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Best Tent Camping near Boston, MA

619 Reviews

Tent camping options near Boston, Massachusetts include several distinctive locations, from coastal sites to wooded inland areas. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers a unique tent camping experience on multiple islands accessible only by ferry from either Long Wharf in Boston or Hingham. Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester provides wooded tent sites approximately 40 miles northeast of Boston, operating seasonally from May 15 to October 15. Camp Nihan Education Center in Saugus offers walk-in tent sites less than 30 minutes from downtown Boston, providing a surprising wilderness experience close to the city.

Tent campsites at Boston Harbor Islands require significant planning and preparation. Ferry transportation must be arranged in advance, with tickets purchased online before arrival. Campers must pack all necessary supplies, including drinking water for islands without potable sources. According to reviews, reservations open six months in advance and fill quickly, especially for weekend dates. Cape Ann's tent sites feature natural terrain with dirt roads that can become muddy after rain. Most tent sites include fire pits and picnic tables, with bathroom facilities available at all locations. Composting toilets serve the primitive tent camping areas on the Harbor Islands, while Cape Ann offers shower facilities for a nominal fee.

The tent-only sites on Peddocks Island provide a remote camping experience with views of the Boston skyline. One visitor noted that "exploring the island was awesome" with opportunities to discover old forts, rocky shorelines, and trails. Campers can build fires below the high tide line and watch sunsets over the city. At Cape Ann, tent campers report more privacy than RV sites, with one reviewer mentioning that "the sites are nice and wooded" with significant space between them. Wildlife sightings include wild turkeys and deer. Camp Nihan receives praise for its blend of accessibility and natural setting, with one camper noting that "the terrain is rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods" despite being close to parking areas. Backcountry tent camping enthusiasts appreciate the relative seclusion these sites offer within easy reach of urban amenities.

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Best Tent Sites Near Boston, Massachusetts (6)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Boston, MA

19 Photos of 6 Boston Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Boston, MA

619 Reviews of 6 Boston Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Fearing Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Wooded sites near a pond

    There are 2 Fearing Pond loops at Myles Standish State Forest, the H & I loops. The H loop entrance is closer to the Charge Pond loops and is higher above pond. This loop is better suited to the larger trailers/tents with more space to drive around a loop , but some spots have slopes. The I loop's best feature is a small beach that is easily accessible from all sites. They've done a lot of site restoration and the fact that it didn't open in 2020 helped. In spite of that, many of the sites have awkward approaches and there is a large parking lot closer to the bathroom. There are no hookups, but there is a dump station available. Water is available, but no electric hookups. Fire rings and picnic tables provided.

    The forest has miles of biking trails, ponds for swimming, fishing, and boating, and even cranberry bogs to explore (though harvest is late in the camping season and this section is not open at that time).

    Cell phone coverage is poor to absent in the forest, so download maps for offline use prior to your arrival.

    Plymouth is nearby for a any forgotten provisions and for sightseeing. Erickson's ice cream cafe is near the entrance if you need a treat!

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2020

    Scusset Beach State Reservation

    Coastal campground open late in season

    Scusset Beach offers an extended camping season, although the extended season is restricted to self-contained units as the restrooms are turned off.  Also, there are only 5 designated tent sites during the peak season, so if you want to tent camp here, you'd best make a reservation well in advance.. You cannot reserve an RV site for a just a tent, though if you have a trailer, you may also have a tent on the site. The 5 tent sites have their own fire pits, but the RV sites must use a community fire pit, though in mid-November, just before the campground closed for the season, RVers used the firepit at a tent site that provided some additional protection from the wind.

    The RV sites have paved parking pads and picnic tables, but the area to the side of the parking pads sometimes slopes away, so it's less usable for chairs, etc.  In the 2020 camping season, every other campsite was closed (thus the picnic tables across the entrance of the parking pad). Some of the sites, 32 34, 36, are along the back of the campground closer to the trees/scrub, and so have some degree of privacy and protection as compared to the others in the wide open park.

    The campground is on the north shore of the Cape Code canal and provides access to a sandy beach, a jetty, and the Cape Cod Canal Trail for biking and walking. There's a nice playground for youth. You can fish from the shore or jetty, No need to cross the bridge to the Cape. Plymouth is also nearby to explore.

