Tent camping near Avon, Massachusetts puts you within reach of coastal habitats containing salt marshes, pine forests, and barrier beaches. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall offer cooler temperatures with less precipitation. Coastal camping locations often experience afternoon sea breezes that provide natural cooling but can make fire management challenging during evening cookouts.
What to do
Beach exploration at low tide: At Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites, visitors can walk far out during low tide. "The water is on the cold side but it's worth it. Beach camping is a very special thing," notes camper Matt R.
Kayaking and canoeing: Water access at Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve makes it ideal for paddlers. According to Tim C., "Small island with 10 camp sites (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night. You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe / kayak would work."
Wildlife watching: Several camping areas feature diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Cape Ann Camp Site, one visitor mentioned, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Historical exploration: Many Boston Harbor Islands contain old military installations. One visitor to Peddocks Island reported, "The island is beautiful and has an old fort to explore as well as a lot of Rocky shoreline and trails. You can build bon fires and see gorgeous sunsets."
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Cape Ann Camp Site offers privacy among trees. A camper noted, "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area."
Wind-protected camping areas: Several tent areas feature natural windbreaks. At Sandy Neck Beach Park, a visitor mentioned, "The sites are tucked away from the beach a bit into the brush which provides a nice relief from the wind."
Multi-island access: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers opportunities to explore beyond your campsite. "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others...look for sea glass on Spectacle Island and climb the hill for a view of the Boston skyline," shares Jean C.
Beachfront sunset views: Coastal camping provides exceptional evening skies. A visitor to Cape Ann mentioned, "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views."
What you should know
Ferry logistics: Boston Harbor Islands requires planning for boat transportation. Jean C. advises, "Check the ferry schedule. Figure out which departure makes the most sense for you. You may choose to leave from Long Wharf, near the Aquarium T stop on the Blue line, or from Hingham, with overnight parking available."
Shower accommodations: Pack quarters for facilities. At Camp Nihan Education Center, recent renovations improved facilities, and at Cape Ann Camp Site, "Showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change."
Reservation planning: Many sites book quickly during peak season. For Waquoit Bay Reserve, "Campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance so it is tough to get one during the summer months but great camping in May, September, and October as well."
Sand hiking challenges: Some sites require significant effort to reach. At Sandy Neck Beach Park, "The hike in to the sites can be particularly difficult because it requires trekking through sand without any sun coverage and with all of your gear."
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly campgrounds: Buck Hill Campground offers group-oriented spaces. "All the sites are in large clusters (each can accommodate 10+ tents). Many of the sites are also along Wakefield Pond (big enough lake for canoe/kayak/etc)," reports Greg R.
Junior Ranger opportunities: Boston Harbor Islands offers educational programs. One visitor noted, "While you're out on the islands...earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak."
Protected swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer safe water entry points. Buck Hill Campground has "a small somewhat sandy area that perhaps used to be a beach of sorts, though no lifeguards or anything. The water is clean and fine for swimming with a few areas that make for easy entry into the water."
Gear transport tools: For island camping, consider equipment for moving supplies. One camper suggests, "If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items on and off the ferry and to your site on the island."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options near coast: Most tent camping in eastern Massachusetts isn't suitable for larger vehicles. At Camp Nihan, one visitor mentioned they offer "a perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping...The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods."
Self-contained requirements: Some locations have specific RV restrictions. For Sandy Neck Beach, a camper mentioned, "You need a sandy neck ORV pass and a self contained camper (toilet) to camp here, but it's very worth it. Right on the water, relaxing and sunny most of the time!"
Water and dump facilities: Check campgrounds for specific hookups. Cape Ann Camp Site provides more developed options according to a visitor: "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot."
