Go Camping
Boston Harbor Islands offers tent and yurt camping within sight of downtown Boston. The camping islands are Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, and Lovells Island. While you are camping, you can see the sunrise over the harbor and experience the islands in a whole new light.
Individual tent sites can fit up to 4 people, and group sites are available for larger parties. Grape and Bumpkin Island each have 10 individual sites; Lovells and Peddocks have 6 individual sites. All camping islands have one group tent campsite. While no tent camping islands offer shower, electricity, telephones, or onsite supplies, Peddocks Island does offer fresh water and flush toilets in the visitor center, about a 10 minute walk away.
Peddocks Island is also home to our new yurt sites. Our yurts are wood-framed structures with a wooden foundation and vented windows, and are furnished with two bunkbed cots and a double cot. Up to six campers can be accomodated – just bring your own pillow and sleeping bag. There is also a table with two benches for meals, and an electric receptacle for small appliances.
All campsites have tables and grills nearby. Please remember the Islands have a carry in, carry out policy.
The camping season generally runs from the end of June until Labor Day weekend. And the park ferry gets you and your camping gear to your island and back. Reservations are required for your campsite through Reserve America.
More:
- Call the Ranger Line for help in planning your trip: 617-223-8666.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a long walk to the island campsites?
No tent campsite is more than a few hundred yards. The longest walk are to the yurt sights on Peddocks Island, located up a small hill about 1/3 mile from the dock. Not to worry: all camping islands are equipped with hand-pulled wagons to aid campers in hauling equipment to their campsite.
How many campers can fit in one campsite?
Each campsite will fit two 3 person tents. Since three person tents are best with two people, One site will comfortably fit four campers. We don't recommend more, unless children are among the campers.
How can I reserve the specific site I want?
Individual campsites are not site-specific. They are available first come first serve only to those campers with reservations for that night. Once you arrive, the island ranger will check you in at the dock, explain the camping regulations, and point out the campsite area(s). Therefore, the earlier you arrive on the island, the more campsite choices you will have.
Are there rain shelters on the islands?
Georges Island offers covered picnic areas and covered areas within Fort Warren. There are also a few shelters and a tent on Spectacle Island. Peddocks island has inside space at the visitor center. Other islands have minimal, or in some cases no, structures with adequate rain protection, so be sure to check the weather.
Which islands have grills? May I bring my own grill?
There are small stationary grills on Georges, Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, and Lovells Island, as well as Webb Memorial Park. Visitors may bring their own quality grill, and their own charcoal and cooking utensils. Please remember to let charcoals burn to ash and take all trash home with you after use. Grills and open flames of any kind are prohibited on Spectacle, Nut, and Deer Island.
May I bring my radio to the park?
Amplified music is not permitted on any island in the park. However, feel free to enjoy any music utilizing your headphones or earbuds.
What wildlife will I see on the at the Boston Harbor Islands?
The boat ride is not quite far out enough to see whales or dolphins, but there expect plenty of sea birds and an occasional harbor seal. The islans themselves will have deer, fox, raccoons, rabbits, turkeys, coyotes, muskrats, voles, and squirrels. This is also the wonderful biodiversity of the tidepool and insects. Please remember NOT to attract, feed, or disturb any species of wildlife.
No tent campsite is more than a few hundred yards. The longest walk are to the yurt sights on Peddocks Island, located up a small hill about 1/3 mile from the dock. Not to worry: all camping islands are equipped with hand-pulled wagons to aid campers in hauling equipment to their campsite.
Each campsite will fit two 3 person tents. Since three person tents are best with two people, One site will comfortably fit four campers. We don't recommend more, unless children are among the campers.
Individual campsites are not site-specific. They are available first come first serve only to those campers with reservations for that night. Once you arrive, the island ranger will check you in at the dock, explain the camping regulations, and point out the campsite area(s). Therefore, the earlier you arrive on the island, the more campsite choices you will have.
Georges Island offers covered picnic areas and covered areas within Fort Warren. There are also a few shelters and a tent on Spectacle Island. Peddocks island has inside space at the visitor center. Other islands have minimal, or in some cases no, structures with adequate rain protection, so be sure to check the weather.
There are small stationary grills on Georges, Grape, Bumpkin, Peddocks, and Lovells Island, as well as Webb Memorial Park. Visitors may bring their own quality grill, and their own charcoal and cooking utensils. Please remember to let charcoals burn to ash and take all trash home with you after use. Grills and open flames of any kind are prohibited on Spectacle, Nut, and Deer Island.
Amplified music is not permitted on any island in the park. However, feel free to enjoy any music utilizing your headphones or earbuds.
The boat ride is not quite far out enough to see whales or dolphins, but there expect plenty of sea birds and an occasional harbor seal. The islans themselves will have deer, fox, raccoons, rabbits, turkeys, coyotes, muskrats, voles, and squirrels. This is also the wonderful biodiversity of the tidepool and insects. Please remember NOT to attract, feed, or disturb any species of wildlife.
Park Map
Reserve A Campsite
Camping islands and campgrounds at Boston Harbor Islands managed by Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation