Myles Standish State Forest

Cranberry Rd., S. Carver
508 866-2526

Sprawling across the southern sections of Plymouth and Carver, Myles Standish State Forest is the largest publicly owned recreation area in southeastern Massachusetts. MSSF offers five camping areas, tucked into the forest or set along the edges of four of the park's 16 ponds.
All are beautifully maintained and a section
of the Charge Pond area is set aside specifically for horse camping. A day-use area at College Pond offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing. Fifteen miles of bicycle trails, 35 miles of equestrian trails and 13 miles of hiking trails take visitors deep into the forest, which includes one of the largest contiguous pitch pine/scrub oak communities north of Long Island.

Scattered throughout Myles Standish State Forest are several ecologically significant coastal plain "kettle" ponds. The shores of these kettle ponds are extremely sensitive to trampling. Please observe the barriers and signs posted indicating sensitive areas and respect the unique natural qualities of the park. No off-road vehicles allowed. Hunting is allowed during the season, and two Wildlife Management Areas within the forest are stocked with game birds in October and November. In the summer, interpretive programs, such as pondshore walks and cranberry bog explorations help acquaint visitors with the unique natural, cultural and historic aspects of the state forest.

Trail Map

Summer    View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)

Winter       View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)

Campground Maps

  Barretts Pond: View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
  Charge Pond: View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
  Curlew Pond: View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
  Fearing Pond Area 1: View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)
  Fearing Pond Area 2: View on screen | Download printable version (pdf)

Things to know before you go…
The campground office hours are 8am–8pm. The regular camping season is from mid-April through mid-0ctober. Make sure you stay within the designated areas when swimming.

Park Directions
Myles Standish State Forest is located in southeastern Massachusetts.
From the North: Take Rte. 3 south to exit 5, turn right onto Long Pond Rd. (west) and continue for about 3 miles to the park entrance on the right.


From Rte. 495: Take Rte. 495 to exit 2 (South Carver) and the intersection with Rte. 58. Take Rte. 58 north on Cranberry Rd., follow signs.

From Southeast: Rte.3 north to exit#3. Left off of ramp. Right onto Long Pond Rd, 2 miles forest entrance.