Best Camping Sites Near Boston
While Boston city proper is not conducive to camping, there is plenty of camping in the surrounding area. In fact, there is a lot of good camping nearby thanks to protected state forests, mountains and New England water features that make camping so much fun. Without driving more than an hour from the city, campers can get the full wilderness experience or a luxury cabin in the woods. This makes it easy to turn camping into a short weekend trip in order to refresh and then get back to the grind.
204 Union St.
Hingham, MA 02043
(781) 749-7160
www.mass.govWompatuck State Park is one of the best camping areas on the South Shore. This is not because of the more than 200 campsites on the property. These are basic and right next to each other, though there are showers and bathrooms conveniently located throughout the campground. What makes Wompatuck so great are the miles of trails that sprawl out over roughly 4,000 acres. There are trails for everything from easy bicycle riding to horseback riding. Ponds are also available for canoeing and fishing. If a bit of civilization would make the trip better, Nantasket Beach with its row of restaurants and shops along the ocean is less than one minute from the park entrance.
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264 Ayer Road
Littleton, MA 01460
(978) 772-0042
www.minutemancampground.comTaking its name from the soldiers who made history when they fought to turn the colonies into states, the Boston Minuteman Campground is just short of an hour outside of Boston. When it comes to boarding, it has a lot to offer, such as cabins for rent, full hookup sites for RVs and water and electricity sites for RVs. The only thing this campground does not have is traditional tent camping, so it is not for the avid camper. The swimming pool, game room, playground and numerous sports areas make roughing it at Minuteman impossible.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 223-8666
www.bostonharborislands.orgIf staying technically in Boston is the kind of camping experience someone wants, it is possible at the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreational Area. There is some camping on the mainland, but the best camping is out on the islands. Tent camping is available on three of the islands, while tents and yurts are available on Paddocks Island only. Taking a ferry is the preferred mode of transportation. Once campers are on the chosen island, there is untamed wilderness to explore, but very little in modern luxuries, so come prepared to camp in the true sense of the word.
1100 Randolph St.
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 961-7007
www.ponkapoagcamp.orgWhile not entirely rustic thanks to the cabins, Ponkapoag Camp has only very basic cabins and tent sites. There is not even running water or electricity at this place, so campers have to bring in drinking water and charge cell phones ahead of time for safety. Outhouses are provided for bathrooms and that is the extent of services, which is great for this kind of experience. The campgrounds themselves offer plenty with hiking, paddling and swimming to fill the time.
194 Cranberry Road
Carver, MA 02366
(508) 866-2526
www.mass.govMyles Standish State Forest is a great location for a blend of rustic and convenient. Several ponds in the vast forest offer clean swimming areas for campers and day-trippers. Accommodations include yurts with electricity and bunks as well as tent sites spread out around the water features of the park. Exploring is the number one recreation after swimming with miles of trails available for bicycling, hiking and horseback riding. There are also quite a few paved roads in the park, making it easy to get around to reach the best trails.
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Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
