Tent camping opportunities near Hathorne, Massachusetts span from coastal islands to wooded inland settings within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences humid summer months with average temperatures between 75-85°F and frequent evening cooling. Late spring through early fall offers the most reliable camping conditions, though summer weekends often require reservations made months in advance.
What to do
Beach access and swimming: Cape Ann Camp Site offers convenient beach opportunities just a short distance away. "Cape Anne is beautiful. Perfect location with access to Rockport - a beautiful place to visit, shop, eat & a great little trail with great views," notes Ron C. "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever."
Historic exploration: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground provides unique opportunities to explore military history. "We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house," shares Jess G. The islands feature former military installations with self-guided tours available during summer months.
Family swimming: Camp Nihan Education Center offers supervised swimming options. "The camp is also adjacent to Breakheart Reservation, which had a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes," explains Michael V.
What campers like
Island solitude: Military Park New Boston Air Force Station provides a less crowded alternative. "Great Outdoor Place! Nice scenery with fresh air and freedom sunshine!" notes Shuang W. The recreation area offers 112 acres of natural landscapes away from coastal crowds.
Wooded privacy: Cape Ann Camp Site features secluded tent sites with natural barriers. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," shares Cristina P. Another camper noted, "Very nice folks, great sites with A LOT of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
Ferry adventure: Island camping requires transportation planning, but many campers enjoy the journey. "The ferry was in itself lovely and explained much of the harbor on the way," writes Jess G. Boston Harbor Islands ferry service runs from Long Wharf and Hingham with roundtrip tickets available online.
What you should know
Water availability: Bring sufficient water for island camping. "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods," advises a Boston Harbor Islands camper. While Peddocks Island provides drinking water, other harbor islands require carrying all water supplies.
Shower facilities: Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground lacks shower facilities entirely, while some mainland sites offer pay showers. "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," reports Ben E. about Cape Ann Camp Site.
Reservation timing: Most sites book quickly during peak season. "These sites book quickly, so you should try to book 7 months to the day in advance. That said, you can also look for last minute openings," advises Martha H. regarding harbor island camping. Cape Ann operates from May 15 to October 15, with prime summer weekends filling months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly terrain: Look for sites with manageable hiking distances for small children. "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," explains Michael V. about Camp Nihan. The campground offers a "perfect blend of rugged and convenient for small kid camping."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to spot native animals. "Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc.," mentions John S. about his stay at Cape Ann. In mid-August, harbor islands provide opportunities for berry picking along trails.
Transport planning: For island camping with children, carefully consider gear transport. "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," advises an experienced camper. Limited carts may be available on some islands, but availability is not guaranteed.
Tips from RVers
RV site seclusion: At Cape Ann, expect different privacy levels based on site type. "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites," notes Della S. The campground accommodates various RV sizes with most sites featuring dirt or gravel surfaces.
Hookup availability: Cape Ann provides water and electric connections at designated sites. "We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water," reports Ben E. The campground also offers a dump station located near the entrance for convenient access.
Campground layout: Some RV areas require navigation on slopes or uneven terrain. "This camp ground is the foreground of the main house which is situated on the top of the hill. The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads," explains one camper about Cape Ann's layout, which includes different elevation zones throughout the property.
