Travel to Campsites

Campers can access Lovells, Grape, and Bumpkin Islands by scheduled passenger ferries from Boston or Hingham, private boat, or privately chartered boat. Ferries from Hingham provide direct service to the camping islands, and there is free overnight parking for registered campers at Hingham Shipyard. Campers arriving from Boston must transfer at Georges Island for an additional fee. You will carry all gear from the island dock to your campsite.

Camping Season

The summer camping season, with nightly camping, begins on the next-to-last Saturday in June and ends on Labor Day. During spring and fall, camping permits may be issued directly by the Department of Conservation & Recreation.

What to Bring

When packing, keep in mind that you will be transfering gear dock-to-boat, boat-to-dock, and then dock-to-campsite. Keep it simple. Pack light.

• Service dogs are the only pets permitted.
• Campsite cooking is allowed with camp stoves.
• You can also bring your own grill as long as you carry on/carry off your new and spent charcoal briquettes. Some campsites have grills. You may not bring firewood to the isalnds.
• We recommend bringing one gallon of drinking water per person for each day on-island.

Rustic Camping

There are NO trash receptacles, flush toilets, showers, fresh water, electricity, or telephones on the camping islands. Similarly, there is no food or camping supply store on the camping islands. Campers must carry off everything brought to the islands—including trash. Plan accordingly.

On-island rustic camping facilities include:

• individual and group sites
• composting toilets
• picnic tables and benches
• trail-side shade shelters on some islands
• carry-in/carry-out policy
• on-island rangers equipped with emergency communications

What are the Rules?

Due to the islands’ remoteness and sensitive park resources, the following are not allowed (unless part of a special permit): pets, firearms, fireworks, alcohol, and amplified sound.

Campfires are not allowed at campsites or anywhere above the high tide line. You may not bring firewood to the islands.

See General Rules at ReserveAmerica.com, under "Boston Harbor Islands" campground.