Backcountry Camping in Myles Standish State Forest
Backcountry camping at Myles Standish State Forest is a unique experience near Boston, offering campers a chance to immerse themselves in nature. Located just an hour from the city, this expansive forest spans over 13,000 acres, providing an escape from urban life. The forest is known for its diverse ecosystems, including ponds, bogs, and pine barrens, making it a prime location for those seeking solitude and outdoor adventure.
Adventure Guide to Backcountry Camping in Myles Standish State Forest
Freetown-Fall River State Forest Campsites
Located adjacent to Myles Standish, this area offers primitive camping that enhances the backcountry experience. With sites scattered throughout, campers can find spots away from crowds, surrounded by the forest's serene sounds and sights. Each site provides a fire ring and picnic table, fostering a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
Hiking Trails
Myles Standish boasts over 20 miles of hiking trails, ideal for campers looking to combine hiking with their backcountry camping experience. The Trail of the Lost is especially notable, leading to scenic views of the surrounding forest and wetlands. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species along the way.
Plymouth Long Pond
This picturesque pond area is perfect for fishing and swimming. Designated spots along the shore are ideal for camping, allowing visitors to wake up to the soothing sound of water lapping at the shore. The site is equipped with access to fishing and canoeing, enhancing the overall outdoor experience.
Local Insights
Myles Standish State Forest has historical significance, originally established as a timber reserve in the late 19th century. Local flora includes rare species of orchids, making the forest a hot spot for botany enthusiasts. Respect the natural environment by practicing Leave No Trace principles.
Visitor Tips
Best Times to Visit: Late spring through early fall for optimal weather.
What to Bring: Include all camping gear, plenty of water, bug spray, and firewood.
Driving Directions: Head south on I-93, then take I-495 South for about 32 miles. The drive typically takes around 1 hour from Boston.
Reviews
Madeline Kleina month ago
Really nice wooded hiking trails with ample parking! We loved our walk through the woods mostly on the Bentley loop. There were several small maps posted on the trail, but there were many splits in the trail without clear signage. We were able to get to the edge of two nice ponds, one with a little beach of skipping rocks. Overall this was a fantastic place to visit in October once the bugs died down.
Nicolle Grizendi Rocha3 months ago
I’ve stayed in D2 with my friends in a group camping area and we’ve had a very good experience. It was close the Charge Pond. The camping site was big and enough for us (around 15 people). It was close to the restroom !! There was a small trail (2 min walk) to there and the showers were amazing and the toilets always had toilet papers. We will definitely come back !
Jeff Sylvan3 months ago
I'm not going to lie. Some of the more recent reviews got me pretty concerned. Fortunately, it looks like those concerns were for not.
I ended up reserving a Yurt. It was larger than expected and the camp site was gorgeous. Aide from a few cigarette buts left by the the previous guests, the area was clean.
The staff was friendly and helpful and good with my kids.
The only negative comment is that I wish they had noise level restrictions on the ice cream truck that stopped by, but that was only a single incident and not a big enough deal to detract from a five star experience.
Michele Del Gaizoa year ago
Updated review : 1/8/23
Much cooler today but plenty of people &animals out. Great to walk with the sun out. There are people that love going to the gym to "exercise "...not me. The park is free, go at your own pace, wear comfy clothes, bring your dog or as today's surprise was 2 ladies riding their horses. Now if you ride, the Reservation trail, 2.5 miles supposed to be an easy trail, riding this route is walking only. The photos will show that the trail goes super narrow (
Michelle Mitchell3 months ago
I had never met a campground I didn't like, until our stay at Miles Standish. With so much space in this state forest, I was very surprised why our tent campsite, and those of our friends, were crammed in with RVs and no space between sites, to the point that friends and people we didn't know, were running through our site to get to theirs all weekend. These sites were 15 minutes from the main gate with loads of open spaces in between, so a run for wood took half an hour. For some reason, there was a constant, slow line on Friday and Saturday to get into the check-in shack, even just to buy wood. While quiet hours for people were enforced, one RV, a few sites over from us, was allowed to run its incredibly loud generator all night, despite State Troopers and park staff driving through often. Also, know that, while you can bring your dog to the park, they are not allowed on the lake beaches which means that if any of your party/family wants to go to the beach, someone has to stay back at campsite with your beloved pet. We'll not be recommending this place to anyone.
