Escape to the great outdoors and commune with nature at these beautiful camping spots near the Hub
When it comes to the great outdoors, it’s easy to check out the best hiking spots around Boston, the best parks in Boston, and the best beaches near Boston. If you’re looking for something a little more involved, there are many great camping spots nearby. From forested parks not far from the city to New Hampshire’s White Mountains, Vermont’s Green Mountains, and further afield to Maine, New England has plenty of natural beauty to explore. When you’ve had your fill of roughing it, reconnect with the city by checking out these rooftop bars with gorgeous views of Boston.
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Just a few minutes outside of the city proper is the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation with 125 miles of resplendent hiking trails. Climb to the top of Great Blue Hill and enjoy an unmatched view of the city skyline. Camping is available at Ponkapoag Pond; campsites and cabins run by the Appalachian Mountain Club are available.
This Central Mass campground is about an hour and a half from Boston. The 200-acre Tully Lake features tent-only campsites and plenty of water activities to keep you busy. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent, a 7.5 mile loop at Long Pond is perfect for cyclers, and hikers can keep busy on the trails.
Looking for a weekend on the Cape without breaking the bank? Nickerson State Park is the ticket. Located on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, you can easily get around by bike during your stay. Enjoy swimming and fishing at nearby ponds or make your way to the beautiful beaches of the Cape.
Head to Vermont to Townshend State Park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Its history is still clear, as not much has changed since the 30s. Tent camping and lean-tos are available, as well as restrooms and showers. The campground offers direct access to Bald Mountain, with trails winding past waterfalls and pools up to a beautiful view from the top.
With more than 100 miles of shoreline and a 1400-acre campground, Sebago Lake has been a destination for families for decades. Hiking trails meander through the woods, but the lake is the big draw for swimming, fishing, and relaxing on the sandy beaches before retiring to a wooded campsite under the pines.
Get your gear together and hop on a ferry to get to one of these spots just minutes from the city. Of the thirty four islands and peninsulas that make up the Boston Harbor Islands, four allow camping: Grape, Bumpkin, Lovells, and Peddocks. Peddocks Island offers yurts for rent too. Sunrise over the Harbor is a must-see.
The largest campground (with 177 sites) in the White Mountain National Forest, the Dolly Copp Campground is located right near the Presidential and Carter-Moriah ranges. Hikers can also reach the base of Mount Washington from here. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to explore the White Mountains.
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