Near Marshfield, Massachusetts, tent campers can find a blend of coastal and woodland camping sites ranging from primitive to developed. The area sits at sea level with a humid continental climate that features hot summers and mild, wet winters. Most campgrounds within a 50-mile radius of Marshfield operate from May through October, with coastal locations experiencing stronger winds and cooler nighttime temperatures than inland sites.
What to do
Explore historic forts: At Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, campers can discover old military installations. "Peddocks 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," notes Martha H.
Take inter-island ferries: Island hopping adds variety to your camping experience. "During the day you can take small ferries to a variety of other islands to go swimming or explore. This is a great adventure for kids," according to a Boston Harbor Islands visitor.
Access kettle ponds: Freshwater swimming options exist near many campgrounds. At Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, "Great Pond and Long Pond are both close by and lovely swimming. You can also walk to Duck Pond from the campground," writes cal K.
Find beach stargazing spots: The Cape offers excellent night sky viewing opportunities. At Wellfleet Hollow, "At night you can go out to the power lines for some of the best star gazing on the East Coast," reports Tom C.
What campers like
Private island camping: At Washburn Island Campsites, visitors appreciate the isolation. "Small island with 10 camp sites (one group) all with views of the water very quiet at night. Fire pits at each site with wood on sale at the ranger hut," shares Tim C.
Self-sufficient beach camping: Sandy Neck Beach Park offers true coastal wilderness. "This is a really cool option for those interested in visiting Cape Cod and also backpacking. The park has 5 dispersed sites located 3-4 miles from the trailhead with picnic tables and an outhouse," notes Anna C.
Wooded sites with privacy: Cape Ann Camp Site provides natural seclusion. "It doesn't look like much but it is absolutely lovely when you actually pull in! We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," states Cristina P.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds host local fauna. At Wellfleet Hollow, "Wild turkeys moved through camp during my visit," reports one camper, while Cape Ann campers mention "spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc."
What you should know
Walk-in distances vary: At Wellfleet Hollow State Campground, "The booking site is a little confusing in terms of if your site will have room for a car. Some don't and you have to park in the parking lot which can be a haul to your site," warns Will A.
Ferry schedules: Boston Harbor Islands requires careful transportation planning. "Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part, not least because they don't make the inter-island ferry schedule as readily accessible," cautions a visitor.
Beach camping challenges: Sandy Neck's sites require significant effort to reach. "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," explains Anna C.
Water delivery: Some primitive sites offer water service. At Sandy Neck, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Choose islands with amenities: Camp Nihan Education Center combines convenience with nature. "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. A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy," shares Michael V.
Look for shallow swimming areas: Safe water access matters for children. Camp Nihan is "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."
Consider rental gear: For island camping, pack strategically. "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. There may or may not be carts available on the island."
Target shoulder seasons: For the best tent camping near Marshfield, Massachusetts, timing matters. At Wellfleet Hollow in "mid June - sites are close together but not many people this trip, quiet and friendly neighbors," and "Wellfleet beaches and glacial kettle ponds don't require a parking sticker Labor Day- 2nd weekend in June."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many coastal campgrounds limit RV length. At Wellfleet Hollow, regulations allow "tents and short trailers/campers only, with length <15' and only 1 unit/vehicle per site."
Consider Cape Ann: Sandy Neck Beach Park Primitive Campsites requires "a sandy neck ORV pass and a self contained camper (toilet) to camp here, but it's very worth it. Right on the water, relaxing and sunny most of the time!" according to Matt R.
Look for hookups: Cape Ann Camp Site offers comprehensive services. "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi. There is a nice little store on-site for anything you forgot," notes Lajaun C.
Prepare for tight turns: Campground access can be challenging. At Wellfleet Hollow, "they've paved some of the roads, but the roads are narrow and with curves," making navigation difficult for larger vehicles.
