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Lovells, Grape and Bumpkin Islands , offer "remote" camping opportunities within sight of downtown Boston. Campers can access the islands by scheduled passenger ferries from Boston or Hingham, private boat, or privately chartered boat.
The camping islands and campgrounds are owned and managed by Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Grape and Bumpkin each have 10 individual and 1 group campsite(s). Lovells has 3 individual and 1 group campsite(s). The summer camping season with nightly camping begins on the next to last Saturday in June and ends Labor Day. During spring and fall, camping on one island is available on Saturdays and holiday weekends only. Spring camping is from Memorial Day weekend to the next to last Saturday in June and fall camping is from the Saturday after Labor Day through Columbus Day.
Permits Required
Camping permits are required and can be reserved up to six months in advance online at ReserveAmerica.com or by calling 877-422-6762 toll-free. To receive a permit within 48 hours of desired visit, call the Park Information line directly at 617-223-8666 before going to the island. An island ranger will be contacted to inquire if a campsite is available. If a site is available, you will be instructed to register at the island.
Campsite(s) are designated as individual and group site areas. Individual site permits are not site specific. Upon check-in, an island ranger will assign you to a campsite. To ensure that many campers enjoy the park, campers and camping equipment are limited to 14 cumulative days of occupancy between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Out of season camping is available by special permit. To inquire about Special Permit Camping call the DCR Islands District office at 781 740-1605 x 205.
Important InformationDue to the remote and sensitive park resources, the following are NOT allowed (unless part of a special permit): PETS, FIREARMS, FIREWORKS, ALCOHOL, and AMPLIFIED SOUND. Service dogs are the only pets permitted. Campsite cooking is allowed with camp stoves only. Campfires are not allowed at campsites or anywhere above high tide line. See General Rules at ReserveAmerica.com under Boston Harbor Islands campground search.
Rustic Camping Facilities
- individual and group sites
- composting toilets, picnic tables, and benches
- some islands have trail-side shade shelters
- there is a carry-in/carry-out policy
- on-island rangers are equipped with emergency communications
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 islands. Plan accordingly. We recommend campers bring one gallon of drinking water per person for each day on-island.
Fees and Service Charges
All camping charges include a non-refundable reservation transaction service charge and a per-night campsite fee. The 2009 non-refundable reservation transaction charge is $9.25. Questions concerning this charge may be addressed to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation at 617-626-1480 or on the DCR Camping Website.
The per-night camping fee for an individual campsite (1-4 people) is $8.00 for Massachusetts residents and $10.00 per night for non-Massachusetts residents; a group site is $25.00 per night for groups of 1 to 25 people. The fee for more than 25 people is $1.00/person per night, plus a $25 group charge.
Example of two-night camping trip during 2009 for a group of four Massachusetts residents transported by park ferry (rates are subject to change):
- Ferry = $56.00
two adults (ages 12 to 64)
two children (ages 3 to 11)
(fares are round trip and include interisland shuttle fee)
- Reservation transaction charge = $9.25
- Individual campsite = $16.00
The America the Beautiful Pass (National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass) may not be used on the Boston Harbor Islands.
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