Boston Harbor Islands Sp

2 reviews

30 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043, United States

Quick Facts

Price

$8 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open season is summe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$8 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open season is summe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

No Pets

Opens Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation site

Official Website

Get Directions

Boston Harbor Islands Sp

$8.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Tent campsites cost $8 for MA residents and $20 for non-residents. Yurts are priced at $55 for MA residents and $140 for non-residents. There is a...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

617-223-8666

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 2 reviews

253 Google reviews

"User reviews highlight the uniqueness of camping on Peddocks Island, with particular praise for the Winter Wander Program and the island's historic structures."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

30 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043, United States

Boston Harbor Islands Sp

30 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, Massachusetts, 02043, United States

Driving directionsFor directions to the ferries, schedules, and to purchase ferry tickets, visit Boston Harbor Cruises or call 617-227-4321. Private boaters may off-load passengers at the dock but must anchor off island, out of the channel fairway. Secure anchoring is the sole responsibility of the boat operator. A dinghy is available at the pier for access to anchored vessels. Private Boaters use USCG chart #13270.

Accessible only by ferry or private boat. Free parking is available at Hingham Shipyard upon check-in, where visitors receive a placard for display in their vehicles.

Nearby places

Hingham (approx. 0 miles), Boston (approx. 15 miles), Quincy (approx. 10 miles)

Nearby supplies

Visitors must bring their own supplies. Access to fresh water is available only on Peddocks Island, and campers are required to bring one gallon of water per person per day.

Best Time to Camp at Boston Harbor Islands Sp

The islands welcome adventurers year-round, each season painting a different portrait of harbor life. Summer transforms these historic outposts into bustling camping destinations, where warm days invite exploration and cool nights are perfect for stargazing. As autumn arrives, crisp air and fewer crowds create an intimate island experience. Even winter holds its charm—join the Winter Wander program to discover these islands in their quiet season, when dry conditions and peaceful trails offer a completely different perspective on Boston Harbor.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak: lifeguarded beach, active camping and ferry service make it best season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter visits, good hiking and historic exploration; fewer crowds than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Shoulder season has fewer crowds and pleasant exploration, but services are variable pre-summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Winter Wander program exists, but park generally emphasizes summer camping and services may be limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Exact dates for peak season are not specified, but implied to be summer months.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is summer, but precise dates are not provided. Closed outside this season.

About Boston Harbor Islands Sp

Escape to Boston Harbor Islands State Park, where your camping adventure begins with a scenic boat or ferry ride across sparkling harbor waters. This isn't your typical campground—it's a rustic island retreat where composting toilets and the absence of modern showers remind you that you've truly left the mainland behind. Fresh water flows only on Peddocks Island, encouraging campers to embrace a simpler way of life while surrounded by ocean breezes and maritime history.

The Boston Harbor Islands State Park offers tent and yurt camping options. Peddocks Island is the primary location for overnight accommodations.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore islands that have witnessed centuries of American history. Massive Civil War-era forts still stand guard over the harbor, their weathered walls telling stories of soldiers who once watched these same waters. On Peddocks Island, charming summer cottages peek through the vegetation—remnants of a bygone era when wealthy Bostonians escaped the city heat. Every trail leads to another chapter of history, from military installations that defended our nation to the peaceful retreats of generations past.

Weather and SeasonsThe islands welcome adventurers year-round, each season painting a different portrait of harbor life. Summer transforms these historic outposts into bustling camping destinations, where warm days invite exploration and cool nights are perfect for stargazing. As autumn arrives, crisp air and fewer crowds create an intimate island experience. Even winter holds its charm—join the Winter Wander program to discover these islands in their quiet season, when dry conditions and peaceful trails offer a completely different perspective on Boston Harbor.

ElevationThe gentle, rolling terrain of these harbor islands creates an accessible camping experience where the journey matters more than the altitude gained.

Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself standing atop an island bluff, where a historic lighthouse guides boats through the harbor while Boston's skyline glimmers in the distance. Winding trails lead through surprising pockets of lush vegetation, opening suddenly to reveal centuries-old fort walls or hidden coves. The juxtaposition is breathtaking—wild island nature thriving just miles from one of America's great cities. Each island offers its own personality, from dramatic coastal views to intimate forest paths where summer cottages slowly surrender to nature's embrace.

Geological RegionThese remarkable islands dot a 50-square-mile tapestry of bays, harbors, and rivers that comprise the greater Boston Harbor basin. As part of both a State and National Park, this unique archipelago represents one of the few urban island park systems in America, where geological forces have created a playground of drumlins and rocky outcrops rising from the sea, shaped by glaciers and sculpted by centuries of Atlantic storms.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

1:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Stay Limit

Limited to 14 cumulative days occupancy in any one park between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are limited to four adults, or two adults and the children in their care.

Groups

Group camping details are not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTent-only sites and yurts are available on Peddocks Island. Each site includes a picnic table and grill.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on the platform www.bostonharborislands.org or by calling 617-223-8666.

Walk-in AvailabilityReserved campsites must be held until 8:00 am on the day after your scheduled arrival date. Walk-up availability not detailed.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Day of arrival cancellations require a phone call to the campground and will result in forfeiting the first night's camping fee plus the $10 cancellation fee.

AccessibilityCampground is accessible only by boat or ferry, and private boaters must anchor off the island. Accessibility beyond this is not specified.

Site SizeSites include options for tents and larger yurts, accommodating up to 4 people in tent sites and 6 people in yurts.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are not explicitly detailed, though sites are likely clustered based on the limited area available on the islands.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose yurts for additional comfort. Ensure to bring sufficient water (1 gallon per person/day).

Amenities available

Potable water

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Glamping

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers several recreational activities including hiking, historic exploration, fishing, swimming, and kayaking. Specific islands like Spectacle Island feature lifeguarded beaches, while Peddocks Island has historic military structures.

HikingHiking trails are available across the islands, allowing visitors to explore historic sites, tidal pools, and natural landscapes.

FishingFishing is permitted, but a marine fishing permit is required.

SwimmingSwimming is allowed, with a lifeguarded beach available on Spectacle Island during the season.

BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boating are available. Private boaters can anchor offshore and use dinghies to access the islands.

Beach activitiesBeach activities are centered around Spectacle Island, which features a lifeguarded swimming beach.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led programs are offered, including the Winter Wander Program that highlights island history and natural features.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers must bring their own water and supplies. Composting toilets only; no showers. Campfires are not allowed on campsites but are permitted below the high tide mark.

Fire PolicyCampfires are prohibited on campsites but permitted below the high tide mark.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are strictly enforced from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesResident staff live on the island during the visiting season. Emergency services information is tied to mainland facilities, but specifics are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to carry out all trash and recycling as no facilities for waste disposal are available on-site.

Water FeaturesThe islands are surrounded by Boston Harbor waters. Spectacle Island features a lifeguarded beach.

Camp HostResident staff live on Peddocks Island during the visiting season, providing supervision and management.

Weather at Boston Harbor Islands Sp

Reviews

0.0

2 reviews

Limited Reviews

Boston Harbor Islands Sp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the uniqueness of camping on Peddocks Island, with particular praise for the Winter Wander Program and the island's historic structures.

Review Summaries

Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests enjoyed the serene environment, historic exploration opportunities, and the availability of yurts as a slightly more comfortable alternative to tent camping.

Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers noted the limited amenities, such as the lack of showers and the need to bring their own water.

Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to coordinate ferry schedules and bringing all necessary supplies, especially water and food.

Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is particularly popular during the summer for camping and swimming, while the Winter Wander Program is a highlight during colder months.

Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Yurt camping is fun.' - Rob Bodley - 'This is one of my favorite programs! You can take a boat 30 min to the island, and hang for a couple hours. During the summer, you can camp here or stay in a...

Based on 2 reviews