Boston Harbor Islands

printer iconPrintemail iconEmailfavorites iconSave to Favorites

Cradled within the arms of Boston Harbor are dozens of islands, ranging from a little dollop of land barely big enough for a seagull to land to the 188-acre Peddock’s Island, which has a network of roads and trails as well as a campsite for overnight stays.

Other islands within the harbor that allow camping include Grape Island, with quiet wooded trails and wild blackberries; Lovell’s Island, which has paths among the sand dunes and rocky tidal pools; and Bumpkin Island, with fields of wildflowers and the remains of an old stone farmhouse to explore. All of the islands offer an enviable solitude in full view of the twinkling lights of the city skyline.

While camping is not allowed on Georges Island, the island has a Civil War–era fort with ranger-led tours, as well as plenty of hiking trails along the beaches. Ferries leave from Long Wharf to Georges Island, where boats are available to other islands.

Campers must bring all water and other supplies with them to the islands (617/223-8666, www.bostonislands.org, June–Oct., ferry: $14 adults, $10 seniors, $8 children 3–11, free children under 3; camping reservations: 877/422-6762, www.reserveamerica.com, group sites $25, individual sites $8), which are jointly managed by the National Park Service and the State Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Buy Moon Travel Guides

Loading books
loading
For more Moon travel information, sign up for our monthly e-newsletter for updates on new travel guide releases, travel tips and trip ideas for those seeking adventure or relaxation, and expert advice from our on-the-go Moon travel authors.

Find Activities>>

Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.