Tent camping options around Quincy, Massachusetts provide access to natural spaces within close proximity to urban conveniences. The area sits along Massachusetts Bay at elevations near sea level, experiencing summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and moderate humidity. Many campgrounds within 50 miles offer tent sites from May through October, though weekend availability can be limited during peak summer months.
What to do
Historical exploration: While camping at Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, visit the historic forts and abandoned military structures. "Exploring the island was awesome. We found all kinds of bunkers and a brick house," notes one camper who visited Lovells Island.
Swimming at protected beaches: Good Harbor Beach near Cape Ann Camp Site offers a large swimming area with lifeguards. "Beach down the street was big, beautiful and low tide was unexpected as you could walk for ever," reports a visitor.
Berry picking: Summer visitors to the Harbor Islands can forage for seasonal fruits. One camper reported: "In mid-August we collected handfuls of blackberries as we explored Peddocks."
Wildlife viewing: The wooded settings around many campgrounds host diverse wildlife. "Very nice sites with a lot of space between them. Spectacular views and wild turkeys, deer, etc.," mentions a Cape Ann camper.
What campers like
Island isolation: Many campers appreciate the seclusion of the harbor islands despite their proximity to Boston. "Camping at Boston Harbor Islands requires some planning, but you get the benefit of a remote island with minimal company," explains one visitor.
Beach access: Water's Edge Campground and other coastal sites provide direct water access. Cape Ann campers frequently mention the convenience: "Great beach access and friendly staff."
Wooded privacy: Tent sites at many locations offer more natural settings than RV areas. "Cape Ann has beautiful tent sites. The sites are nice and wooded," notes a reviewer who appreciated the natural setting.
Clean facilities: Recent renovations have improved amenities at some locations. A visitor to Camp Nihan Education Center mentioned "A recently renovated bathroom and shower facility makes clean ups easy."
What you should know
Ferry logistics: Harbor Islands access requires careful planning. "Figuring out the schedule is the trickiest part, not least because they don't make the inter-island ferry schedule as readily accessible," advises one camper. Ferry tickets cost approximately $20 round-trip, with potential discounts available through town libraries.
Water availability: Water access varies significantly between locations. At Buck Hill Campground, "The area is heavily wooded without much else around and very few amenities," while Peddocks Island offers running water at central locations.
Shower costs: Many campgrounds charge for showers. At Cape Ann, "25 cents per 5 minute hot shower is offered in the public restroom," according to a recent visitor.
Site surfaces: Know what surface you'll be camping on. "The sites are all dirt. There is no concrete pads," mentions a Cape Ann reviewer, which can affect tent setup and drainage during rain.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. At Boston Harbor Islands, families can "earn a Junior Ranger badge from the National Park Service, fly a kite, or go for a swim or kayak."
Transportation planning: Consider gear logistics when camping with children. "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," recommends an experienced harbor island camper.
Proximity to swimming: Shady Point Beach & Campgrounds and similar locations with supervised swimming areas provide safer options for families. Camp Nihan offers "a great shallow pond with life guard on duty as well as bike trails and a range of different hikes."
Noise considerations: Some areas become louder at night. One Boston Harbor Islands visitor noted that "This campsite is a lot of fun but can get noisy at night."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds segregate RVs from tent areas. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area," noted a Cape Ann visitor, though another mentioned "The RV sites are not as secluded as the tent sites."
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sometimes sewer connections are available at select campgrounds. "They have water, sewer, and electric hookups. No wifi," reports a Cape Ann visitor.
Dump station access: Some campgrounds offer dump stations rather than full sewer hookups. "There is no sewer hook up however, near the street there is a dump station," notes a Cape Ann reviewer.
Budget planning: RV site pricing varies seasonally. One camper reported: "We paid $60 a night for a 30 amp spot with water" at Cape Ann during peak season.
