Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground requires ferry transportation from either Long Wharf or Hingham to reach the camping areas. Located 7 miles from Brookline, the park offers both primitive tent camping and yurt accommodations on multiple islands throughout Boston Harbor. Visitors can explore historic forts, hike coastal trails, and swim at designated beaches during summer months. The camping season runs from June through Labor Day weekend, with limited facilities available during the off-season.
What to do
Explore historic sites: On Peddocks Island at Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, campers can discover old military fortifications along marked trails. "We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house. We ended up making a fire pit on the beach and a flat rock 'grill' to make our burgers. Sitting on the beach watching the sun set over Boston was awesome and made everything entirely worth it," notes one visitor who camped at Lovells Island.
Beach activities: Many campgrounds near Brookline offer swimming options within 30-45 minutes of the city. "The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks. Also there's a beautiful lighthouse and some history plaques there," reports a camper at Winter Island Park in Salem, which is approximately 24 miles from Brookline.
Hiking opportunities: For woodland trails, George Washington State Campground offers marked paths around the property. A visitor mentions, "It has great hiking trails going around some lakes. Clean showers." Though located in Rhode Island, this campground provides a nature escape within driving distance of Brookline.
What campers like
Pond access: Pinewood Lodge Campground in Plymouth features waterfront sites that provide direct water access. "We were lucky enough to get a site by the pond. There was great views from our site of the pond. On the site there was also a path down to a little dock on the pond that you could sit and relax on," explains a satisfied camper.
Military connection: Service members can access Hanscom AFB FamCamp in Bedford, which provides a budget-friendly option with full amenities. "The HanscomField Fam Camp is a wooded recreational camp for military families and retirees, as well as for RV camping for active duty military on temporary orders," notes a visitor. At approximately 15 miles from Brookline, this campground offers a convenient location for qualified campers.
Site privacy: At Cape Ann Camp Site, campers appreciate the spacious and secluded sites. "Cape Anne Campground is clean but very rustic. Facilites are on the old side. Great beach access and friendly staff." Another camper adds, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping options near Brookline, Massachusetts operate only during warmer months. At Winter Island Park, the season runs "from May 1 to October 31," providing approximately six months of camping availability each year.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book quickly, especially for weekend stays. "Sites were well spaced and provided some privacy depending on your site choice. Grounds were well kept, bathrooms were best of any campground. Highly recommend," shares a visitor about George Washington State Campground, highlighting the importance of planning ahead.
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds in the region require quarters for showers. "The bathrooms are very clean with hot showers (bring quarters, $1.50 for 6mins)," advises a George Washington State Campground visitor. Similarly, a Pinewood Lodge camper noted, "Don't care for the coin operating showers."
Transportation planning: When glamping near Brookline at island locations, ferry schedules dictate your arrival and departure times. "Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part, not least because they don't make the inter-island ferry schedule as readily accessible," explains a Boston Harbor Islands camper who provides this helpful advice: "Check the ferry schedule. Figure out which departure makes the most sense for you."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Normandy Farms Campground in Foxborough offers extensive family programming. "It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool. The restrooms are clean. I highly recommend staying here. It was a lot of fun," shares a visitor who stayed during their Halloween celebration.
Beach proximity: For families wanting water access, select campgrounds that minimize walking distance. "There is a nice beach for children. The water was warm and clean. You can kayak or canoe. The dogs cannot go on the beach, but they can go in the boats," reports a camper at George Washington State Campground.
Budget considerations: Family camping costs vary widely, with premium glamping sites commanding higher prices. "We spent two nights at this campground—the closest camping to Boston. The campground is right on the ocean with incredible harbor views. It was an easy bike ride to the Salem Ferry to get access into Boston for the day," notes a Winter Island Park visitor, highlighting the value of the location despite basic amenities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your specific site carefully when booking RV spots near Brookline. "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay. With that being said I did not take my own advice and I booked a basic 30 amp fullhook up campsite and it was so tight that unfortunately I did not enjoy it as much as I wanted to," advises an RVer from Boston/Cape Cod KOA.
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites with water, electric, and sewer connections are limited in the immediate Brookline area. "Very clean. Many restrictions for dogs. Coin operated showers. Nice lake. Close to cape cod," notes a Pinewood Lodge camper, highlighting the need to verify amenities before booking.
City access considerations: For RVers wanting to visit Boston, Winter Island Park provides convenient access. "We spent a weekend here on a tent site close to the beach. There was no parking at our site, but the parking lot was only 25 yards away so it was not an issue," shares a camper who appreciated the proximity to Salem and Boston despite the basic facilities.