Camping Reservations & Permits
Campsite Reservations
Camping reserverations are required and sites can be reserved up to six months to two business days in advance online or by calling Reserve America toll-free. Campsites are designated as individual or group sites. One to four people fit comfortably in an individual campsite. Individual campsite reservations are not site-specific. Upon check-in, an island ranger will assign you to a campsite.
To ensure that many campers have the opportunity to enjoy the park, campers are limited to 14 cumulative days of occupancy during the camping season. Out of season camping is available only by special permit.
Forgot to plan ahead? To receive a permit within 24 hours of desired visit on a week night (Sunday through Thursday only), call the Ranger line before going to the island. We will contact an on-island ranger to see if a campsite is available. If there is space, you will be instructed to register at the island. All fees and service charges apply, payable by cash or check.
Group Permits
Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more using a group campsite. There is one group site on each of the following islands: Grape (25 people max.), Bumpkin (25 people max.), Lovells (30 max) and Peddocks (30 people max.).
Fees and Service Charges
All camping charges include a non-refundable reservation transaction service charge and a per-night campsite fee. The 2012 non-refundable reservation transaction charge is $8.65. Questions concerning this charge may be addressed to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation at 617-626-1480 or on the DCR Camping Website.
The camping fee for an individual campsite (1-4 people) is $6.00 per night MA resident, $8.00 per night non-MA resident; a group site is $25 per night for groups of 1 to 25 people. The fee for more than 25 people is $1/person per night, plus a $25 group charge.
For example, here are the fees for a two-night camping trip during 2012 for a group of four, transported by park ferry (ferry fares are round-trip and include transfer to inter-island boats; rates are subject to change):
-
Family Four Pack Ferry Tickets: $43.00
- two adults (ages 12 to 64)
- two children (ages 3 to 11) - Camping Reservation Transaction Charge: $8.65
- Individual Campsite (2 nights): $12.00 per party
TOTAL: $63.65
The America the Beautiful Pass (National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass) may not be used on the Boston Harbor Islands.
More
- Visit Reserve America to reserve a campsite: ReserveAmerica.com
- Call Reserve America to reserve a campsite: 877-422-6762
- Call Ranger line to check last-minute weeknight availability or to plan your trip: 617-223-8666
- Call DCR for off-season camping permits (no ferry service to camping islands): 781-740-1605 x 205
- Go to more about traveling with a group: Bring A Group
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Park Map
Ferry Schedule
Reserve A Campsite
Camping islands and campgrounds at Boston Harbor Islands managed by Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation