Boston Harbor Islands State Park offers island camping just 10 miles from Revere by water. The ferry system creates a natural buffer for campers seeking a quick escape from urban environments. Water temperatures in the harbor range from 50°F in early spring to 70°F by August, creating varying camping conditions throughout the season.
What to do
Beach exploration and wildlife viewing: Winter Island Park in Salem offers immediate coastal access with interesting tide pools to explore. One camper noted, "The beach is interesting with some tide pools as well as sand and warm water. Life guards were paying attention."
Hiking historical trails: Near Hanscom AFB FamCamp, you can explore Revolutionary War sites. A reviewer mentioned, "Close to minute man historical sites- revolutionary war historical trails and Ranger Station. Not too far from Boston."
Water activities at Pawtuckaway: The state park's interconnected islands create unique paddling opportunities. A camper shared, "This is a fantastic little camp for if you want to go canoeing or kayaking or boating of any kind! It's set up of three islands and a large majority of the campsites are right on the water."
Glamping adventures: For luxury glamping in Revere, Massachusetts area, Cape Ann Camp Site provides upscale tent sites. "We had a nice perfectly level site in a beautiful wooded area. Definitely recommend it!" noted one happy glamper.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: At Pawtuckaway State Park Campground, campers value the lakeside access. "The sites on the water book up quickly but they're perfect for fishing and boating. Also, the view!" reported one visitor.
Urban proximity: Winter Island offers easy access to Salem's attractions. "Very close to down town Salem!" noted one camper. Another mentioned it's "rustic, urban campground on the water, near Boston."
Yurt accommodations: Premium glamping near Revere includes comfortable structures with amenities. Normandy Farms Campground provides luxury alternatives with a camper noting, "the yurts are beautiful."
Morning wildlife: Many campsites feature regular animal visitors. One camper at Pawtuckaway shared, "I forgot the daily visits from the ducks, like clockwork morning and dusk a family of ducks visited looking for grub."
What you should know
Reservation planning: Island camping books quickly. For Boston Harbor Islands State Park Campground, a reviewer advised, "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."
Transportation logistics: Ferry schedules require advance planning. "Getting to the island was a bit of a hassle. We live in Boston and took all of our gear on the T to the harbor by the aquarium," explained a camper who stayed on Lovells Island.
Water supply considerations: Not all island sites provide drinking water. A camper warned, "Make sure that you bring enough drinking water and that you are ok with using the composting bathroom or going in the woods."
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds operate from May through October only. Wakeda Campground operates from "May 15 to October 1" while Winter Island Park runs "May 1 to October 31."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Normandy Farms Campground excels for family activities. A visitor explained, "We stayed here for a few nights when they celebrated Halloween 🎃. It is super easy to get around. They had tons of festive activities."
Animal encounters: Wildlife viewing opportunities excite children. One camper at Wakeda shared, "Walking around we saw wild turkeys, bunnies, and a hummingbird."
Beach access: Proximity to swimming areas benefits families with children. A Boston/Cape Cod KOA visitor reported, "The bathrooms were very clean and being cleaned constantly. The beach was beautiful and enjoyed walking on the larger rocks."
Fire safety: Winter Island requires elevated fires. A camper noted, "You can bring your pets and campfires need to be off the ground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Boston/Cape Cod KOA, RVers recommend premium sites. "I have learned that you really need to upgrade to the better campsites to enjoy your stay," advised one camper.
Check-in planning: Late arrivals require special arrangements. A KOA visitor shared, "Late check-in (7:45 p.m.) was a bit tricky — an envelope with a key card and map were placed in a mailbox for us due to store/office closing @ 6."
Utility reliability: Reliable hookups matter for extended stays. A Wakeda visitor confirmed, "Great employees, clean reliable power. No issues great spread out sites."
Size considerations: Winter Island accommodates various RV sizes but with limited spaces. "Book in advance here because it fills up quickly and there are very few RV sites!" warned one camper.