Tent camping near Hanover, Massachusetts provides access to diverse coastal ecosystems within a 40-mile radius. The region features both mainland and island camping options with elevations ranging from sea level to about 100 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during peak camping season, with cooler nights around 60°F that can create morning fog along coastal sites.
What to do
Beach exploration: 3-4 miles from Sandy Neck trailhead. At Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites, visitors can enjoy secluded beach camping after a challenging hike. One camper noted, "The hike in to the sites can be particularly difficult because it requires trekking through sand without any sun coverage and with all of your gear."
Kettle pond swimming: Short walk from campsite. Wellfleet Hollow State Campground offers access to several freshwater swimming options. A camper mentioned, "Great Pond and Long Pond are both close by and lovely swimming. You can also walk to Duck Pond from the campground."
Night sky viewing: Evening activity. The Cape Cod area offers exceptional stargazing opportunities away from city lights. One visitor to Wellfleet Hollow shared, "At night you can go out to the power lines for some of the best star gazing on the East Coast."
What campers like
Natural privacy: Tree coverage between sites. At Cape Ann Camp Site, the wooded setting creates separation between campers. According to one review, "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area." Another camper mentioned, "The sites are nice and wooded. All size RVs and tents are welcome."
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening sightings. Campers frequently spot local wildlife near their sites. At Wellfleet Hollow, one camper observed, "Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit," while at Camp Nihan Education Center, the rugged terrain supports diverse wildlife within a convenient location.
Water delivery service: For remote sites. Sandy Neck Beach Park offers a helpful service for backcountry campers. A reviewer explained, "A nice amenity is that the park staff will send someone to the sites to deliver 5 gallons of water for free as well as firewood for a small fee so you don't have to carry those resources."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Site sizes vary significantly. When camping at Wellfleet Hollow, understand that "Some don't and you have to park in the parking lot which can be a haul to your site." Another camper advised, "When you read site descriptions, it will indicate 'compact loop' or 'petite site' and those are accurate!"
Island camping logistics: Requires advance planning. For Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, transportation coordination is essential. A camper shared, "Camping at Boston Harbor Islands requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company." For boat-accessible sites at Washburn Island, "You need a boat or a ride out there, close to the main land so a canoe/kayak would work."
Pay shower systems: Bring quarters. Several campgrounds use coin-operated showers. At Cape Ann Camp Site, one visitor noted, "The showers require payment with quarters. I don't know how many quarters it takes because I don't carry change. So I washed my hair in the sink."
Tips for camping with families
Small child-friendly terrain: Close to parking. Washburn Island Campsites offers accessible island camping for families. A camper shared that the "Small island with 10 camp site (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night" provides a manageable adventure for children.
Educational opportunities: Local ranger programs. Camp Nihan provides a perfect introduction to camping for young explorers. One visitor described it as "Perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping" and 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."
Controlled camping environment: Tent-only policies. Some campgrounds restrict large RVs, creating a more tent-focused experience. At Wellfleet Hollow, "Under the new ownership they've paved some of the roads, but the roads are narrow and with curves. All of the conditions have led them to limit campers to tents and short trailers/campers only."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: 15-foot maximum at some sites. RVers should note that Wellfleet Hollow has strict limitations, allowing only "tents and short trailers/campers only, with length <15' and only 1 unit/vehicle per site." This makes tent camping near Hanover more accessible than large RV camping in some locations.
Seasonal considerations: Shoulder seasons offer availability. For island camping options like Washburn Island, timing matters. A camper advised, "Campsites can be reserved 6 months in advance so it is tough to get one during the summer months but great camping in May, September, and October as well."
Site levelness varies: Check descriptions carefully. At Cape Ann Camp Site, one camper found "a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," but this isn't universal across all campgrounds. Another review for Wellfleet Hollow warned, "The sites aren't always level."
