Tent camping near Duxbury, Massachusetts offers a mix of coastal and inland sites that showcase New England's distinct seasons. The region features a moderate coastal climate with summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions that can drop below 50°F at night. Campsites within the area provide access to both the Atlantic coastline and wooded inland areas that often remain 5-10 degrees cooler than urban centers like Boston.
What to do
Explore island forts: At Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, campers can discover historical military installations. "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," reports one visitor about Peddocks Island.
Kayaking to secluded spots: Getting to Washburn Island Campsites — Waquoit Bay Reserve requires water transport, making it perfect for paddlers. According to a camper, "You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe/kayak would work."
Beach swimming at low tide: Cape Ann beaches offer unique swimming experiences. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a visitor noted: "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."
Seasonal berry picking: During summer months, wild berries grow throughout the camping areas. One Boston Harbor Islands camper mentioned, "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks."
What campers like
Water views from every site: The tent sites at Washburn Island offer unmatched waterfront positioning. "Small island with 10 camp sites (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night," reports one camper who visited during off-peak season.
Enhanced privacy at walk-in sites: Wellfleet Hollow State Campground offers walk-in sites that provide additional seclusion. A camper noted that "site 61 in particular offers greater privacy," though they caution that "walk-in distance to some sites can be substantial."
Rustic beach camping experience: At Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites, the primitive setting appeals to those seeking authentic experiences. One camper states, "This is one of the few places where you can sleep on the beach! It's a great place."
Stargazing opportunities: Areas away from urban light pollution provide excellent night sky viewing. A Wellfleet Hollow camper mentioned, "At night you can go out to the power lines for some of the best star gazing on the East Coast."
What you should know
Reservation timelines vary significantly: Securing sites requires advance planning at popular locations. For Boston Harbor Islands, "Reservations open 6 months in advance and sites fill quickly, so plan ahead if you're counting on a particular day."
Transportation logistics: Getting to island campsites involves multiple steps. A Boston Harbor Islands camper explained, "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium. We then took the ferry to Georges Island. After that we waited and got on a much smaller island to Lovells."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Most beach and island campsites have minimal facilities. At Sandy Neck, "The park has 5 dispersed sites located 3-4 miles from the trailhead with picnic tables and an outhouse."
Site descriptions matter: At Camp Nihan Education Center, site selection can dramatically affect experience. A group leader 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."
Tips for camping with families
Consider proximity to facilities: When camping with young children, choose sites near bathrooms. At Camp Nihan, a parent reported it's the "perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping" with "a recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
Plan multi-island exploration: Boston Harbor Islands offers educational opportunities for children. A visitor shared, "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, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak."
Look for shallow swimming areas: Families appreciate water areas with appropriate depths. A Camp Nihan visitor mentioned the adjacent Breakheart Reservation "had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Pack wheeled transport for gear: Island camping requires efficient packing solutions. A Boston Harbor Islands camper advised, "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
Size restrictions apply: Some campgrounds limit vehicle size. At Cape Ann Camp Site, a visitor noted they welcome "all size RVs and tents" and have "water, sewer, and electric hookups."
Understand site surfaces: Most tent camping areas near Duxbury have natural grounds rather than paved surfaces. A Cape Ann camper observed, "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads."
Check shower facilities: Amenities vary widely between campgrounds. At Cape Ann, campers should know "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom."
Consider seasonal rates: Some campgrounds offer better value during shoulder seasons. At Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, a camper noted "this is now under the Massachusetts DCR. It offers inexpensive, rustic camping on the Cape, though rates are much higher for out-of-state guests than for instate."
