🌤 Weather at Myles Standish State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–67 °F | 55–82 °F | 33–73 °F | 20–43 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Plymouth Municipal Airport, 4 mi away, elevation 149 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Myles Standish State Forest — The largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts at over 12,000 acres in Plymouth and Carver — featuring ~400 campsites across 5 camping areas (including yurts), 15 miles of paved bike trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails, 13 miles of hiking trails, swimming at College Pond, rare pine barren ecosystems, and kettle ponds formed by glacial retreat.
Myles Standish State Forest is a 12,000-acre four-season wilderness in southeastern Massachusetts — a surprising expanse of pine barrens, kettle ponds, and cranberry bogs just minutes from historic Plymouth. The forest’s nearly 400 campsites, many nestled along secluded glacial ponds, make it one of the most popular camping destinations in New England.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Plymouth + Carver, MA |
| Size | 12,000+ acres — largest public rec area in SE MA |
| Campsites | ~400 across 5 areas — incl. yurts + equestrian |
| Swimming | College Pond — seasonal lifeguards |
| Reservations | Required — via ReserveAmerica |
Trail Network
| Trail Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Paved Bike Trails | 15 miles — family-friendly, accessible |
| Hiking Trails | 13 miles — East Head Loop, Bentley Loop |
| Equestrian Trails | 35 miles — dedicated horse camping at Charge Pond |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping | ~400 sites, yurts, group camping, equestrian camping |
| Swimming | College Pond — lifeguarded, seasonal parking fee |
| Fishing | 12+ kettle ponds (check local consumption advisories) |
| Biking | 15 mi paved + multi-use trails |
| Canoeing | College Pond — car-top launch |
| Nature Programs | Summer — guided pond walks, cranberry bog tours |
| Hunting | Designated Wildlife Management Areas — seasonal |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myles Standish really the largest recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts?
Yes — at over 12,000 acres, Myles Standish State Forest is the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts, offering an extensive network of trails and nearly 400 campsites across five camping areas.
Can I bring horses?
Yes — the forest features 35 miles of designated equestrian trails and horse-specific camping at Charge Pond campground.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Pilgrim Memorial State Park is a short drive away, and Plymouth Pilgrim Memorial State Park is a short drive away.
⛺ Camping at Myles Standish State Forest: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 400 sites — About 400 sites spread across several pond-side areas (Charge Pond Areas A/B/C, Fearing Pond, College Pond, Barretts Pond and others). Standard non-electric back-in sites, max 30 ft equipment length; no hookups. Charge Pond Area C is a dedicated horse-camping loop (a horse is required to camp there). Fees: $17/night MA resident, $54/night non-resident, plus $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation. Flush toilets and showers on site. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 3 yurts, 2 with electricity; Yurts A and B are ADA accessible. Bunk beds, table/chairs, access to water; accommodate 4-6 people. Bring own linens/utensils; no cooking inside; no restroom inside (nearby restrooms only); not heated. No pets in yurts or on yurt sites. |
| Pets | Dogs allowed at campsites (leashed, max 4 pets per site). Valid rabies vaccination certificate required at check-in. No pets in yurts or on yurt sites. |
| Reservations | Via ReserveAmerica (massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com) or phone 877-422-6762. Reservations 1 day to 4 months in advance; same-day until 2 p.m. on arrival date. Walk-in registration not permitted. Group campsites $35/night MA resident, $50/night non-resident (covers up to 25 people, plus $1/person/night over 25). $10 change/cancellation fee. |
| Special sites | Charge Pond Area C = horse-camping loop, horse required to camp; 35 miles of equestrian trails on-site. Group campsites available. No RV/electric hookups (standard non-electric only, 30 ft equipment limit). Trailer/RV dump station on site. No firewood from outside the park; sold on-site, $7/bundle. |
| Season notes | Camping season runs spring through fall; 2026 status: open through Sun Oct 11 2026 per the reservation system. Booking window opens daily at 8 a.m. ET (Apr 1-Labor Day Monday). |
Camping questions about Myles Standish State Forest
Can you camp at Myles Standish State Forest?
Yes. Myles Standish State Forest has 400 campsites. About 400 sites spread across several pond-side areas (Charge Pond Areas A/B/C, Fearing Pond, College Pond, Barretts Pond and others). Standard non-electric back-in sites, max 30 ft equipment length; no hookups. Charge Pond Area C is a dedicated horse-camping loop (a horse is required to camp there). Fees: $17/night MA resident, $54/night non-resident, plus $4.50 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation. Flush toilets and showers on site.
How do you reserve a campsite at Myles Standish State Forest?
Via ReserveAmerica (massdcrcamping.reserveamerica.com) or phone 877-422-6762. Reservations 1 day to 4 months in advance; same-day until 2 p.m. on arrival date. Walk-in registration not permitted. Group campsites $35/night MA resident, $50/night non-resident (covers up to 25 people, plus $1/person/night over 25). $10 change/cancellation fee.
Are there cabins at Myles Standish State Forest?
3 yurts, 2 with electricity; Yurts A and B are ADA accessible. Bunk beds, table/chairs, access to water; accommodate 4-6 people. Bring own linens/utensils; no cooking inside; no restroom inside (nearby restrooms only); not heated. No pets in yurts or on yurt sites.
Are pets allowed at the Myles Standish State Forest campground?
Dogs allowed at campsites (leashed, max 4 pets per site). Valid rabies vaccination certificate required at check-in. No pets in yurts or on yurt sites.
Source: mass.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Myles Standish State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at Myles Standish State Forest?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Myles Standish State Forest
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Plymouth
from $41
from $55
from $104