If this were not enough to make you feel far away from home, the forest is crisscrossed by a outstanding network of trails open to hikers and mountain bikes - you may spend days exploring the whole area. There are also several ponds across the forest to cool you down on hot summer days. Finally, there are several bikeways, with two main branches along Bare Hill road and Upper College pond road that lead you to the far reaches of the Forest.

If you plan to hike and bike in the Forest, take a free map at the headquarters—it is easy to get lost in the maze of trails. For a great hike into the heart of the forest, check our Myles Standish Forest hiking adventure.

There are four main campground areas, all nested around ponds: Curlew Pond, Fearing Pond, Charge Pond and Barrett Pond. All campsites are in forested areas and very shady in the summer. You can swim in Barrett Pond and Charge Pond.

If swimming in the forest ponds is not enough for you, Duxbury beach is less than 30 minutes away. Duxbury is in our view one of the most attractive beaches on the entire Massachusetts shore. Even in colder weather, you can enjoy miles of fine sand for a brisk hike along the waves, or walk in the upscale residential area inland. One possibility is to stop at Duxbury on your way back home from the campground. From the Forest, take Long Pond road back to the route 3 north. Take exit 10 on route 3A on your right, then right on route 14. Stop at the parking lot before the wooden bridge, and walk the final section to the beach. Beach access is free.

You can make an advance reservation for the campground by calling 1-877-422-6762, or visit www.reserveamerica.com. Please note there is an $9.25 fee for all reservations.