  • Migdalia G.
    May. 29, 2019

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Nice Wooded Campground in Awesome Area

    We stayed at Harold Parker State Forest Campground during Memorial Day Weekend. Reservation through Reserve America was a breeze. Check in till 9:00 pm was convenient. Checkout by 11:00 am but we paid for an additional night to be able to leave at night the day we checked out. Totally worth it!

    Nice large campsites. The sites’ privacy is very diverse. You could be tucked away from everyone or closer together depending on the site you choose but they are all pretty decent in size. All sites have water which is a plus. All have a fire pit/box, charcoal bbq and a picnic table. Most of them are drive in. 

    Quiet hours from 10 am to 7 am. No alcohol allowed (although I didn’t see an actual enforcement of this rule and guess it’ll happen only if people act out). Rangers are constantly patrolling. Felt pretty safe at night. You can’t bring wood. Bundles are $5 each and it burns really well. 

    Lots of biking/hiking/walking trails, a nice small pond/beach, boat access, a few basketball courts, a volleyball court and a common huge fire pit added to the fun. A ranger ran a program to teach about the area fauna which was pretty interesting for kids and adults alike. 

    Bathrooms were fairly clean although small and showers were free! Some sites were right in front of a lovely pond and there were many group sites available as well. 

    The location is pretty good. Salem, Andover, Boston Are accesible while staying here. Close proximity to Richardson Ice Cream which you CANT miss if you decide to stay.  They have cheap but amazing ice cream, mini golf and battling cages which was entertaining for my whole crew. 

    It rained a lot during one night of our stay and the site (301) did not flooded at all. All sites seemed in pretty good shape the morning after as well. 

    Beautiful and will recommend to families with small kids, groups and couples too.

  • Our Greight Escape ..
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Bourne Scenic Park

    Wonderful campground!

    We stayed here for a season and loved it! The staff from the front desk to the front gate are incredibly friendly and welcoming!

    Pros-

    Front office is open late (9pm)

    Offers wood, ice, fire starters, hoses and adapter cap for gray water drain.

    Country Store

    Ice Cream

    Amazing views of the canal.

    Bike path along the canal, easy access.

    Lots of playgrounds for different ages

    Bounce pad (in-ground)

    Pool

    Stair access to canal bike path.

    Dump station

    Inexpensive to have visitors\

    Located near so much! Walmart, Market Basket, Target all within 15min.  

    Cons-

    No on site drainage for black water (grey takes an adapter). You will need a poop tote.

    Lots of tight spaces

    Anyone can pay to access canal, so they can access any campsite even without staying there. 

    Highway noise.

    BRIDGE TRAFFIC- if you know you know.

  • Sable W.
    May. 16, 2018

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Spacious, Quiet, Clean and Conveniently Located

    Five friends and I decided to compete in Questival, which came to Boston for May 11-12, 2018. There aren't many campgrounds open in Massachusetts this early in the season, but Harold Parker State Forest was! I snagged a group campsite since we'd have four tents. We had to set up after dark, so we wound up congregating in one corner of the group site. When we woke up we could see just how HUGE the group site was! We had 4 two-person tents; you could easily fit 3x that number of tents. PLENTY of flat ground to set up on, and we were far enough back from the road that we never heard or saw other campers arriving, even though we know most other Questival competitors stayed at this campground. It was about a 5 minute walk to the bathrooms and showers, and potable water was available right on the site. Even though it was early in the season and not very leafy, we could only occasionally see our neighbors' headlamps. There were 4 or 5 fire pits, 5 large picnic tables, and 3 driveways that could fit two cars each. Great value for the cost! We were pleased with the privacy, space, cleanliness, and amenities.

  • d
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Cape Ann Camp Site

    25 cents for a shower

    The aerial photos of this place are very deceiving. This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which, is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads. There is no WIFI. There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a "dump station."  The camp ground is run down and unmaintained. Our site had a fire ring which, was filled with ash. Our first night we woke up to a trailer filled with smoke because, someone near by had a fire in 92 degree heat. Most campers are full time residents. There is no sight of them during the day light hours but, at night they are up and about on bikes and mingling with each other. 

