spend a day or a few days in a pet-friendly camp area. No hookups are available, and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. Each site has a campfire ring with a grill, a picnic table, and a large clearing around the fire. No more than four persons are allowed per campsite.
This campground in Myles Standish State Forest is only available for reservations from April to October. Restrooms, dump stations, and drinking water are located nearby. There are also two shower houses; one by Yurt B and one by campsite three. Two wheel-chair friendly yurts that can sleep a maximum of four people and another for up to six people are available for non-RV campers at Barretts Pond Campground.
Curlew Pond Campground
Surrounding Curlew Pond, this 81-site campground is meant for both tent campers and campers with rigs less than or 25 feet in length. No electric, water, or sewer hookups are offered. However, a dumping facility is available, and there is a shower house off Curlew Pond Road just north of Federal Pond. There are also several restrooms around the campground. Each site has a picnic table, a fire pit with a grill for cooking, and a large clearing so you can sit around the campfire.
Curlew Pond is open for camping seasonally, only during the peak season months. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Swimming is allowed at the 23-acre Curlew and Federal Ponds, as well as the other three small ponds on the campground. You can bring your pooch but make sure they are supervised and restrained at all times while you are here.
Fearing Pond Campgrounds
Fearing Pond 1 Campground is one of the two campgrounds situated near Fearing Pond at Myles Standish State Forest consisting of 43 campsites for vehicles like motorhomes, rigs, campers, trailers, and campervans no longer than 25 feet in length. A few sites can only accommodate RVs up to 20 feet in length. There are no hookup sites. However, a sewage dumping facility, restrooms, and drinking water are provided. Another 29 campsites for tents and trailers can be acquired for a 14-day maximum period during the peak season at Fearing Pond 2 Campground. Hot showers are also available at Fearing Pond 2.
You are welcome to bring your pets to join you on your camping trip. However, they must be kept properly restrained and accompanied at all times during your stay. Reservations can be made for the peak season. There is no camping at Fearing Pond 1 Campground during the off-season. There are also a few tent-only campsites. Only a camping party of up to four persons is allowed in a campsite. Take a swim at the beach on the 24-acre Fearing Pond between the two campground sections or you can try your luck at fishing here too.
Boston / Cape Cod KOA
The wooded setting of the Boston area KOA campground is the perfect place to escape reality and enjoy many on-site recreational activities. Just 15 miles west of historic Plymouth, MA, enjoy the picturesque setting and amenities that include a seasonal pool, dog park, miniature golf course, Wi-Fi, cable TV hookups, and much more. Large pull-through sites can accommodate big rigs and toy haulers. Fifty-amp hookups are available, as well as propane and firewood. Adults and kids alike are sure to love the Jumping Pillow and hiking trail too.
Charge Pond Campground
The largest of all Myles Standish State Forest campgrounds, the Charge Pond Campground boasts 223 spacious campsites. The campsites are large enough for tents or RVs up to 30 feet long. Bookings can be made up to six months in advance from April to October. The campground closes down for camping during the off-season. While no hookups are offered, other facilities like dump stations, water, and restrooms are provided. Pets are welcome but must be restrained and supervised at all times.
This massive campground also features nine group campsites. Four group campsites accommodate up to 30 people while the rest accommodate up to 20 people. Equestrians can camp with their horses in one of the 32 horse campsites at Charge Pond Campground. A picnic pavilion or shelter for 100 people or less is also available for reservation at this campground. At the center of all the campsites is the 23-acre Charge Pond where you can swim, fish, and do some boating.
Seasonal activities in Myles Standish State Forest
In-Season
Biking
Make sure you attach the bikes to the motorhome before heading to Myles Standish State Forest because there are 15 miles of biking trails to enjoy. In fact, the forest is full of dirt roads, paths, and firebreaks where biking is allowed any time of the year. There are two main starting points at Upper College Pond Road and on Bare Hill Road. The Bentley Loop Trail is 3.6 miles and will take you by Three Corners Pond, and the 2.1-mile Gramp’s Loop Trail meanders through the West Shore Reserve by Halfway Pond.
Boating and Fishing
Boating and sailing are among the many exciting options offered at the park’s waterbodies famed for their incredible range of aquatic recreation. Canoeing and kayaking are also offered. Swimming is among the campers’ favorite thing to do at College Pond.
But don’t forget to pack the pole in the RV so you can fish. Many species of fish inhabit many of the park’s ponds including yellow perch, pickerel, large and smallmouth bass. During the spring and fall, Fearing Pond is stocked with ample quantities of trout fish. With such a fantastic range of recreation available, indulging in one or more of your favorite activities is a must during your next RV trip to Myles Standish State Forest.
Horseback Riding
Charge Pond’s equestrian campsites are a haven for those who wish to RV camp with their favorite horses at Myles Standish State Forest. Set out to explore the forest’s spell-binding natural beauty and strikingly unusual landscape on the back of your horse. There are around 35 miles of equestrian hiking trails waiting to be explored. The trails wander through some of the most amazing scenery you have ever laid your eyes on. These trails also explore the forest’s unique landscapes like kettle ponds and Pine Barren ecosystems.
Picnicking
A large picnic pavilion with excellent facilities sits near a lake fit for a big birthday bash, business lunch, or huge family gatherings. The shelter is open for reservations and is part of the park’s day-use area. The shelter is pet-friendly, can accommodate up to 100 people and 60 vehicles, and provides eight picnic tables with complimentary picnic equipment. There are also many other smaller picnic spots that come with fire rings and grills that can be found all over the forest. Claim whichever spot you like or book the shelter if you want to make picnicking a part of your RVing trip at Myles Standish.
Off-Season
Hiking
There are 13 miles of hiking trails meandering through the forest’s landscape of pine and oak trees. These trails are so impressive you may never want to stop strolling through the woods. You'll want to bring a good pair of hiking boots in your RV because you will be trekking a lot at Myles Standish State Forest. The 2.5-mile East Head Reservoir Loop is easy for anyone and starts behind the forest headquarters. For more of a challenge, you can try the 3.3-mile Friends’ Loop that starts at the east entrance of the parking lot off Long Pond Road.
Sledding
Skiing and snowmobiling are fun but when was the last time you went sledding? As a kid? It’s time to try it again and this time you can do it the extreme way with a super-fast sled or tube or even try a snowboard. If you are taking on a big hill with obstacles, make sure you wear a helmet and never go sledding alone. It may be fun, but it can be a bit dangerous at times, especially in the wooded areas in the Myles Standish State Forest.
Hunting
RV campers visiting Myles Standish State Forest during the established hunting season will get a chance to hunt for spectacular wildlife in the wilderness of the park's 15,000 acres. Animals and birds that you can hunt for include pheasants, ruffed grouse, and deer. Hunting season is usually established during the winter for a month or so. If you are interested in getting your hands dirty with hunting, you should plan your RV visit between November to January which is when hunting mostly takes place at Myles Standish.
Snowmobiling and Skiing
You will spot plenty of snowmobiles and skis at Myles Standish’s trails during the frosty winter. RV campers, who bring their trailers or motorhomes during the off-season, usually come over to treat themselves with a good amount of quality snowmobiling and cross-country skiing experiences. If you want to get a taste of some of the most spectacular snowmobiling and skiing experiences ever, winter camping at Myles Standish State Forest may not be a bad idea at all.
