Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground offers rustic yurt and tent camping spread across four harbor islands, with reservations required well in advance. Located about 25 miles from Burlington, Massachusetts, the islands feature marked walking trails, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and historic military structures dating to the Civil War era. Water access is limited to specific stations, and all camping gear must be carried from ferry docks to designated sites. Transportation requires planning with ferry schedules that change seasonally.
What to do
Explore colonial history sites: At Hanscom AFB FamCamp, campers can access nearby Revolutionary War landmarks. "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston," notes one visitor. The campground provides a strategic base for exploring significant historic sites within a short drive.
Kayak on protected waterways: Pawtuckaway State Park Campground offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the lake. A camper mentions, "This a a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water." Many waterfront sites accommodate personal watercraft launching.
Attend seasonal entertainment events: Some campgrounds host scheduled performances. At Tuxbury Pond RV Campground, entertainment happens regularly. One camper shares, "All 3 comedians were clearly aware that there was a child in the audience & one specific comedian (Rob Steen) said right from the get-go that he was going to keep it clean for his bit & use innuendos that would go right over his head."
What campers like
Waterfront campsites: Campers consistently rate shoreline sites highest. At Winter Island Park, one reviewer appreciated "camping on the oceanfront was a rare treat!" Another mentions, "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."
Wooded privacy: Cape Ann Camp Site gets praise for its natural setting. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," reports one camper. Another adds, "The campsite we loved; it was clean & secluded enough but close enough to others to meet & greet if you wanted."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards matter to reviewers. One visitor to Bear Brook State Park Campground noted, "I was so impressed by how well the grounds were kept and how clean the bathrooms were. The tent sites were large which was great as we had two tents at ours."
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Most glamping sites near Burlington, Massachusetts book quickly. For Normandy Farms Campground, a camper advises, "We have been camping here for many years. The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The campground and bathrooms are kept very clean."
Transportation considerations: Ferry-access camping requires scheduling. One camper explains, "This campground is beautiful and in a nice location in the state park but is really crowded in the summer months with large groups of loud children."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate May through October. According to a Hanscom AFB FamCamp visitor: "Military only campground. Working on improving the grounds and services available. Limited sites available off season. Summer season early May through end October."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Wakeda Campground receives high marks from families. "We were here a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities. They have an indoor and an outdoor pool."
Consider beach access: Sand areas keep kids entertained. "We camped in tents and loved this campground. The restrooms were very clean and being cleaned constantly. The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks," reports a Winter Island Park visitor.
Book midweek for quieter experience: Weekend crowds affect noise levels. A Cape Ann Camp Site reviewer suggests, "We definitely plan on coming back to this park, although we will probably do a mid week trip next time to avoid the heavy traffic and large crowds."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Bear Brook State Park Campground can present access challenges. A camper with a small trailer reported, "I was in site 38 and found that the little loop to my campsite was tight to exit (I was towing a 14' teardrop, not a big trailer) and I had to be careful to swing wide at the corner."
Verify hookup availability: Service levels vary widely between parks. At Normandy Farms, "There are plenty of sites to choose from the 'premium' full hook-up (50 amp) to basic with just water and electric and many others in between. Both back-in and pull thrus are available as are sites with shade and full sun."
Consider seasonal campground atmosphere: Some RV parks have many permanent residents. A Tuxbury Pond camper observed, "Mostly seasonal, overpriced. Transients are treated like unwanted step children. I was told I couldn't have a campfire. The entire time I was there they ran heavy machinery around my campsite cleaning up."