    25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom. Some shady people immediate started to hover near the public restroom once we drove up the hill to use the public restrooms. For $70/nite for a view it's not worth it. I was glad to leave- very creepy.

  • C
    Sep. 20, 2018

    Lorraine Park Campground — Harold Parker State Forest

    Nice quick getaway from Boston

    Being just 30min away from Boston makes it a convenient weekend trip destination, to get out and explore nature a little bit.

    Camp sites are gigantic, have running water, picnic table and fireplace. There is a playground and activity field (basketball, etc.) on the campground.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 2, 2021

    Barretts Pond Campground — Myles Standish State Forest

    Small campground near a small pond at Myles Standish

    This campsite loop at Myles Standish State Forest is closest to the headquarters and borders a small pond with beach. In addition to tent/RV sites, there are 3 yurts available with bunks. Sites that appear to be near the pond are pond view rather than pondside. Approaches to Yurt JC and J5, J 26, J27 are sloped. J14 is a little awkward. J33 is probably among the largest and nicest with a pond view. The sites aren't as large as those in the Charge Pond loops, but it's a smaller campground.

    The loop has flush toilets and showers. Water is available, but no electric hookups. Fire rings and picnic tables provided. Cell phone coverage throughout the forest is poor to absent; download maps for offline use if you want to be sure to know where you are or find directions. There are miles of bike trails and ponds for fishing, swimming, and boating. There's a larger beach and picnic area at College Pond.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2021

    Tidewater Campground

    Large campground near, but not on the beach

    First of all, the location is a little quirky and I think I only arrived once without a wrong turn! Watch the GPS carefully. That said, it’s very close to Hampton Beach and you can easily drive or bike over. The campground is parallel to US1, so there is some road traffic noise. Some of the tent sites overlook the marsh. The tent sites are definitely tighter than trailer sites. Some sites back up to each other and it takes a moment to understand where one ends and the next begins. 

    I was here early in the season and placed in a seasonal site with water/electric. Site was level. Neighbors were friendly. The bathroom was a short walk away and spotless. I did notice that in the tent areas, the main bathrooms are supplemented with portable toilets. Sites are mostly wooded, which will offer nice relief from the heat. It's a nice base for exploring the area.

    There’s a gated entry and turtle-speed limit that they take seriously. The pool was not yet open. There’s a small store onsite for ice and essentials. All the big box stores and a number of restaurants are nearby. For a change of pace from seafood, I picked up Shane's Texas Pit BBQ and brought it back to my site. 

    You may request a reservation online, but you have to confirm and pay for it via the phone. You’ll need to arrive before 9pm to check in. Bring $10 for a cash deposit on the gate card. Only 1 vehicle and 1 camping unit (tent or trailer) allowed on a site.

    Downside: They charge for showers, the amount and duration is unclear and the duration varies depending on which shower you choose! Given the rates they charge, this seems petty.

Guide to Boston

Tent camping near Boston provides diverse options within short driving distance of the city. The Massachusetts coastline features rocky shorelines with views of the harbor, while inland sites offer more wooded settings with varied terrain. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October due to New England's cold winters and wet spring conditions.

What to do

Explore historic sites: At Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, campers can discover military history throughout the islands. "We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house," notes one visitor who stayed at Lovells Island.

Beach activities: Good Harbor Beach is located near Cape Ann Camp Site, just a short drive from the campground. A camper mentioned, "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."

Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas around Boston feature natural habitats where wildlife sightings are common. "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc.," reports one Cape Ann visitor.

Seasonal berry picking: Mid-August brings blackberry picking opportunities on some of the Harbor Islands, adding a foraging element to your camping experience.

What campers like

Ferry adventures: The journey to the islands becomes part of the experience. A visitor stated, "We took the Ferry out of Hingam, only way to the Islands is by a boat, they offer great amenities, swimming, fishing, great family adventure."

Wooded privacy: Camp Nihan Education Center offers surprising seclusion despite its proximity to urban areas. One camper noted, "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."

Evening activities: Beach bonfires below the high tide line on the Harbor Islands provide memorable experiences. "Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it," shares a Lovells Island camper.

Easy beach access: Multiple campgrounds offer convenient beach access, with one Cape Ann visitor commenting, "Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilities are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff."

