Kingston, MA 02364, USA
https://kingstonrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=14757
Owned By: Town of Kingston
This 193-acre forested parcel used to be a Girl Scout camp. Now it is owned by the Town of Kingston. The property contains several trails and unpaved roadways, a DCR fire tower, and a small beach on Smelt Pond. There are quite a few small ponds located within, including Rocky Pond, Turtle Hole, Wolf Pond, Mink Hole, Great Mink Hole, Pratts Pond, Little Pratts Pond, Smelt Pond, and Little Smelt Pond. Direct access to the Kingston State Forest.
Features
Local scout troops may rent the camping area at Camp Nekon for no fee. Please make arrangements through the Kingston Recreation Department for a permit and a key.
Trail Description
The trails here are mostly dirt roads through a hilly pine forest. There are at least 2 miles of trails.
Habitats and Wildlife
The forest here is predominantly pine, oak, and maple, along with some pitch pine. The 44-acre Smelt Pond is located here, as well as a number of smaller ponds. Listen for wood frogs and spring peepers in the springtime. Some of the fish commonly found in Smelt Pond include America ell, chain pickerel, catfish, and largemouth bass. The streams, ponds and swamps on this property flow to Smelt Brook, a tributary to the Jones River.
Historic Site: No
Park: No
Beach: Yes
Boat Launch: No
Lifeguards: No
Size: 193 acres
Hours: Dawn to dusk.
Parking: Limited on-site parking on Monks Hill Road. Look for the light blue (blank) wooden sign. Additional pedestrian access from Raboth Road and the Kingston State Forest.
Cost: Free
Trail Difficulty: Easy, Medium
Facilities:
Informational kiosk. Picnic tables and benches in the camping area.
Dogs: Dogs must remain on leash.
Boat Ramp: No
ADA Access: No
Scenic Views: Yes