Best Tent Camping near Hanover, MA
Tent campers visiting the Hanover area have several options within driving distance, including Wellfleet Hollow State Campground and Boston Harbor Islands State Park. These Massachusetts campgrounds offer varied tent camping experiences, from wooded mainland sites to unique island camping opportunities. Sandy Neck Beach Park also provides primitive tent campsites for those seeking a more rustic experience along the Cape Cod shoreline.
Most tent sites in the region feature natural surfaces with minimal development. At Wellfleet Hollow, sites are largely shaded with dirt surfaces, though some require a walk-in approach from designated parking areas. One camper noted that "sites are close together but not many people this trip, quiet and friendly neighbors." The campground restricts camping to tents and small trailers under 15 feet, creating a more tent-focused atmosphere. Many sites include 20-amp electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, though site sizes vary considerably. Campers should carefully read site descriptions, as some walk-in distances can be substantial, particularly for sites 49, 59, and 61.
For more adventurous tent campers, Sandy Neck Beach Park offers primitive campsites requiring a 3-4 mile hike through sand without shade. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "the park has 5 dispersed sites located 3-4 miles from the trailhead with picnic tables and an outhouse." These sites cannot be reserved ahead of time and are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at park headquarters. Park staff will deliver 5 gallons of water for free and firewood for a fee, eliminating the need to carry these heavy items. Boston Harbor Islands provides another unique tent camping option, though it requires ferry transportation and advance planning. Tent sites on islands like Lovells and Peddocks offer secluded camping experiences with composting toilets, but campers must bring their own water and supplies for these primitive tent sites.
