| Horseneck State Reservation and adjacent
campground is located in Westport, MA, along the shore area. Prior to the hurricane
of 1938, a number of cottages lined the beach and peninsula which was connected by a
causeway. The '38 hurricane virtually washed away all the cottages - a number were
rebuilt. Then came the hurricane of '54. All that was left, particularly on
Gooseneck Island, were cellar holes and driveways. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
took over the area in the '70s, reconstructing the causeway connecting Gooseneck Island.
There are no homes here; there's a lighthouse at the far end and a large parking
area used primarily by fishing enthusiasts - there is an area for boat launching.
One of the few buildings to withstand the hurricanes is Chandy's by the Sea restaurant
back on the mainland, which features ice cream, clam cakes and other snacks. Driving
along the shore road, a number of people have purchased land and set up their own sites
with electricity and water for seasonal camping.
The beach area can be accessed via Route 88, off 195. There is also a maintenance
road which runs along the shore between the campground and the beach. This is great
for cycling, walking or roller blading.
The campground is typical of those run by the State - no individual hookups for
electricity or water. There are water outlets around the campground and the
restrooms and showers are well maintained. None of the sites have trees - in fact,
for the most part all you have to do is just pull off the main road which runs around the
campground onto a paved shoulder for your camping rig. Sites can accommodate tenters
to very large motor homes. Reservations are
necessary during July, August, and during any holiday weekend.
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