Best Tent Camping near Brookline, MA
State parks and public lands surrounding Brookline, Massachusetts offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, located in Hingham, provides rustic tent sites on multiple islands including Peddocks, Lovells, Grape, and Bumpkin. Camp Nihan Education Center in Saugus offers walk-in tent sites less than 30 minutes from Boston. Cape Ann Camp Site in Gloucester provides wooded tent campsites from May 15 to October 15, with beach access nearby. Buck Hill Campground in Rhode Island features primitive tent camping in a rural setting approximately 45 miles southwest of Brookline.
Most tent campgrounds in the region require advance planning and reservations. Boston Harbor Islands sites fill quickly and should be booked six months ahead. Access varies significantly between locations, with Harbor Islands requiring ferry transportation from either Long Wharf in Boston or Hingham. Campers must pack all supplies, including drinking water for most locations. Cape Ann's tent sites feature dirt surfaces that can become muddy during rain. Fire regulations differ by location, with Harbor Islands allowing fires only below the high tide line using scavenged wood. Composting toilets are available at most sites, while shower facilities vary. Camp Nihan provides recently renovated bathrooms and showers, while Cape Ann offers pay showers (25 cents for 5 minutes).
Tent campers report varying experiences across these locations. According to reviews, Cape Ann Camp Site offers "beautiful tent sites" that are "more secluded than the RV sites" with "nice sized sites surrounded by trees" providing privacy. The terrain at Camp Nihan is described as "rugged enough that it always felt like we were really in the woods" while remaining accessible for families. Boston Harbor Islands camping requires more effort but rewards visitors with unique experiences. One camper noted that "exploring the island was awesome" with opportunities to discover historic bunkers, collect sea glass, and enjoy sunset views of the Boston skyline. Walk-in tent sites at these locations generally offer more seclusion and natural surroundings than drive-up alternatives.