What you should know

Reservation timing: The best tent camping near Boston, Massachusetts requires advance planning. Campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends and during summer months.

Ferry logistics: Inter-island transportation requires careful planning. "Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part, not least because they don't make the inter-island ferry schedule as readily accessible," explains one Harbor Islands camper.

Ground conditions: Many tent sites feature natural surfaces that can become challenging in wet weather. One Cape Ann reviewer noted, "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads."

Shower facilities: Several campgrounds charge for showers. At Buck Hill Campground, "There are a few rough restrooms and some porta-potties," while Cape Ann offers "pay showers (5 cents)."

Water access: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. On the Harbor Islands, one visitor advises, "Pack as lightly as possible and plan to carry or wheel it to your site. If you have a folding wagon, you may appreciate having it to carry items."

Tips for camping with families

Scout-friendly locations: Some rustic options like Buck Hill work well for group camping. "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.)."

Educational opportunities: Boston Harbor Islands State Park offers learning experiences for children. "While you're out on the islands, take time to explore one of the others...earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service," suggests a visitor.

Accessible wilderness: For families with smaller children, Camp Nihan provides an ideal introduction to tent camping. "We went camping here with our SpiralScout Circle, kids aged 4-8. The group site is super close to parking and yet the terrain is rugged enough."

Water recreation: Multiple locations offer swimming options. At Buck Hill, there's "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."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: At Cape Ann Camp Site, tent sites offer more privacy than RV areas. "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," notes one visitor who appreciated the tent camping areas.

Leveling considerations: Some Cape Ann sites require minimal setup. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," reports a satisfied camper.

Hookup options: Cape Ann provides various utility connections. "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi," explains a reviewer, making it suitable for those transitioning between tent and RV camping.

Dump station location: Cape Ann provides waste disposal options. "There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a 'dump station,'" notes one reviewer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities can I expect at Boston area campgrounds?

Amenities vary significantly between Boston area campgrounds. Camp Nihan Education Center offers recently renovated bathroom and shower facilities, group sites close to parking, and a rugged woodland setting that feels secluded despite being near the city. For families, this provides a balance of convenience and wilderness experience. At Shady Point Beach & Campgrounds, you'll find drive-in access that makes setup convenient. Most Boston area campgrounds provide picnic tables and fire pits/rings at individual sites, with varying levels of bathroom facilities from basic to recently renovated. Some campgrounds offer small on-site stores for essential supplies, while hookups for RVs are limited at most tent-focused campgrounds.

Where are the best tent camping sites near Boston?

The Boston area offers several excellent tent camping options. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides a unique island camping experience with tent sites and yurts. The island setting offers beautiful shorelines, trails, and an old fort to explore, though it requires planning as you'll need to bring all supplies including water. For a wooded experience closer to the mainland, Cape Ann Camp Site features beautiful tent sites nestled among trees and boulders with fire pits. This campground is particularly popular for its proximity to Gloucester, Rockport, and beach access, making it ideal for coastal adventures while tent camping.

How much does tent camping cost near Boston, MA?

Tent camping costs around Boston typically range from $25-50 per night, depending on the campground and amenities. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground requires both campsite fees and ferry transportation costs, making it one of the pricier options, though the unique experience justifies the expense for many campers. The campground offers both tent sites and yurts, with yurts commanding higher rates. More budget-friendly options include Country Barn Motel & Campground, which offers more economical rates while still providing essential camping amenities. Most campgrounds charge additional fees for showers (some are coin-operated), extra vehicles, or premium sites with better views or location advantages.

When is the best season for tent camping in Boston, Massachusetts?

The prime tent camping season near Boston runs from late spring (May) through early fall (October), with summer months offering the most reliable weather. July and August provide warm temperatures ideal for camping, though these months also see the highest demand and fullest campgrounds. At Cape Ann Camp Site, late summer and early fall are particularly pleasant with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring camping (May-June) offers beautiful wildflowers and fewer insects, while September and early October provide spectacular fall foliage. Winter camping is generally not recommended due to harsh New England conditions, and many campgrounds close entirely during the off-season. For the best experience, book summer weekends well in advance, especially for holiday periods.

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